Chihuly in the Adelaide Botanic Garden

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Fri 27 Sep 2024 - Tue 29 Apr 2025

Two small Australasian Grebes, an adult and fledged chick, glide between Glass orbs floating on the First Creek wetland pond in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens.

Dale Chihuly is an American Glass artist and entrepreneur whose work is decorating the lawns and plantings of our Botanic Gardens until the 29th of April. These amazing pieces can only be seen in Adelaide and will not be displayed in other states.

As a nature photographer and writer, the sculptures offer unusual backdrops and features for this walk around the gardens searching for images and ideas.

I have entered the gardens through The Bicentennial Conservatory Gate off Botanic. In its shadow lies the striking Flori Boat Sculpture. This complex piece sits near reed beds where I spot a Blue Skimmer Dragonfly amongst the plant stems and leaves.


My next stop is the cafe and restaurant on the main lake. There are two main wildlife attractions here: the island in the middle of the lake which has nesting Australian White Ibises and Short-necked Macquarie turtles in the water. The ‘Blue Polyvitro Crystals’ piece set in the lake resembles an iceberg, in startling contrast to the turtles swimming nearby.


After coffee and lunch at the café, my final destination is the Simpson Shade House where I photographed an uncommon Glass-winged Butterfly on a previous walk through the gardens. To my utter astonishment, I spot a group of juveniles under a large leaf. Glass butterflies to compliment an artistic glass exhibition, a fitting end to this walk.

Additional notes
This is an easy walk/drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, parking, barbecues and other facilities nearby. It is dog-friendly.

For more of my Weekend Notes Articles please click on the link below:
More Weekend Notes Articles


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#animals_and_wildlife
#nature
#walks
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