Birmingham Botanic Gardens

[nanila]

I paid a visit to the Birmingham Botanic Gardens a few weeks ago. It’s about a half-hour walk from the University. The weather had started off dry, but it began to drizzle after I arrived and had my lunch and a large cup of tea.

The Botanic Gardens, in addition to several fine glasshouses, features an aviary and a children’s garden. At this time of year and in that weather, the outdoor areas don’t attract many visitors. Humuhumu was in nursery, so my 100 mm macro lens and I had plenty of time and no crowds to contend with. This is my way of warning you that there are a lot of pictures in this post.

Birds

Pheasant: Temminck’s tragopan.


Inquisitive parakeet.


Peacock.


This finch put up a horrendous fuss when we entered the aviary.


I finally got a peep at the nest beneath him and discovered why.

Sculptures

Animal sculptures. I particularly like the tilty-head boar. “Nur?”


I like the way this bust looked in the rain.


And this couple.


Kissing bird sculpture.


Fountain.

Fruit and flowers

The only succulent in bloom in the desert glasshouse. (Sturt peas, identified by ironed_orchid and rinkle)


Strange fruit. (Buddha's Hand fruit, identified by redsixwing)


Cyclamen.


Hellebore.

The Children’s Garden

The paintings were pleasantly arranged.


More paintings.


And more paintings.


Apple sculpture.

Comments

[ironed_orchid]

The red flowers are sturt peas, which are the last thing I expected to see in a post of photos taken in Birmingham.

[nanila]

And in winter, too! The glass house wasn't *that* warm either.

Thank you for the identification - they were unlabeled.

[redsixwing]

That oddball fruit is a Buddha's Hand citron.

Tragopans are awesome.

[lark_ascends]

Was just about to say that!

Lovely photos, loved the first two birds in particular.

[weaverbird]

I like the bird pictures in particular - especially the parakeet. "Hey lady, whatcha doin'?"

[nanila]

The birds made me think of you. :)

[nanila]

Thank you for the identification! That one did have a label, but I couldn't remember it afterward. Although since you commented, I have discovered that if you type "weirdly shaped citrus fruit" into a Google image search, it comes up straightaway.

[nanila]

Thank you. Yes, it was the only friendly parakeet - the rest seemed determined to shout at all visitors as loudly as possible. :P

[qian]

Nice photos! People pray with Buddha's Hand, apparently. As in, they put it out as an offering at altars and the like.

[nanila]

Thank you! In addition to being a fascinating shape, the Buddha's Hand smelled lovely. I would be quite happy if it were offered to me. :)