I’ve been spending most of my internet time over at Redbubble, specifically the Australian Travel Photography & Writing group. A few weeks ago the hosting team was expanded, with one of the new members being yours truly. The team has been having a great time coming up with new ways to promote group members, help the group to grow and have some fun too. One of the most exciting projects is a group eMag – “Discover Australia” – that we’ll be launching in March. We’ve been super busy and I, for one, am loving it!
If you’re a long time visitor here, you’ve probably read (a few times) that I’m searching for my passion – something that I can grab by the horns, enjoy and earn a dollar from, too. The time is rapidly approaching when I need to make a decision. Little Mermaid starts 4yo kinder in the New Year and will be at school before I know it! So I’ve enrolled in a travel writing course and am clicking away like mad improving my photos. I’ve had the vague idea of a travel blog floating around in the back of my mind for a while too. It’s beginning to look like I’ll be up to pussy’s bow in 2010.
I love this blog, but find I’ve been uninspired to write here over the last little bit. That, coupled with the busyness of next year looming, makes me think it’s time for a change of tack. Instead of the how to’s and what I’ve learnt’s from times past, Journeyer’s Chronicles is going to become a much more personal blog. Brain dumps, cute/funny/awful things the kids do, the odd learning experience and, more than likely, travel and photography stuff – basically my life. It’s where I began before getting distracted. Actually, I’ve been heading in that direction the last few times I’ve posted. If the thought of this makes your eyes water, I truly won’t be offended if you unsubscribe now 
Just in case I’m not back beforehand, I’d like to wish all my readers a very merry Christmas and a fantastic 2010. If you’re travelling, as we will be, stay safe.
Over ten years of drought has made a beautiful, thriving home garden a challenge too great for many Australians. It’s a challenge the people at Geelong Botanic Gardens have accepted head on. They have come to a compromise with Mother Nature and created the 21st Century Garden.
The 21st Century Garden was opened in 2002 as a showcase for waterwise gardening practices and drought tolerant plants from Australia and around the world. Many different varieties are trialled there for their ability to survive with very little to drink. The idea for home gardeners is to have a bit of a wander, admire the weird and wonderful plants and to take inspiration from the plant choices and design.
Last time I visited, the young 21st Century Garden was looking a bit stark. The beds were still filling out, supports were holding the curious bottle trees upright and the design was too harsh for my cottage garden loving eyes. I left, uninspired.
But given 5 or so years, how things have changed. The 21st Century Garden has really come into its own. I was pleasantly surprised to see how the drought tolerant plants have matured; the design of the garden is now able to be fully appreciated. In contrast to the neighbouring heritage garden, it is modern with a definite structure and sharp lines. The design is softened in some areas by grasses and colourful flowers and emphasised in others with amazingly architectural plants.
I’m not sure I’ve been convinced to plant a bed of cacti at home, but I can certainly appreciate their usefulness and unusual beauty. All is not lost though. I’ve received an education on what plants will forgive our lack of rain. One or two even tickled my fancy and could fit my cottage garden vision.
Geelong Botanic Gardens is on the corner of Podbury Dr and Eastern Park Drive, Geelong. Opening Hours are Daylight Savings: 7.30am – 7.00pm and all other times: 7.30am – 5.00pm. The Tea House is open every day from 11.00am to 4.00pm except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. Admission is free.
All photographs by Leanne Nelson
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