Te Puna Quarry Park - Views of the coast, echium and birds of paradise


This weekend I'm planning on going back to the wonderful Te Puna Quarry Park which is about 15 minutes out of Tauranga. When I visited there last Spring, which for us kiwis is between September and November I captured these shots. In the one above the low growing shrub is one of my favourites; Echium Fastuosum - it has tall blue spikey flowers growingout of the branches which attract bees.


Here's a view of the coastline from the top of one of the hills, the park is quite a huge area covering quite a few acres, I think this area was the Fuchsia garden.


Another one of my favourite plants - the Strelitzia also known as Bird of Paradise grows in dry soil, I use to see alot of these up north where I use to live in some of the seaside gardens. I can see why it's named this as it looks just like a bird.

Now that Autumn is here for us I'm planning a visit this weekend. For more Skywatch Fridays click here :-)

Comments

eileeninmd said…
Hello, Amy! What a pretty view and a great place to visit. The flowers are beautiful. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day and weekend ahead!
5 May 2016 at 21:51
Buckeroomama said…
The Bird of Paradise is so aptly named! :)
6 May 2016 at 05:44
Photo Cache said…
My birds of paradise in the pot is actually blooming currently. How beautiful is that spiky flower.

Worth a Thousand Words
6 May 2016 at 10:38
Spare Parts and Pics said…
What a beautiful park, and great photos!!
6 May 2016 at 11:25
Sallie (FullTime-Life) said…
Love the bee flower (I am not even going to attempt to spell it) ... a new one for me (even virtually). It is cool to have Bird of Paradise growing near you -- we see it in floral arrangements -- I think it must be shipped from Hawaii to the florists. Some tropical flowers do grow here in Florida, but I've never seen that one.
7 May 2016 at 02:19
Forest Dream Weaver said…
Fabulous orange plant.....it looks almost animated!
Happy weekend!
7 May 2016 at 22:58
NatureFootstep said…
so beautiful it is. I have seen one bird of paradise, but don´t remember the name right now. It was in the garden of a lodge where we stayed. :) Thanks for the reminder.
8 May 2016 at 23:37
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