Eremophila maculata click for larger image

A winter walk following the Main Path. Flowers are many, shrubs clad with buds are plentiful, so, starting atthe far end of the café building where a wattle, Acacia alata var. biglandulosa [Section 240] is a dense shrub of medium size with branches appearing to be flattened, zig-zag in shape and covered with cream fluffy flower balls. Opposite, Hill banksia, Banksia spinulosa var. collina [Section 131] bears many upright golden cylindrical flower spikes. (Banksias now are bearing their mostly golden flower spikes throughout the Gardens.)

From the Main Path, a section of emu bushes include Eremophila subfloccosa [Section 302] is a low dense shrub with greyish felt-like leaves and yellow-green tube shaped flowers. Eremophila maculata subsp. brevifolia [Section 302], nearby is a low open shrub with magenta coloured bugle shaped flowers. Opposite, Thryptomene denticulata [Section 9] has a covering of small pink flowers along the low long branches. Further along, Banksia ericifolia var. ericifolia [Section 30] is a large shrub showy with its many golden flower spikes. Behind the seat, Grevillea diminuta [Section 30] dangles its rust red flower clusters from the many branched shrub. Grevillea nana subsp. abbreviata x Grevillea tenuiloba [Section 30] is a dwarf plant its branches clinging to the rocks, with fine divided leaves and long terminal orange coloured toothbrush-like flowers. Opposite, Dryandra quercifolia [Section 30] has large yellow flower heads among its oak-like leaves along branches leaning towards the path.

Across the road, a corner of Grevillea ‘Lady O’[Section 26] is a low shrub with long arching branches displaying many buds and terminal red flower clusters while opposite Hakea cycloptera [Section 24] is a rounded shrub of medium size with needle like leaves and branches well covered with pink-white lacy flowers. Grevillea caleyi [Section 26] reaching toward the path, has velvety divided leaves, deep crimson toothbush-like flowers and many buds. Behind, Grevillea dielsiana [Section 26] is an upright open shrub with prickly leaves and with pendulous clusters of orange-red flowers.

Across the road Correa ‘Marian’s Marvel’ [Section 112] is a dense spreading shrub profuse with dusky red-cream tube shaped flowers. Across the road entering the Sydney Region Gully where alterations are in progress, a wattle, Acacia terminalis [Section 191h], seen behind other shrubs, has a crown of cream fluffy flower balls. In the curved wall, see and read about fern fossils pre 65 million years ago. Epacris calvertiana [Section 191j,191e] has a profusion of cream tubular flowers Behind the curved seat Crowea saligna [Section 191u] is a low spreading shrub pretty with rich pink star shaped flowers. The newly remodelled area is studded with waratahs, Telopea speciosissima x oreades [Section 191l] yet small upright shrubs noticeable with the large pink buds.

Hakea laurina click for larger image

Across the Eucalyptus Lawn, walk through a selection of wattles including Acacia flexifolia [Section 18] a low dense shrub yellow with soft fluffy flower balls. Over the road, hakeas include Hakea purpurea [Section 20], medium upright shrubs colourful with red lacy flowers. Opposite, the Pincushion hakea, Hakea laurina [Section 20] is a tall open shrub now with dark red flower balls. The Rock Garden with its waterfall and ponds, contains many interesting plants, including Guichenotia ledifolia [Section 4] a dense shrub with grey foliage and mauve downturned flowers. The small garden opposite contains Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ [Section 15v]. Past the notice board Grevillea lanigera [Section 15c] with a coverage of cherry-red flowers over the dense groundcover. Opposite, Plum pine, Podocarpus elatus [Section 110] is a large shrub with spreading branches and between the leaves are many powdery plum coloured fruits.

The path then continues to and through the Rainforest Gully, so pleasant with plants of all shades and shapes of green. Then down the ramp where a mint-bush, Prostanthera phylicifolia [Section 210] reveals its coverage of small mauve flowers.

Cool, pleasant walking … Barbara Daly.