In Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens

Up in the Hills* round twisting roads
A touch of autumn clearly showed
Leaf litter caught in boisterous wind
All panoramas russet-tinged.

Gullies filled with leafy fern
Japanese maple on the turn
A black swan graces mirrored lake
Steep slope to climb, photos to take!

Exotics and natives side by side
By sun-cracked path, small geckos hide
Blue skies and clouds that promise rain;
Three TV masts observe the plain.

Charcoal tree trunks on the rise
Fire ravages are no surprise
Prolonged drought means that flowers are few
The roses’ finest hour is through.

Bird life abundant, finches flit
While sprinklers, full on, do their bit
To compensate for lack of rain
On this parched, red earth terrain.

Spell-binding views through febrile fronds
Mother Nature proudly dons
A coat of many colours now
One word describes the scene – it’s "Wow!"

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

* The Adelaide Hills, South Australia