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Spring’s here! I’m prone to hay fever but I won’t let that stop me from enjoying the crisp, sunny days outdoors.

My Ph.D. student office is underground and so I don’t get any natural light when I’m working in there. Ph.D. work is also usually quite solitary so catching up for a weekly lunch as a group helps keep us all connected with each other and is a fantastic opportunity to discuss our research projects, which almost always helps to stimulate new ideas and perspectives. 

Here are a few of my favourite spots/areas in the city for picnic lunches with friends:

• Himeji Garden. Located near South Terrace and Glen Osmond Road, this is a substantial walk from the North Terrace campus but well worth the trip across town. The garden commemorates Adelaide's sister city, Himeji in Japan and features a small open area ideal for a small group lunch. It’s also a lovely place to sit and read/listen to music/meditate.
• Adelaide Botanic Gardens. There are plenty of benches through the pathways but why sit on a bench when you can sit on the grass and reconnect with nature? It’s only a stroll from the North Terrace campus.
• Botanic park. Keep strolling north and pick a comfy spot under one of the large fig trees here. 
• Red Gum Park. Cross the river and venture to this park which is quite serene and peaceful.
• Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden in Park 12. There is lots of bench seating but what I really like are the gorgeous large trees to sit under. 
• Rymill Park. Grab a coffee from the East End and enjoy a spot near the lake or wander through the Rymill Park Rose Garden.
• Grundy Gardens. Over on the west side is a pleasant park located beside the river. 
• Elder Park. With lots of open space and a view of the Adelaide Oval precinct, schedule a study group here or do a walking meeting along the river. You could also head to Creswell Gardens which is adjacent to Adelaide Oval.