This week, I’m showcasing my photos from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart, Tasmania. We visited in April, which is mid-Autumn in southern Australia, so there were plenty of colourful leaf-changing views. All in all, a great botanic gardens with plenty of things to look at but also plenty of space for kids to just run around if that’s what they require.

Established in 1818 in association with the adjacent Government House, they were to provide a basis for the introduction of plants familiar to Europeans. The gardens experimented with growing fruit and vegetable crops for the colony, and was the source of introduction for a number of established crops. It quickly became a popular place of recreation for the locals, with established trees and gardens. It has continued to evolve over the years.

I don’t really have much more to say. Lots of images, which mostly will speak for themselves.

Subantarctic Plant House

The Subantarctic Plant House provides the special climatic conditions necessary for growing a collection of plants from Macquarie Island. Macquarie Island remote island almost in antarctica, but not quite which is conceptually Australian territory. This is quite likely the only place in Australia other than Macquarie Island itself where these plants can grow!

Macquarie Island is a consistently cold, consistently wet place. The building maintains an environment around 4 or 5 degrees celsius and about 97% humidity so that we can get the opportunity to see these plants growing in something resembling their natural habitat.

Conservatory

Built in 1839 as an exhibition space, the Conservatory continues to perform that function today. If I recall correctly, it was originally constructed to house a show of model buildings demonstrating styles from around the world. In keeping with its position in the Botanical Gardens, it now houses a continually changing floral and foliage display of living plants.

It’s peaceful and relaxing environment would also be a nice place to chill out and rest after a stressful day at work. The sound of the water in the fountain is quite relaxing… at least until a horde of children arrive. There is ample seating available.

Japanese Gardens

I was very impressed with the Japanese Gardens, and we spent quite a bit of time wandering through them trying to get some good photos. My photo skills are the bit that was lacking, not the gardens. I did manage a couple of photos from the gardens themselves that I was happy with.

Other images

Links

• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens website

Disclaimer

We visited the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens as normal unescorted guests. Our hosts were not advised that we are semi-professional photographers or bloggers before or during our visit. It is our understanding that the tours and information we received were as normally provided to any member of the public.

The views expressed in this post are mine and mine alone, and any errors in it are also all mine. Any recommendations made in this post are unpaid and are based entirely on my experiences during my visit. Your experience may differ, and I cannot be responsible for that.

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Act 2002 (Tas.) prevents the use of photographic equipment for commercial use without permission. I have not sought permission for commercial use. These images are provided for your information and enjoyment only, and are not for sale or other use without permission of the Gardens Board.