Library Sky Garden, Birmingham

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On Wednesday my good friend Becky and I went on a nice little trip to Birmingham. We were on our way to the Ikon gallery near the river when we walked by this beautifully designed building. I have always had a soft spot for architecture and couldn't take my eyes off of it! A few moments later I realised that I had seen this stunning construct before...it was on a BBC gardening program and it was a library! Becky and I noticed people on the various roof levels and putting two and two together, there where to be gardens on the canopy's. After our quick and un-fulfilled visit to the Ikon we walked into the library and found our way to the top.

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The Library's exterior

The Library's exterior is a true marvel, it is so impressive. This postmodern creation was designed by architect Francine Houben who is renowned for her playful, human style. The building was opened in 2013 and has been given various architectural awards, no wonder why.

There are 3 gardens to visit in total, sadly we only visited two (as the 3rd one we didn't know about!); the 9th floor holds the "Discovery Terrace" which includes fruit, vegetables and herbs. The 7th floor has "The Secret Garden" containing bright and colourful flowering plants and grasses, and finally there is the first balcony with other go green plants. The aim of these gardens is to a) reduce the city's carbon footprint and b) provide some calm green space, where city goers can relax and escape the busy streets below. This building was given the BREEAM "Excellent" rating due to its sustainable methods such as the gardens but also including low carbon technology for heating and cooling, low energy lighting and water conservation systems.

Views from the sky gardens

The library's rooftops give great views of the city and provide a breath of fresh air.

As you can see there is a diverse amount of plant life, we found ladybugs and bumblebees all enjoying what the gardens had to offer.

If you are wanting to visit the Library yourself it is located on Broad Street near The ICC, and is of course free to enter!

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Becky and I

Strawberry Planter

I bought a crochet strawberry bag a few back in Northern Thailand for the grand total of 40p and decided I would utilise it as a planter (Its a wee bit small for me to fit my phone you see). 

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The bag and succulent plant

I was in town this morning and came across this little Succulent plant; I was drawn to its haywire growth and decided that it would look perfect in my little crochet bag.

I had to fold over the bag straps as it would be lopsided when the plant was hung, so I have used a sneaky safety pin to attach the straps to the other side. 

I am so happy with my new little planter, it is in a temporary residence at the moment, hanging on my windows handle. There is a lack of hanging places in my room which saddens me. I am always on the look-out for cute plant receptacles so there may be more of these posts! 

The planter hanging on my window

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The Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, Chiang Mai

I was holiday in the North of Thailand, Chiang Mai and I decided to visit the "Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens"! This place is absolutely HUGE and you will need a car or some form of transport to get around all of it without sweating. I mainly visited the glasshouse complex, consisting of rain forest and desert plants, it was a really awesome day. Worth the small entry fee and the heat, so if you visit wear something cool! If you are in the area don't hesitate to call by because it is a great day out and a good way to escape the chaos of the city centre.

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Orchid Glasshouse

Various Cacti

Rainforest Glasshouse

Cacti Glasshouse

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As an avid plant person myself,  I found this to be a great experience. Some glasshouses had interesting layouts; such as stepping stones, a treetop walk (present in the rain forest glasshouse) and little bridges which added to the venture. 

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Stepping stones & "rain" in the rainforest house

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