
Wisteria Walkway, Laurel Bank Park
As soon as I entered the gates of Laurel Bank Park, I felt a sense of calm and serenity. People were quietly admiring flowers and garden statues, young and old were smelling roses and hedges of lavender. It was a lovely sight to behold and I could spot plenty more flowers in the distance to explore.

Many sculptures sit around the gardens
The
Laurel Bank Park was established in 1934 when Samuel Stephens generously donated the land. The gardens are tended today by a team of wonderful volunteers and each spring, during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, the garden's 12 000 bulbs come into flower.

Beautiful flowers on display
Every color of the rainbow is on display and this year the theme of the gardens was "Under the Sea", with mermaids, seahorses, shipwrecks and even a treasure map planted out with 70 000 seedlings. If you love flowers, this really is quite a sight to behold. A viewing platform has been erected for the event, so that the general public can enjoy the spectacular floral designs from above. Many brides come to have their photo taken beneath the Wisteria Walkway - and you will have to imagine how wonderful it smells under there.

An amazing floral crab
There is a great children's playground with swings, see saws, slippery slides and miniature rock climbing to keep the kids happy. During the Carnival of Flowers, there are food stalls for snacks, or you may enjoy a home baked Devonshire Tea at the Laurel Bank Croquet Club.

Children's playground

Children's playground
In the southern corner of the park, there is a Scented Garden for the Visually Impaired. They have included all kinds of fragrant plants, such as Port Wine Magnolia hedges and many varieties of mint. There is also a fountain and plenty of picnic tables, so pack a picnic, or head over during your lunch break for a spot of peace and quiet.

Scented Gardens

Laurel Bank Park Fountain