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

2 October 1998

After viewing the interesting display `Flowers and Fruits of the Bush' in the Visitor Centre, follow the Main Path, starting at the end of the cafe building where Tetratheca ciliata [Section 240] has downturned pink flowers on a small, upright plant. Notice too, Boronia megastigma `Harlequin' [Section 244] with bell shaped, pale yellow with a dash of chocolate, beautifully perfumed flowers close by the cafe tables.

Because the Gardens are overflowing with flowers only a few can be mentioned here. Eremophila drummondii [Section 9] is a small, slender plant adorned with tubular violet flowers. Past the area of Sedges, Grasses and Lillies, a waratah, Telopea `Doug's Hybrid' [Section 30] is of medium size with large buds just beginning to open to large, red flower spikes. Behind, Eriostemon verrucosus `J. Semmens' [Section 30] is a small shrub laden with pink buds and lovely white double-petalled flowers. Boronia muelleri [Section 30] is a picture, for this medium-sized rounded shrub has a dense covering of pale pink four-petalled flowers. Opposite, Dampiera purpurea [Section 30] is a low, upright and vigorously suckering plant covered with purple flowers.

Stroll through sections of grevilleas, mostly in flower. Grevillea aspleniifolia [Section 26] bears long pink, toothbrush-like flowers with long narrow leaves on the lateral branches of this ornate shrub. Twining up the grooved trunk of Banksia serrata [Section 112], Hardenbergia violacea [Section 112] shows off its deep purple flowers. This plant may be seen in many areas of the Gardens.

Walking through the area of the Sydney Region Flora, plants include Asterolasia asteriscophora [Section 191] bearing lemon flowers along its low branches, Grevillea bauera subsp. asperula [Section 191] with clusters of showy red flowers and Platylobium formosum [Section 191] with yellow and red pea-flowers on a small shrub. From the seat see Grevillea speciosa subsp. speciosa [Section 191] with scarlet spider-like flowers which dangle from the branches. The clusters of bright yellow flowers are those of Pomaderris ferruginea [Section 191] and behind, the bright red flowers are those of Telopea mongaensis x speciosissima [Section 191]. Sit awhile and enjoy the serenity of this area, complete with bird calls.

Through the relaxing Eucalypt Lawn to an area of wattles where Acacia cognata [Section 19] has drooping branches with fine foliage and cream, fluffy flower balls. Continue down to the Rock Garden to see Chorizema cordatum [Section 4], a tangled climber covered with red and orange pea-flowers. Along the path through the Rainforest Gully and down the slope where Hibbertia empetrifolia [Section 210] shows off its bright yellow flowers.

Great walking, wonderful flowers ...

Barbara Daly.