Clerodendrum floribundum var. attenuatum click for larger image

The display of orchids in the Visitors Information Centre include the Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis hybrid, so startling, such white flowers, Dendrobium macrophyllum with small speckled orange flowers and the Hyacinth Orchid, Arpophyllum giganteum with long strappy leaves and a fascinating poker-like spike with deep pink tiny flowers.

Outside in the bracing climate, edging Banks Walk are Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ [Section 172], a dwarf shrub alight with upright cylindrical golden flower spikes. Near the seat Woollsia pungens [Section 174] has small white flowers clinging to the long wiry stems while beside is the Victorian floral emblem, Epacris impressa [Section 174] with bold pink tubular flowers dangling, in rows, from the long stems. Opposite, a mint bush, Prostanthera phylicifolia [Section 210], well clad with mauve flowers, falls over the rock wall.

Following the road on the far side of the Rainforest verge, Clerodendrum floribundum var. attenuatum [Section 125], with upright speckled trunk and among its upper foliage are dark red button-size calyces which followed white flowers. The background of large Bird’s Nest Fern, Asplenium australasicum has long green fronds. Opposite, Grevillea rosmarinifolia ‘Rosy Posy’[Section 128] displays its lemon-red flower clusters dangling from its branches oven the small shrubs. Follow the road, then, to the right to view the O’ld Silver wattle, Acacia podalyriifolia [Section 126] attractive with its silver-grey foliage and sprays of soft yellow flower balls. Banksia spinulosa [Section 126] is also attractive with its many gold flower spikes ribbed with red stamens. Grevillea ‘Poorinda Diadem’ [Section 26] is a large shrub with apricot coloured spider-like flowers. Below the large branches off the grand old Pryor tree, Eucalyptus mannifera is a grouping of Thryptomene ‘Pink Lace’ [Section 10] clad in profusion with tiny pink flowers over the small plants. Edging the road upwards are emu-bushes, Eremophila maculata subsp. maculata [Section 302], small open shrubs bright with yellow tubular flowers.

Cross over the Brittlegum lawn edged with Banksia ericifolia [Section 110] a large spreading shrub with soft pine-like foliage and rich gold flower spikes. Opposite, in the Rainforest verge Acronychia littoralis [Sections 114,104] is a dense shrub with shiny green leaves and sprays of small lemon flowers. Opposite the triangle garden where a Geraldton Wax, Chamelaucium ‘Cascade Brook’ [Section 17] is a shrub of medium size clad with many pink buds and pink mottled flowers. Epacris calvertiana var. calvertiana [Section 17] bears many tubular flowers along its many upright stems. An edging of Brachyscome ‘Breakoday’ [Section 17] small groundcovers of soft foliage and purple daisy-like flowers are quite showy. Opposite, in the Rainforest verge a bottle-brush, Callistemon montanus [Section 104] is dense with terminal branches tipped with showy red new growth leaves. The shrub will bear large red bottlebrush-like flowers. Behind, a wombat vine, Eustrephus latifolius [Section 104] with an abundance of orange fruits, entangles itself about a tree trunk. A tea-tree, Leptospermumamboinense [Section 104] is close-by and its terminal branches are clad with another shade of red. In spring it will bear white open petalled flowers. Between is Celerywood, Polyscias elegans [Section104] a small tree with straight trunk and umbrella-shaped canopy. At its base are small new growth plants clad with green backed purple leaves. At the opposite corner, a Lilly-Pilly, Acmena smithii [Section 140] is a dense tall shrub with glossy leaves and many deep pink fruits.

Grevillea 'Poorinda Diadem' click for larger image

Take the road towards the Rock Garden where Grevillea lanigera [Section 15a] is a dense groundcover picturesque with deep pink flowers. Downhill paths lead back to the café.

Cold days, great walking … Barbara Daly.