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

12 December 1997

See the fine Eucalyptus curtisii [Section 221] near the stairs to the Visitor Centre. This small tree is most floriferous, displaying large clusters of soft lacy flowers. The pots outside the doors contain a variety of flowering plants which include the semi-arid plant, Ptilotus semilanatus bearing flecked mauve, fluffy flower heads. Opposite are Kangaroo Paws also seen throughout the gardens. The pink flowering Anigozanthos flavidus [Section 212] is quite attractive. Walking under the large fronds of the Soft Tree-ferns, Dicksonia antartica [Sections 148, 144] in the Rainforest Gully, see Helmholtzia glaberrima [Section 144, 145] with large flax-like leaves surrounding attractive pink, plume-like flowers on long, bare spikes. Edging the Rainforest Gully, Cuttsia viburnea [Section 114] is covered with sprays of white, perfumed flowers which seem to be favoured by orange and green butterflies.

Just up the hill, the triangular bed [Section 17] is a sea of varying shades of pink paper daisies, Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea [Section 17] and opposite the mix of flat greens and reds of Anigozanthos flavidus [Section 123] flowers is quite gratifying. Grevillea robusta [Section 78,105], Silky Oak, is a tall tree and most colourfully clad with vivid gold, toothbrush-like flowers. Alongside the upper road of the Rock Garden, Scaevola albida [Section 15H] is a small, spreading plant, covered with white five-petal flowers. Dampiera subspicata [Section 15H] is a low, suckering plant with showy blue flowers on upright stems. Across the lawns studded with a variety of eucalyptus trees, to the Sydney Region Flora, Persoonia chamaepitys [Section 191] is dense with light green foliage and dotted with yellow specks of flowers on this almost prostrate, spreading plant. Nearby Goodenia decurrens [Section 191] is small and upright, bright with yellow flowers. Downstream, Hibbertia pedunculata [Section 191], also with its particular yellow flowers displayed on a low, mounded plant. In the gully the open, taller shrub dotted with pink flowers, is the River Rose, Bauera rubioides [Section 191]. Near the seat Dampiera purpurea [Section 191], a rather untidy plant, is beautified with deep purple flowers on upright stems.

Sit awhile, hear the bird calls. Today the charcoal and red Gang Gangs screech and Kookaburras react by laughing. In the stream the Crimson Rosellas splash in the cooling waters. Then find Epacris sp. aff. impressa [Section 191] with long spindly branches from which hang thin pink, tubular flowers. Epacris longifolia [Section 191] is similar but with white tipped, red flowers. Time to see Melia azedarach [Section 23, 206], White Cedar, bearing faintly lilac flowers with purple centres.

Gorgeous Gardens ...

Barbara Daly