Member's Night

Cuttings from the Spring Flush

Leaders Report

Around the Garden

Well its been a couple of weeks since I have really seen my garden, so I am not sure what is happening at present, suffice to say that I am hoping that all is well. I do know my precious "Summer Beauty" (Eucalyptus or Corymbia ficifolia?) is no more and will make expensive firewood. Before we left for holidays we had a visit from Reynard La Red, who "despatched" at least one of those pesky wabbits that visit my garden - YES! Help arrives in unexpected ways.

Susan and I have seen some beautiful gardens lately. OK, maybe they cannot really be classed as gardens but it is hard to beat nature at its best and Grampians flora and Otway rainforest are hard to top.

The wildflowers in the Grampians were superb, particularly the northern end around Mount Zero. Quite a lot of orchids were apparent with all of the usual species. The Epacris varieties were not as showy this year however were still quite prevalent. The northern area in particular gives the impression that the flowers have been planted by some enthusiast such is the variety of species, flower colour and foliage. The fires have devastated much of the park and have obviously been very intense. This was particularly evident around Mt William where many of the rocks on the verge of the road had been split into fragments or at least had been "peeled" of their outer layer due to the heat of the fire. Many plants have been eliminated and may not return in specific locations however others are thriving. The Xanthorrhea australis have predictably in the main weathered the storm and are putting on an impressive show. Other survivors are the little wattle mat rushes (Lomandra filiformis and glauca) which are popping up everywhere in the grey ash covered soil. Others like the Hakeas will regenerate - this was very evident with all the seedpods wide open and new offspring seen under the dead plants. While it is depressing to witness the destruction of so much of a fantastic part of Victoria there is also the "silver lining". It is apparent that with the passing of time much of the area will return to its former state and this is happening quite rapidly in some places. While many tracks are still closed, the fire has opened up the views and made some things more accessible. Also I was able to find carpets of orchids that have appeared after fire, such as the redbeaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) and this was quite exciting. I am sure with all the orchid activity Mike and Cathy will have had an excellent weekend at the Grampians quarterly meeting and will come back with lots more news.

While I was near Mt Zero I met a gentleman wandering the sides of the road looking for rare orchids. From Horsham, he photographs the plants and records their location using a GPS! He emails the photos to friends who, if impressed, immediately drive from Geelong to the location to complete the study. While he was not associated with the A.P.S. he obviously had considerable knowledge of the area's orchids/plants. It was only later that I felt remiss that I had not made more definite contact and gained his details.

The Otways were at there brilliant best having not suffered the lack of rain of other areas and although very like our own Strzelecki Ranges they do have some specific differences and wonderful features. We visited Triplet, Beauchamp, Sabine, Hopetoun and Stephenson's falls, Melba Gully (and again at night to view glow worms!) and also Lake Elizabeth. Then we went on to visit the Eleven and a Half Apostles and the ?Don Bridge as well as the other usual Great Ocean Road sights. In other words "we walked our legs off"!

Warren's presentation on Ferns

Talking of the Otways I must extend a big thankyou to Warren for his excellent talk on the ferns and fern allies. While I am not "into" ferns I enjoyed the evening, as I am sure others did also, and came away with greater knowledge of these ancient plants. While I was disappointed to be unable to participate in the field trip to search for orchids as I am certain that a successful day was had. I look forward to hearing about it from those who attended. Thanks Warren and Carolyn for organising this outing.

Hope to see you all at the next meeting from John Stephens