In Flower This Week A weekly news-sheet prepared by a Gardens volunteer  Numbers in brackets [ ] refer to garden bed 'Sections'. Plants in flower are in bold type.

15 February 2002

After a week of almost continuous rain the Gardens are bright and fresh, although many flowers are rain-damaged. This walk selects flowers of merit in many different sections. Near the Visitor Centre Actinotus helianthi ‘Federation Stars’ [Section 172] has white flannel flowers amid the soft silver-grey foliage. The screen of Banksia serrata bushes [Section 172] behind the bust of Sir Joseph Banks are displaying their long cylindrical green-grey flower spikes among the dark serrated leaves.

Below the car park, the grove of NSW Christmas Bush, Ceratopetalum gummiferum [Section 142], is spectacular with its array of fiery red calyces, which follow the small white flowers. While here wander down to view the pool in the Tasmanian Section. The pink flowers along upright stems of Lythrum salicaria [Section 236] reflect well in the water while the rocks are alive with Water Dragons, Physignathus lesueurii howittii.

Then, at the far end of the Crosbie Morrison Building, the floral emblem of the Northern Territory, Sturt’s Desert Rose, Gossypium sturtianum [Section 242], displays its large open pink flowers with numerous buds to follow. Eucalyptus ficifolia [Section 134] is quite spectacular, displaying a bunch of bright red fluffy flowers with numerous pink buds on this quite small tree. Many green gumnuts are scattered about the leaves.

Towards the Rock Garden, flowers include the prostrate Crowea ‘Austraflora Green Cape’ [Section 240] with small pink star flowers blanketing the plant. Kangaroo Paw, Anigozanthos flavidus [Section 127], displays its matt green flowers on long upright stems. Swainsona galegifolia [Section 110] bears sprays of pink pea flowers while opposite, Swainsona sp. [Section 4] bears burgundy-shaded flowers. Banksia aemula [Section 16] is laden with lime green flower spikes and the Wollemi Pine, Wollemia nobilis [Section 110] is a recent rare ‘find’ and is protected in its green cage. Eucryphia wilkiei [Section 110], behind the notice board, is a small neat shrub with lovely cream open flowers.

Edging the Rainforest, Hibiscus splendens [Section 104] is an upright plant with velvety leaves and large pink flowers while, close by, Hibiscus divaricatus [Section 104] has different foliage and bright yellow flowers. Crossing over the gully, take the small path up to where a vivid display of the hybrid Rhododendron macgregoriae x lochiae [Section 62], with short trumpet-like flowers, can be compared with one of the parent species, Rhododendron lochiae [Section 62], which has larger red waxy flowers. In the same area, find an orchid, Cymbidium canaliculatum [Section 62], growing on a tree stump, with leaves so thick and rigid and the lovely small flowers a golden brown.

Along the Rainforest Gully stream, the flax-like plant, Helmholtzia glaberrima [Section 144, 145] displays its attractive pale pink floral plumes amid the long arching leaves.

Such interesting and varied floral beauty ... Barbara Daly.