Esplanade

I love visiting the Esplanade in Palmy: there's always something new in bloom, and people to watch, whatever the season. At present there are lots of magnolia trees and rhododendron bushes giving colour, and the cherry blossoms are poised on the edge of a massive spring break-out.

Here are just a few bits and pieces from a walk this morning, in the Esplanade and along the river track.

There's a section of the Esplanade with mainly native trees, and this kawakawa, Macropiper excelsum, was showing forth its flowers.

Someone was making their sentiments about the state of the river water plain. Shame about the spelling. (Can you tell I am a teacher?!)

Many people were out and about in the spring sunshine, both in the Esplanade, and along the adjacent river walk.

It's funny how you can notice something you never noticed before, though you have walked/cycled  past many times before. Today I saw this Scouting structure- which presumably can be used as a seat...

 In the Esplanade gardens, the sunlight caught these leaves, just ready to spring forth for the new season.

The hot-house always has some different treats in store: at present, its orchids are stealing the limelight.

Nearby at the Lagoon the mating season is getting along in earnest. Soon there will be lots of little ducklings to see.

En route home, I took a quick look at the Square, where this kowhai tree by the fountains is looking magnificent. What a pleasant shady spot someone has found.