In this dry year it is great to see many of our plants still thriving. Large shrubs of Rusty Pomaderris, Pomaderris ferruginea, putting on a great show, with big clusters of small cream flowers. Rusty coloured hairs on the branches give it the common name.
Rusty Pomaderris
At a lower level, many Cyprus Daisy-bushes, Olearia teretifolia, have their rich green, cypress-like foliage obscured by profuse tiny white flower-heads.
Cypress Daisy-bush
Standing out nearer the ground are the bright yellow flowers of our three species of the aptly named Guinea-flowers, Hibbertia. The flowers have five wide petals almost appearing joined to resemble a coin. The different leaves and growth habits determine the species.
Bundled Guinea-flower
Finally, catching the eye, are the delightful flowers of two dainty creepers. The almost leafless Love Creeper, Comesperma volubile, has tiny, blue pea-like flowers, and the leafless Twining Fringe Lily, Thysanotus patersonii, has small flowers with mauve, delicately fringed petals.
Love Creeper
Twining Fringe Lily
Elllinor Campbell