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

This walk will follow the Main Path from which the golden glow of wattles can be seen in most areas. Snowy River Wattle, Acacia boormanii [Section 210] is now covered with perfumed, fluffy yellow flower clusters. Between the rocks, see Adenanthos detmoldii [Section 210], a small plant with spirally arranged tiny leaves and slim, tubular yellow flowers along the branches. Opposite is Thryptomene saxicola `Pink Lace' [Section 210] with arching branches bearing tiny pink flowers. Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa [Section 210] is of medium size alight with upright, golden flower spikes which are ribbed with dark styles.

Follow the boardwalk through the tree tops of the Rainforest. Enjoy the varying shades and shapes of the foliage. Marvel at the radiating fronds of the large tree ferns, Dicksonia antartica and Cyathea australis [Sections 148, 147, 146]. Then inspect the Rockery. Close to the path is Hardenbergia violacea `Mini Haha' [Section 15] which is laden with purple pea flowers on this upright shrub. Nearby is Lechenaultia formosa [Section 15], a small plant with orange flowers, and Lechenaultia `Scarlet O'Hara' [Section 15] also with brilliantly coloured flowers. Guichenotia macrantha [Section 4] is a small plant having showy pink bell-shaped flowers.

In this area of hakeas, see Hakea bakeriana [Section 20] which continues to bear large clusters of pink flowers attached to the old wood behind the foliage. Hakea purpurea [Section 20] is a rather lanky shrub beautified with cherry-coloured flowers. Across the road are wattles which include a prostrate form of the Cootamundra Wattle, Acacia baileyana [Section 18], with radiating branches of golden flower balls. Follow the path through the Eucalypt Lawn to the Sydney Region Flora area where the path winds through large, newly planted areas. Hibbertia saligna [Section 191] has many buds exploding into bold yellow flowers. Edging the path, Sowerbaea juncea [Section 191] is small with rush-like leaves and dark purple buds already opening on upright purple-tinted stems. Mirbelia speciosa [Section 191], also very small, has deep purple pea flowers along the upright stems.

Meander through an area of grevilleas. Grevillea miqueliana [Section 26] is of medium size and bears pink spider-like flowers. Grevillea paniculata [Section 26] is quite open and covered with lemon, perfumed flowers. Across the road Grevillea victoriae [Section 25] is laden with deep rust-red spider-like flowers. This area in particular is a haven for birds, all enjoying the nectar of these grevilleas.

See the dazzling golden flower spikes of Banksia ericifolia var. ericifolia [Section 30] then hopefully, time for a tasty nibble with coffee at the cafe.

Such colourful flowers ... Barbara Daly.