After a week with two days of very high temperatures for this time of the year, and one day of rain, it was a relief that the forecast of showers for Saturday did not eventuate, and we had a day of moderate temperature with some sunny periods.
Unfortunately there was a cool wind, and not enough warmth and humidity to convince our sun orchids to open, but nevertheless there were plenty of flowers for the 19 people who joined us for the walk to admire with 86 species being documented. This total did not include many other species that were not in flower at this time of the year. We sometimes underestimate the diversity and beauty of our own area – we certainly don’t have to travel to West Australia to be enthralled by Australian wildflowers!
It was great to see people with expertise sharing their knowledge with others who were keen to learn. Our flower books certainly proved worth all the effort in compiling them
Group using flower book to identify species
There were plenty of flowers on both sides of the track as we walked up to the ridge – some hiding amongst the grasses.
Checking the roadsides
The Snowy Daisy-bush presented great displays amongst the eucalypts
Snowy Daisy-bush
But it was the massed wildflowers that people marvelled at with the various species merging together in a tapestry of colour.
And yes there were orchids despite the fact the sun orchids were tightly closed
Purple Beard Orchid
Tiger Orchid
It was a great walk and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
We were in particular pleased to welcome two younger environmentalists Annabelle and Stuart who were just so keen to learn about our local flora.
Annabelle and Stuart
Margaret MacDonald