BOROONDARA CIVIC CENTRE

The Boroondara Civic Centre in Camberwell: Next to the original Victorian Town Hall (not in photo) are the new Council buildings and Library. In 1975 planning began for these new council offices with the second and third buildings opening in 1978, designed by mid-century modern architects Mockridge Stahle and Mitchell. The striking precast white reconstructed stone structural frames and round header windows are a reference to the original town hall (and perhaps a passing nod to the Fascist architecture of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome).

The Camberwell Library (with multicoloured glass windows), whose official opening in September 2012 redeveloped an old tired building into a new vibrant and functional building. With the $21 million Camberwell Library and Office Project, Abigroup together with it’s consultants, contractors and suppliers have transformed this aged facility into a sustainable new asset for the citizens and staff of The City of Boroondara.

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WOOD

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and also part of the Seasons meme.

BAY VIEW

View of Port Phillip Bay from Southbank. Another skyscraper is being built in the centre foreground, just behind the heritage Public Library building. The view will shrink again...

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ANT

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SUNSET AT THE PARK

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CROWEA

Crowea exalata, or Small Crowea, is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, which is native to the states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. It is a small shrub growing to 1 metre tall. It is named after James Crowe, an 18th-19th century surgeon and botanist. The specific name exalata means without wings, referring to the lack of ridges on the stems - this is not a definitive characteristic.

This species flowers during most months of the year, resting only in extremes of heat and cold, and with flushes in autumn and spring. Pointed buds open to five-petalled starry flowers 2 cm across, in clear tints of rose purple. They are of a solid waxy substance, and make a vivid display for the size of the plant. Before falling they close again to look like buds of deeper pink.

Propagation by cuttings is easy using tip growth (which is very soft in character), at a half-ripe stage. Nurseries dealing in native plants usually stock this small shrub and it should be planted in light, lime-free soil. A position with some shade is desirable - otherwise the soil should be shaded in some way from hot sun. This may be done by surrounding the plant with 5-10 cm of leaves, bush litter or compost. Rocks make an attractive setting, and in fact this is a beautiful rockery subject.

Pruning should be done to maintain bushy growth, or a straggly plant with bare stems may develop. The end of winter is a good time to do this - or any time when sprigs of cut flowers are wanted, as these are dainty and long-lasting in water.

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POMEGRANATE

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CITY

View of the City from St Vincent's Hospital. There's something comfortable, stable and safe about red bricks! The tale of the three little pigs spring to mind...

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SUMMER

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and also part of the Blue Monday meme,
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EVENING FALLS

...On the street where I live.
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