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

26 September 1996

On leaving the Visitor Centre turn right, and on the left-hand side, Hardenbergia violacea [Section 210] can be seen in full bloom with its deep purple pea flowers. Next to it is Acacia boormanii [Section 210], commonly known as the Snowy River Wattle, a rounded shrub which is found naturally in Victoria and New South Wales.

To the right, Epacris longiflora [Section 174] displays its white tubular flowers in pendent rows along stiff wiry stems. Further down is Templetonia retusa [Section 174], look at the large orange/red pea flowers. This plant normally grows on limestone in South Australia and Western Australia.

Another Western Australian plant in flower is Brachysema celsianum [Section 110], bright cherry red pea flowers contrasted against blue-green foliage. It does well under large eucalypts.

In the Rockery Tetratheca ciliata [Section 15D], to the right of the waterfall, is showing its delicate white bell-like flowers which are hanging down hiding their black centres.

Continue along the main path, crossing the road and there to the left is Acacia phasmoides [Section 19] with gold flower rods and long, narrow curving leaves.

The Sydney Region Flora is a special section set aside for plants from that area. Originally a dry gully, it is now a beautiful ecological area devoted to Sydney plants. On entering, just to the right is Acacia myrtifolia [Section 191], a rounded bush with attractive red-tinged foliage and creamy-lemon flower heads. It is common in woodland on sandstone. Further along the path to the left is Epacris sp. aff. impressa [Section 191], with red tubular flowers which are in profusion now and are produced throughout the year. Leucopogon muticus [Section 191] is about to burst forth with its tiny urn-like white flowers.

At the intersection of the path and road on the right side is Acacia gordonii [Section 191], a small spreading shrub with crowded foliage almost hidden by brilliant, electric golden yellow flower balls. Continue on to see Hakea propinqua [Section 191] with its tight little curly yellow flowers perched in the axils of the leaves; notice too the enormous woody fruits. At the head of the gully, Epacris microphylla [Section 191] is in full bloom with white starry flowers which are present most of the year.

Last but not least, looking towards the Eucalypt Lawn, is Grevillea aspleniifolia [Section 191], a large spreading shrub with long thin leaves and pink toothbrush flowers.

Till next time.

Lesley Page.