Mr. Big and the Walkabout Trail

Mr. Big

Continuing with my photo shoot at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, I couldn't help but notice this incredibly huge Eucalyptus known by the staff as Mr. Big.   This tree is located on the Australian Walkabout Trail and cannot be missed. This is a Red Gum that was planted as a sapling in 1926.  Today it is over 100 feet tall with an 8 foot diameter.  There is a bench nearby to enjoy the tree's shade and beauty.   Mr. Big is located in the very magical Walkabout Trail and it transports you to Australia.  Today these large Eucalyptus are outlawed in Tucson, but apparently you can "possibly" grow them up in the hills if this tree is far enough away from your house. Just be careful.....this trail can inspire you to try and grow an Australian garden.  And it will work because most Australian plants love our Sonoran desert......be forewarned:)

The windmill lets you know that you are on the Walkabout Trail in Australia.  Many Australian plants do well in Arizona.

Adding to the theme of the Australian Outback

Creating a theme for your garden is important and makes a statement.

Bring your lunch as there are places all over for you to sit and take in the beauty.

I heard people ooh and ahh at this place and can see why they would get excited about growing Australian plants in their yards.  My advice, plant a couple here and there, but be friendly to our Sonoran landscape and use plants that are beneficial for the wildlife here.  There are several Australian plants that do encourage wildlife use.  For example, the Cooper's Hawk likes to build their nest in the strong limbs of a Eucalyptus.

This was on of my favorite themed trails at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Hummingbirds

My first hummingbird pic ever....very exciting.  These guys are quick!

Taking a break before my last series of garden journals, I wanted to take you all to a place that is beyond beautiful....the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  This is a world class arboretum and I hope you'll enjoy my visit from back in March.  There's too much to cover in one post so I'll break it up into several writes over the next few days.  One of the things you'll notice at BTA is that it is a bird refuge and attracts all kinds of feathered friends to their beautiful garden paradise.  BTA offers several features that birds love......shade, bird friendly bushes, hummingbird feeders, a beautiful manmade stream and lake, and places for birds to nest. Located near Superior, AZ, BTA does not disappoint the desert enthusiast.  Let's take a look at several of the hummingbirds in the area along with several other shots of birds that I found flying around this magical botanical garden.  If you are a birder, this is definitely a place to stop and visit.   So you may ask me what all these hummers are called and I am not going to lie....I haven't a clue.  It looks like there are at least 3 kinds...maybe 4?  The only thing I know is that I was on a mission to snap pics of the hummingbird....and I did.  Next time I will learn to identify. Birding is a serious business as I run into birders all the time while identifying plants.  See if you can name these beautiful birds.  What's even more confusing is that the males and females are all different looking....I'm not a birder, but I do appreciate birds.

Anna's Hummingbird

The throat of that hummingbird in the background is stunning.

Adorable.  Hummingbirds are territorial and will fly right at you. 

While waiting for the shots, a pretty blue hummingbird would kick the rest of them off the feeder to keep it free for its own drink.

 I heard this bird scratching in the leaves and I started laughing.  It reminded me of my cats using the kitty litter.

Cute little thing. Scratch scratch.  Scratch scratch.

I loved the creek that ran along this part of the trail.  It was really relaxing and beautiful to watch all the birds flying around.

This is the hummingbird I mentioned several pics back.  This blue guy was very aggressive with the other hummers. What is the name of this hummingbird?

Below is an example of my shaky hands....to get hummingbirds with a quick shot, I have to keep my camera balanced on a branch or somewhere stable.

Patience patience patience....and SNAP!

Broad billed Hummingbird?

Until tomorrow.....