A living treasure

We took some time out from what seems to have been the busiest school term ever to wander with some lovely friends in their garden on Sunday.

Sometimes it seems God smiles upon me and gifts me with a moment of perfect light for taking photographs.

Late Sunday afternoon was such a time,

our friends' garden basked in a warm glow.

Our friends bought their property about five years ago from an elderly couple who were obviously avid gardeners and serious plant collectors.

Their garden is a real treasure! With each season, new delights emerge in wondrous succession.

 There are so many plants in this garden that are unfamiliar to me. I love the challenge of working out what they are, seeking clues from unfurling buds, or new leaves. 

As Australian gardens burst into springtime bloom, our friends' garden is spectacular.

There are sweet surprises waiting at every turn!

The daffodils form a veritable sea in every shade of gold.

There are countless different varieties, 

some with peachy pink, frilly trumpets ...

... others with simple, electric orange centres ...

... and around another corner, these sparky Pheasant Eye beauties!

The resident Crimson Rosellas kept a cheeky eye on us as we wandered the garden. 

 No doubt they will have their way with the fruit trees at a later date. For now, the orchard is in glorious bloom.

The magnolias were magnificent,

especially bathed in the warm, afternoon sun.

Both the pink and white varieties of Magnolia stellata were true to form,

shooting starbursts from bare branches.

 Now if you happen to have made it to the end of this rather epic post and like a horticultural mystery, try this one on:

This unusual specimen sits quietly in one corner of the garden. It has the  most wonderful cream and green mottled stem.

And the leaves have really interesting white markings. Hmmm, intriguing! Clues anyone?

I will 

no doubt

 coerce my friends into sharing this special garden with me again soon! A very lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon :)