In Flower this Week

Prostanthera phylicifolia - click for larger image

This is a short sunny walk close to the buildings where flowers are many. From Banks Walk Darwinia ‘Mondurup Bell' [Section 174] is a small open shrub with still-closed terminal scarlet flowers pendent from the branches. In front, dwarf Pimelea brachyphylla [Section 174] with heads of pink-centred-white flowers, edge the road. A short way up the opposite ramp two dwarf plants cradled between the rocks are worth finding. They are Adenanthos barbiger [Section 210] displaying its dusky red curved tubular flowers along its horizontal branches and Homoranthus porteri [Section 210] displaying its deep red pendent flowers. Then, edging Banks Walk, Prostanthera phylicifolia [Section 210] is a low dense shrub decorated with many small mauve flowers. Chamelaucium ‘Cascade Jewel' [Section 174] is bright with its pink waxy flowers on top of the long branches. At the corner Crowea ‘Festival' [Section 174] is also bright with its long-flowering pink star-flowers. A Rock Orchid , Dendrobium speciosum [Section 137] with a long spike of cream flowers attached to a sheoak, Allocasuarina sp.,is seen just this side of the pool below the café.

Another colourful Section is the Ellis Rohan garden on the far side of the café building. One corner is covered with the dwarf spreading Banksia ‘Stumpy Gold' [Section 131] with flower spikes of more of a mustard colour rising from the low dense foliage. Grevillea rhyolitica ‘Deua Flame' [Section 131] is dense with an abundance of pendulous clusters of red flowers. Epacris ‘Nectar Pink' [Section 131] is a picture with its soft pink tubular flowers with white mouths, all crowded along the long stems.

Grevillea 'Rosy Posy' - click for larger image

Veering right towards the Crosbie Morrison building, Grevillea dimorpha [Section 239] is of medium size with rust-coloured flower spikes dangling from the dense foliage. Banksia ericifolia [Section 239] is a large dense shrub with a profusion of bright gold upright flower spikes – and many honeyeaters enjoying the nectar. Beside the entry door Eucalyptus caesia [Section 239] stands tall and elegant with its brown flaky trunk, white arching branches, and clusters of large spectacular pink fluffy flowers. Returning uphill, Banksia ‘Giant Candles' [Section311] is another large banksia bearing elongated gold flower spikes. The attractive orange fruits on a vine curling about a shrub is that of the Wombat Vine, Eustrephos latifolius [Section 127]. Below the mottled white branches of the picturesque Eucalyptus mannifera [Section 10] Thryptomene ‘Pink Lace' [Section 10] is a low shrub with arching branches covered with tiny pink flowers. Almost opposite Correa pulchella ‘Pink Mist' [Section 119] is a many-branched upright shrub dangling its tubular pink flowers from the foliage. The blaze of yellow is that of the Q'ld Silver Wattle, Acacia podalyriifolia [Section 119], the fluffy yellow flower balls mixing with the silver grey foliage of the small tree. Take the road to the left . Grevillea ‘Poorinda Queen' [Section 124] is a large dense shrub bearing apricot-coloured spider-flowers. Behind is Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe' [Section 124], tall with deep pink toothbrush-like flowers on branches stretching towards the road. Towards the Café, Grevillea rosmarinifolia ‘Rosy Posy' [Section 182] is yet small with rose coloured flowers and many buds.

Many flowers …great gardens …

Barbara Daly.