There is a garden in the Dandenong Ranges
I call it Alfred Nick
after its long departed owner
who bequeathed it to our state
There are many gardens in the Ranges
but this one is the pick
of autumnal Ranges' splendour
vivid colour above
below lying thick
I drive the winding roads most every autumn
with camera in my hand
at the gates I pause
deeply breathe crisp mountain air
in anticipation of trees so grand
there is a lake in the Ranges
in the garden I call Alfred Nick
in autumn leaves make artful arrangements
on the surface
ephemeral so be quick
in this magical place full of growth and life
the photography is opportunistic
where human design and nature's creations
blend native, exotic and mystic
where ethereal mists linger and clear
for ambient blur and clarity rarely seen
in one place at one time
without ever repeating
every visit is unique
every visit is a joy
every vista a delight
reigniting the spark in
every nature loving
man, woman, girl and boy
For this week’s dVerse prompt Punam has asked we poets to write of autumn. My favourite season. The prompt speaks of love, so I present one of my autumn loves – Alfred Nicholas Gardens in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges.
All work is my own and subject to copyright. I do not use AI. I do not want AI to use my work.
poetography.ink 
Another different unique view of autumn, accompanied by stunning, colourful images, Sean. These lines are stunning:
‘in autumn leaves make artful arrangements
on the surface
ephemeral so be quick’
and
‘…ethereal mists linger and clear
for ambient blur and clarity rarely seen
in one place at one time
without ever repeating’.
LikeLike
To capture in a poem the glory of these photos would keep a ball of light deep into winter, for sure. Thanks for that spark.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the unobtrusive rhyme patterns in this one. They add to the intimacy of the poem and your obvious appreciation of the place.
LikeLike
Thanks Jane, I am pleased the personal feelings came through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
so much love in this poem for the place and the sights – the opening lines really draw the reader in, wanting to know more
“where human design and nature’s creations
blend native, exotic and mystic”
p.s. I love the name of your blog – clever!
LikeLike
Thank you Laura. This is a truly special place to me. Thanks also for commenting on the blog name. After several years I think I have a name I can settle into. Once I found there was a .ink option poetography just appeared in my mind to go with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH MY! The photography you shared is gorgeous. Thank you so much for the beautiful poem … for allowing me to join you on the Alfred Nick journey.
LikeLike
I am very glad you enjoyed them and coming along. My work is done. Thank you for letting me know.
LikeLike
That sounds like a perfect garden to feel autumn closeness in…such vivid colors.
LikeLike
Sure is Bjorn. It is something special.
LikeLike
I love the photos, Sean. I love the joy that spills through your words as you describe Alfred Nick. Thanks for sharing your autumnal love.
LikeLike
You are quite right, it is a case of autumnal love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
of course you go back every autumn– just look at that beauty (also captured in the beautiful words of your poem). i love how your words seem to be calling us back to Alfred Nick. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you so much for reading and your gracious comments. It is indeed an inspiring place for photography and words.
LikeLiked by 1 person