In Flower This Week

19 September 2003

Ascending the steps to the north of the Visitor Centre, Zieria formosa [Section 221] is pink with flowers blending with the grey leaves whilst opposite, Hardenbergia violacea [Section 172] has deep purple pea flowers over its wandering vine and behind, a mint bush, Prostanthera stricta [Section 172] has a paler shade of purple flowers on the flowing branches. The bold yellow fluffy flowers forming a backdrop belong to the Snowy River Wattle, Acacia boormanii [Section 210], just one of the multitude of wattles now flowering in the Gardens. But lots of our native plants are now bursting into flower and many can be seen along this walk. Edging Banks Walk, Calytrix glutinosa  [Section 174] is a dwarf shrub bright with pink star flowers while Calytrix ecalycata [Section 174] displays its yellow flowers.

Micromyrtus ciliata - click for larger image

Grevillea ‘Poorinda Queen’ [Section 124] continues to bear apricot spider flowers. The large white daisies with grey foliage are those of Helichrysum ‘Helping Hand’ [Section 127]. Grevillea ‘Scarlet Sprite’ [Section 119], so neat and rounded, is now covered with scarlet flowers. Edging the side path, Micromyrtus ciliata [Section 10] is a small shrub with arching branches well covered with white flowers. Grevillea sericea [Section 119] is upright and open, presenting attractive cerise spider flowers, while a Geraldton wax cultivar, Chamelaucium ‘Murfit Rose’ [Section 119], also upright and open, displays its soft waxy rose-coloured flowers. Just opposite the enormously spreading Grevillea aspleniifolia [Section 107], with its long narrow leaves and pink toothbrush flowers, Prostanthera ‘Poorinda Petite’ [Section 6] has mauve flowers along its arching branches. Close by Indigofera australis [Section 4] is quite ornamental with sprays of pink flowers erect from the lateral branches.

In front of the Rock Garden Guichenotia ledifolia [Section 4], with grey foliage, has down-turned cup-like dusky pink flowers while daisies Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea [Section 15R and elsewhere] hold their cheery pink heads upright. Boronia megastigma [Section 15S], with its renowned perfume, can be found around the corner. Phebalium whitei [Section 15S] is brilliant with yellow flowers, competing with the Dagger-leaf Wattle, Acacia rhigiophylla [Section 15R], with long curved branches clad with sharp short leaves and yellow flower balls. Isopogon cuneatus [Section 15P] is splendid with large mauve-pink fringed cone flowers. Close to the sundial, Ricinocarpos bowmanii [Section 15R] is a smaller shrub with startling white flowers. 

Leaving this area, Hakea scoparia [Section 20] is of medium size, and so picturesque with pink globular flowers all over. On either side are Hakea recurva [Section 20] shrubs well covered with lacey pale ochre flowers. Wander through the wattles, all so colourful, to an area in front of the Nursery. Near the entry, Tetratheca thymifolia [Section 44] is a rounded shrub with pink downturned flowers, and another bush nearby has white downturned flowers. Dracophyllum secundum [Section 44] is a small upright shrub with lanceolate leaves and a terminal spike of pale pink tubular flowers. Epacris (Kanangra - Mt. Boulter nursery) [Section 44], edging the lawn, has many upright swaying branches with clusters of small white tubular flowers.

Just some of the flowers which bloom in the spring …                               Barbara Daly.