vegetation

Each bottle tree reflects its own individual character, and can be used in many landscape designs. The unique swollen ‘bottle-shaped’ trunk develops in 5–7 years, giving it a comical look, like something you would expect to see in a Dr Seuss book! Valuable beyond its aesthetics, its seeds, root, stems and bark has all been traditionally used by both people and animals. Aboriginals have historically carved holes in the soft bark to access the water quite literally 'bottled' between the inner bark and the trunk, as well as used the fibrous inner bark to make twine and netting. The Bottle Tree can tolerate robust transplantation, surviving long periods before being replanted. Source: www.diggers.com.au/products/queensland-bottle-tree

Blenheim is a rural locality in the Lockyer Valley Region, Queensland, Australia. Originally the district was known as Sandy Creek, but later it was named Blenheim after Blenheim Park in Oxfordshire, England, which was in turn named after the Battle of Blenheim. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenheim,_Queensland

Newstead Park is a significant historic park in the Brisbane suburb of Newstead. The park is located at the mouth of Breakfast Creek. In May each year, the park is host to the commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea. A playspace featuring an "Alice Through the Looking Glass" theme is located in the park. The land originally formed a part of the land purchased by Patrick Leslie in 1845 on which he built Newstead House. Source: www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/nature-and...

Newstead Park is a significant historical park. There are a number of educational plaques about the history and botanical features of the area called Brisbane Blooms. On one side is a monument called Lyndon B Johnson Place, while on the other side is a monument commemorating the John Oxley landing in December 1823. There are other military statues, including a Royal Australian Navy memorial. There is a prominent statue, that is a war memorial which was opened by U.S. President Lyndon B Johnson. Concerts are sometimes held in the house and grounds, including the commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea in May each year. ewstead Park was originally ‘part of a government farm’ as part of the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement. It was then bought by pastoralist Patrick Leslie in 1845, but sold two years later to his brother-in-law, Captain John Wickham. It was the government residence until 1895 when Queensland became a colony. In 1915, Brisbane City Council “knowing that the people appreciated the city parks, stepped in and acquired the whole of the property for the use of the people of Brisbane.” The land was purchased by Patrick Leslie in 1845 where he built Newstead House. It was designed by Harry Moore. There is also an old substation building and electric tide recorder, which you might find interesting. Newstead Park is located on Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead, Brisbane QLD 4006. newsteadhouse.com.au/

Toowong Cemetery has been and remains to be an icon in the suburb. Established in 1866 and formally opened in 1875, it is currently the largest cemetery in Queensland. The heritage-listed cemetery is a prominent landmark in Queensland not only because of its size but also for the history it carries and the personalities buried in the premises. In December 1870, trial sinking at the cemetery found the ground to be unsuitable, but this did not prompt the government to secure a more appropriate location. Queensland’s second governor, Samuel Wensley Blackall had been a supporter of the Toowong site. In his ill health, he indicated his desire to be buried there. Governor Blackall was buried on the highest knoll on 3 January 1871. His memorial is the largest and most prominent in the cemetery with commanding views of the city and surrounds. Being one of the most prominent burial grounds in Queensland, it is no surprise that the Toowong Cemetery is now home to several notable personalities. These include, but are not limited to, a Prime Minister, two Queensland Governors, 13 Queensland Premiers, 11 Queensland Labor leaders, at least 15 Brisbane Mayors, and many other prominent political, religious, sports, arts, and business figures. As a general cemetery ground, Toowong cemetery has been the burial place of individuals from all walks of life. Interestingly, it has been rumoured that this is also where the notorious Jack the Ripper was buried. Source: toowongnews.com.au/index.php/did-you-know-that-the-toowon...