Australian Society South East NSW Group

Newsletter 143

October 2018

Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum and Macrozamia communis Burrawang Contacts: President, John Knight, [email protected] Secretary, Vacant, Newsletter editor, John Knight, [email protected] Next Meeting Saturday 13th October 2018 Meeting at the garden of Cliff Williams and Marjorie Apthorpe 274 Western Distributor Road Currowan commencing at 10.30 am Members wishing to car-pool to save the long drive up the Kings H’way are to meet at 9.45am at the carpark toilet block on the left side of Princes Highway, Batemans Bay, just before crossing the Clyde R. bridge. (Those coming from the north will cross the Clyde and turn right immediately off the bridge)

The roads once leaving the Kings H’way are unsealed, and a little rough and potholed. Western Distributor Road is about 22km up the Kings Highway from Batemans Bay. From the turnoff, the property is about 2.7km. Once on Western Distributor Road, you will cross Currowan Creek, pass Pig Road on the right, and then look for the “Verdigris” sign. The gate to 274 is next. The driveway down to the house is steep, with parking available in the paddock.

This introduction to our visit is from Cliff. The property is set in a valley surrounding the Currowan Creek catchment, in the foothills of Budawang Range. By virtue of its location it possesses a unique microclimate abounding in naturally occurring rainforest species. The valley is dominated by saligna (Sydney Blue Gum), some monster in size, and Angophora floribunda, along with naturally occurring Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Prostanthera lasianthos, linearis, Polyscias murrayi, Cyathea australis, Livistona australis, Ficus coronata, with Pimelea axiflora, Claoxylon australe, Astrotricha ledifolia, loniceroides, Backhousia mytifolia and much more along the creek.

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The house garden is still in development stage and trying to cope with wallaby invasion, drought, and recent very heavy frosts. , , and Hibbertia like the soil and climate. Hibbertia scandens grows naturally around, and the likes of and G.lanigera become monster in size. The Elaeocarpus reticulatus are the biggest I've seen. It is very much a high growth area. There are a few plantings of exotics from previous owners, and some by Marjorie and myself, so the garden is not 'pure.' But we like the combination. Marjorie is working hard against the odds of slope, rock, and animal life, developing a mini Kings Park, with a wide range of WA plants. Much attention has been given to soil mix, alkalinity, and free drainage, with good success. Many are still in their early stage of growth but are mostly doing well. There are numerous additions still to be grown on and planted. Early afternoon we expect to explore a fire trail leading to what I regard as the iconic feature of the Budawangs, a ravine of waterfalls / cascades / ancient fig trees. The trail is normally closed by locked gate so it will be an opportunity to explore the plant offerings of a generally inaccessible area, and more so in that it is a recovery area from a bushfire many years ago. Those who are adventurous will want to descend into the ravine for the experience, and for the more adventurous there is a superb offering of a giant Citronella moorei, with a canopy covered with Asplenium australasicum. A rare example of a majestic tree.

As always, members are advised to bring morning tea and lunch, and a chair. Wear sensible clothing and shoes suitable for the planned outdoor activities, and as Spring is in the air, a sunhat might be a wise inclusion. Note also that dogs are not permitted at APS activities.

OOPS!! When arranging meeting dates for the year, the committee decided to avoid a meeting on the long weekend, and so postponed this meeting till the second weekend of the month. Only recently was it discovered that the long weekend actually fell in September this year. However, as we had already confirmed details, it was decided to continue with existing arrangements.

Last Meeting report and photos by Mark Noake and John Knight A well attended meeting, and a lovely, sunny but not hot Wattle Day, presented the ideal opportunity for members to get together and discuss all things plants. (Australian plants, that is) Dry conditions had turned the lawn area brown, but members noted that the garden were looking at their best. After a welcome to members and visitors, as usual morning tea was first on the agenda, and the proffered cakes and slices were soon demolished by grateful recipients. Thanks also to Carolyn for providing freshly ground, and delightfully strong coffee. Is that a yellow robin over there, or is Paul in trouble? What did he say, we wonder.

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Members were advised that APS Nowra was visiting Christina Kennedy’s garden soon, and we were invited to join them. (I am glad to advise that 7 of our members did so). Notice was also given about the quarterly gathering of APS NSW Region, hosted by APS East Hills Group, at Lugarno in Sydney’s west. David, as editor of Native Plants for , was disappointed that the advertising for this event, published as a 2 page spread in his journal, had not been sent to members due to an issue with posting. (There is a report on this event later in this newsletter) Show and tell gave an opportunity for members to talk about their favourite plants. Being Wattle Day, Dave and Jan had a specimen of ’s floral emblem, Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle) to display. Not often grown these days, A. pycnantha is suited to our drying weather pattern, and can tolerate quite harsh conditions. It does not however, like poor drainage, and sulks if humidity is too high. Catriona and Phil always have something of interest, and this time it was Isopogons. Well, what else could we expect? Featured was I.dawsonii, (Nepean Cone-bush), a medium sized which occurs around the central coast and slopes west near Sydney. This attractive and adaptable shrub with large heads of creamy white flowers is reliable in cultivation, but again, sadly rarely grown these days. Jenny John, as well as providing her usual cakes, brought along some pea plants to discuss. It seems that few of us grow many species of this extensive family, except maybe Hardenbergia violacea. Jenny talked about the value of these smaller sub-shrubs, and the diversity of forms. Eutaxia obovata, with its bright green foliage, is an attractive shrub all year, and even more so when the plant is covered with small yellow and red flowers. One of many pea plants called Eggs and Bacon, E. obovata is easily accommodated in the garden, growing to 1m or so, is tolerant of sun or semi-shade, handles dry conditions well, and can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. Jenny noted that it can be shaped into a formal hedge if one wished to garden in that manner. Another small pea which has lost support is Chorizema Eutaxia obovata in full flower cordatum, Flame pea, with brilliant orange and red flowers held above its foliage. This Western Australian plant is an ideal filler for shaded sites, and is easy to maintain as a small plant with regular tip . Have we forgotten that skill?

Members then moved inside, where Mark had set up his visual display to discuss . Mention of the sad passing of pioneer plant activists Helen Rees and Pat Spiers (APSSE Newsletter for August 2018), and a recent call in the Grevillea Study Group’s newsletter to encourage growers of species grevilleas, inspired the talk on Saturday. Fun, intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and most importantly conservation and biodiversity (including wildlife) are all good reasons to pursue this pastime. In presenting images of several particularly attractive species grevilleas, Mark asked the question, “Why would we not grow such stunning plants?” Mark makes a point

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Fragility of existing collections, threatened by climate change, wildfire and even funding and management directions creates a need for as many people as possible to keep species alive in their gardens. Fires have severely damaged “official” collections such as the grevillea collection near Stawell and, back in 1994, even at the ERBG. Road maintenance too often includes bulldozing rare plants. There are even fears that a highway could pass through the Grevillea Park at Bulli.

Grevillea levis, (above) a shrub of 2m or so, was first described in 1994, by Peter Olde and Neil Marriott, and detailed in their 3 volume work, The Grevillea Book. It grows in heathy shrubland in South-western W.A., but has proved a reliable plant in cultivation. Likewise, (at left) is another recently named species, first discovered near Tumut, Southern N.S.W. in 1991, and described in 1993 by Bob Makinson. In cultivation it has proved both hardy and adaptable, also growing to 2m. or so, flowering freely over an extended period.

It is not all gloom and doom, however, with good news including Di Clark and her small team of volunteers working to revamp the collection at ERBG. One only has to experience the positive attitudes evident at our local APS get togethers to realise just how much Australian plants are valued. Tactics for growing small collections include soil improvement and mulching to maintain moisture and reduce competition from weeds. Drainage is of paramount importance to most Australian plants and the group was shown how a series of swales directs water past beds of sensitive plants and into the dam for later use.

Grevillea patulifolia, (above) was for many years included with G. linerarifolia, as the southern sandstone form, but has been restored to species level as described in 1919. The species name refers to the spreading . In cultivation, plants are reliable, growing to about 1m, and over time sucker to produce attractive thickets, flowering for long periods from late winter.

Grevillea buxifolia (below) has been in cultivation for many years, but is now rarely encountered, probably because it is not so easy to propagate. Garden plants though have proved long lived. A number of forms are recognised, and some closely related plants have been raised to species level

Home propagators can quite easily create backup copies of rare plants which are sometimes difficult to source commercially. Succession planting provides for fresh looking plants which will enhance a garden.

(Note the use of a computer term, as Mark is also a technology wizz)

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A short demonstration followed of how you might use your digital SLR camera connected to your computer to view and record close-up images of plants. Details similar to those seen through a jeweller’s lens can be studied conveniently in a much enlarged format. Another Way To Look At It Mark explains; “Although our little 10x jeweller’s lenses are convenient in the field, it can be a struggle to really see those intriguing plant details which fascinate so many plant lovers. One easily accessible way to overcome this problem is to make use of your digital SLR camera connected to your computer.”

Lighting The first element is a digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Lighting camera. The important thing here is an ability to see what the camera sees. Secondly, your camera probably comes with software that allows you to connect your camera to a computer via Camera a USB cable or similar. (Mine is a Canon EOS600D which came with an application called EOS UTILITY. Enlarger This utility enables control of the camera through a stand control panel that appears on the computer screen.)

Part of the system is a “Live Shooting” facility which Extension displays on-screen exactly what the camera “sees”. Additional tubes Clicking on a button takes the photo which can be saved Lighting as an image file and manipulated in all the usual ways.

Thirdly, you need a way of holding the camera steady whilst composing your shot and adjusting focus or changing camera settings. This is where my old black and white enlarger stand has come in handy. The camera screws onto the stand just as one might attach it to a tripod. Of course once the fun started there was a great temptation to improve the system. Purchase of an extension tube set allows much closer positioning of the camera to the subject and therefore greater enlargement of detailed images.

Grevillea buxifolia. Such close visual inspection demonstrates the subtle differences by which the G. buxifolia complex has been reclassified.

Illustrated in the picture to the left, the pistil, with varying style appendages, gives credence to the reclassification of subspecies, raising them to species level based on discrete and replicable characters

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Light is a crucial element in any photography so, after pinching Carolyn’s embroidery light from time to time, I purchased my own daylight lamp in order to maintain true image colour. A couple of portable LED rechargeable desk lamps (to reduce shadows) complete the setup. This simple system has been useful at our APSSE meetings. With a computer attached to projector, images of details which may be only 3mm across can be displayed on a large screen for everyone to share simultaneously. We have used the system “live” during show-and-tell sessions where features of plants are often highlighted for the group.

Limb

Stored images have also enabled illustrated discussion of morphological characters during talks at our meetings. The characters used in morphology are simply those differences we can see, and therefore able to study. The photos above illustrate the morphological difference between the floral limb structure of the developing flower, as , on the left, in which the limb is rounded, and G. oxyantha on the right, in which the limb is pyramidal. Mark noted that prior to recent re-classification, both these were included in the Grevillea victoriae complex. (A more comprehensive article on the subject of close up photography is promised for a future edition of Native Plants for New South Wales) The talk concluded with a series of then and now photographs showing how the garden has developed and matured since the last APSSE visit in 2016. Following lunch, the group spent a pleasant couple of hours looking around Mark and Carolyn’s extensive garden, with particular emphasis on the Grevillea collection. It is always an illuminating experience to observe our Australian plants under cultivation, particularly when the growers have the knowledge to use the plants wisely, and to advantage.

Mark answers questions from an attentive audience

In this garden, the largish garden beds are well separated by open areas of lawn (well grass anyway) so that each plant can get the amount of sun required to ensure optimal growth. The picture to the left demonstrates the variety of form, size and foliage colour of some of the species Grevillea within the garden. We were unsure whether Mark was chasing out an early black snake, but no one else ventured into the shrubby bed.

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Few members seem to grow this beauty from the Jarrah forests of south western W.A. is a shrub to 2m, quite happy to grow in the dappled shade provided by Eucalypts. Whilst needing very good drainage, the plant is quite adaptable, and despite the very hairy foliage, seems to cope with our summer humidity provided that air movement is not restricted. It is long flowering, winter through spring, although it’s recorded that plants in shade can flower for most of the year. In Mark’s new Grevillea bed, it is planted high, on an easterly facing slope, and therefore somewhat protected from the prevailing west winds. We noted that it was given plenty of space to prevent increasing the humidity. Little tricks like this are useful to know, and it is why seemingly difficult plants can be successfully cultivated. G. pimeleoides has also been known as G. drummondii ssp. pimeleoides By 3 o’clock members began to drift towards home, leaving the diehards to delve more deeply into the plantings. Some collected cuttings, which Mark encouraged, knowing the importance of getting everyone to have a go at growing some of the rarer species. Others looked like diplomats, in deep discussion over important growing decisions, with a few needing to re-visit a patch to grab a photo or two. As always, a very pleasant day, at the end of which Mark and Carolyn were thanked with a lovely bottle of their favourite tipple. Out and About As noted earlier, some of our members took advantage of the offer to join Nowra Group at Horse Island. We know that Christina’s garden will always be a treat to visit, and were not disappointed. Allowed to wander at leisure, most headed towards the formal gardens adjacent to the residence, which were adorned with , Leptospermums, Grevilleas and majestic flowering Gymea lilies, Doryanthes excelsa. The many cloud- formed hedges were enjoying the sunny weather, and showed just how attractive Australian plants can be when used in such a fashion in a more formal setting. Of particular merit were Dwarf Baeckea, Sannantha virgata, ideal for regular pruning due to its twiggy growth and small leaves. The ever reliable Westringia fruticosa completed the picture, and over the years forms of this plant have been widely and successfully used in amenity under a range of conditions. Feature grafted standard Grevilleas were admired by many who wandered past offering approving comments on the way to the “Olde” garden, which was designed with the assistance of the leader of the Grevillea Study Group, Peter Olde. Plants in this garden include a number of rare species of Grevillea in full flower. With so much to absorb, a visit to Christina’s is always a delight. We are indeed privileged to be invited to enjoy this wonderful garden, and look forward to doing so again in the near future.

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Sylvan Grove Native Garden at Picnic Point in the City of Bankstown was the meeting point for the Spring Quarterly Gathering of APS NSW, hosted by East Hills Group. Sue and I were welcomed by Jan and David, members of East Hills and also our South East Group. We were accompanied by Peter and Margaret Olde, who kindly drove to the meeting, and chaperoned us for the weekend. Driving in Sydney traffic is an experience we could both do without. Following introductions, the head horticulturist Jim lead the group through this most magnificent area of native Sydney bushland. Just 1.5ha in size this garden contains upwards of 2000 species of plants, nestled in compact beds along meandering tracks, beneath a canopy of Eucalyptus haemastoma x racemosa, Scribbly Gum in the upper section, and E. piperita, Sydney Peppermint lower down, protecting an Eucalyptus haemastoma x impressive rainforest garden featuring racemosa, scribbles as good as May Gibbs could do. ferns of all description. Plants are well named, making it easy to record those seen. Naturally occurring plants on the site include , , Acacias, Leptospermums and Melaleucas. From mid August to the end of November, the gardens are open daily, and feature a very colourful display of shrubs and smaller native plants. The most spectacular feature of the garden is the large collection of orchids, in particular large sprawling clumps of Dendrobium speciosum, Sydney Rock Orchid, and Majestic Grevillea clusters of naturally occurring Greenhood ‘candelabra’, a hybrid orchids, Pterostylis pedunculata growing grafted Grevillea from up through Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum Changers Green A pleasant shaded stroll beneath a nursery in Queensland canopy of Prostanthera ovalifolia aethiopicum, Adiantum formosum and Adiantum hispidulus. Shrubs of Boronia, Phebalium, Philotheca, Prostanthera, Grevillea, Telopea, Acacia and Westringia were dominant mid-storey plants. Epacris impressa, Olearia phlogopappa, Boronia muelleri, Boronia fraseri and B. fraseri x mollis, Gompholobium latifolium, Calytrix tetragona, Lechenaultia bilobum and small grass-like Conostylis setigera, added to the show closer to ground level. Certainly any member visiting Sydney during spring would be well rewarded by visiting this most attractive and well designed garden. I have a few brochures if any member is interested. We then moved to a nearby hall to hear from Alan Fairley, who many might recognise as joint author of the very impressive and important work, Native Plants of the Sydney District, published way back in 1989, and still the book most often chosen to assist with identification of native plants, not just in Sydney, as the book encompasses quite a broad area. Alan’s first publication on Australian plants goes back to 1972, and his interest in natural history continues to this day. His more recent work, Seldom Seen, Rare Plants of Greater Sydney, was the focus of his presentation, and we were treated to an in-depth discussion on where these plants grew, and often an insightful story as to why plants might be rare. Gauging interest in his topic was simple. The number of questions, and the genuine concern of the audience was evident. Alan Fairley, with APS NSW President, John Aitken

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Sunday, members from a number of Sydney APS groups were invited to view ‘Silky Oaks’, the garden of Peter and Margaret Olde, at Oakdale, near Camden, where in 1805 John Macarthur was granted land to develop the Australian wool industry. Peter chose his 30 acre block for its aspect and soil. The property was mostly cleared, and had been an agistment farm. He developed extensive garden beds on the house block to grow a Grevillea collection, plants of his passion for 40 years. Peter has been leader of the Grevillea Study Group since 1980, and has travelled extensively throughout Australia to record species in their natural environment. Along with another Grevillea addict, Neil Marriott, he has described and named many new species, and continues this work voluntarily with the NSW Herbarium, sorting through the many anomalies in their collection. Grevillea oldei was named in 1986, by Don McGillivray in recognition of Peter’s work on the Grevillea genus. As one might expect when visiting the garden of one so enthusiastic about a particular group of plants, those plants abound. However, he also has a passion for Australian plants in general, and the range grown is impressive. Peter believes that grafting of difficult species is a legitimate, and often the only way to grow and study plants which require special conditions for success. This is amply illustrated when you observe Grevilleas from tropical north thriving and flowering. Peter discusses the importance of soil preparation. This new bed Similarly with plants which are desert dwellers. has been dug to open up the subsoil, allowing moisture to seep Grevillea magnifica ssp remota, with unusual deeply, and therefore plants roots to penetrate into the lower soil pink and bluish flowers, from near Norseman, profile. The improved soil is mounded to provide excellent drainage G. petrophiloides collected from lateritic in his clay/loam soil, and the plants are already in the nursery outcrops in the central WA wheatbelt, the waiting for a break in the weather. spectacular orange flowered G. excelsior also a wheatbelt species, and G. oligomera found inland north from Kalgoorlie. And G. exul, an exile species from New Caledonia, growing to 10m, with large white toothbrush flowers. Among others, there is a good range of Rutaceae, including some difficult to grow Boronia and Phebalium species, as well as some spectacular Eremophila, most of which are grafted onto Myoporum rootstock, although Peter thinks that some of these plants might cope well on their own roots in his conditions. One mustn’t forget Margaret’s passion for ferns. She has been a long time member of the Fern Study Group, and has a lovely rainforest section where her many fern species are housed. We as a group must find some time to visit this very impressive garden, and enthusiastically embrace the developing trend of grafting some of those spectacular plants we dream about. Phil Trickett has offered to teach us this skill, and seeing gardens such as Phil’s, and Peter’s, surely we must get the urge to try it.

In my Garden… John Knight On the theme of propagation, I recently had an issue with the automatic watering system in my propagation house, and needed to find a solution quickly, as I was about to head off on another distant journey. Visiting a well known large warehouse, I came across a battery powered Holman Misting Tap Timer, which by the advertising attached, suggested it would be ideal to replace the 240v version. Parting with hard earned on an untried product, it was installed and has performed brilliantly. This unit has the advantage of being able to water for as little as 1 second, and has unlimited start times. But the biggest advantage is that it can be programmed to stay off overnight to prevent plants being overwatered. I will let you know how it performs over the summer. Might I suggest though, that anyone thinking of automating their watering might find this product appealing. I also found a tap with a click-on connector formed into the body of the tap. No more snapped or broken plastic tap connectors. Brilliant, if you need to replace a tap or install a new one, this might do the trick. (see pic) Having received some rain over the past few weeks, the plants are looking pretty happy. Except for those that the Red-necked Wallabies find attractive, and there are many of those, even previously untouched species. New timer and to the left, new tap Trust your gardens are looking great, and continue to thrive. See you at the next meeting.

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Committee News Yes, It’s time again for everyone to consider their commitment to the continued prosperity of our group. This past year the workload fell to just 4 members, and I believe the committee has done a sterling job. Our meetings have been well attended, and I think the program has been diverse enough to offer something to each member. However, there is always more we can do. But not with so small a member representation.

At the AGM, which is planned for the February 2019 meeting, all committee positions will become vacant, and it would lovely if each could be filled by volunteers rather than conscripts !

I have decided that it would be best to step away, at least from the President’s role, as I expect to be away for at least some of the year overseas, and also continuing to travel our great land discovering her many treasures.

Therefore, the committee needs commitment from members to continue to remain viable. Hopefully some will see the benefit of our Group remaining active, and put up a hand to help.

Are you one of those? ssp. thyrsoides is a low growing Membership Matters shrub from the northern wheatbelt of W. A. I am very happy to be able to report that we have My plant is grafted to G. robusta, and is now 9 years in another new member, the ground, achieving a height of about 50cm, with a spread of 1.2m Flowers are held well away from the Stacey Cullam from Kiama Downs, foliage on long trailing leafless peduncles for much of who has recently joined APS NSW. the year, and attract bird pollinators to ground level A warm welcome Stacey. We look forward to seeing where their feeding activities can be observed. you at future meetings. New growth is attractively coloured red, a pleasing There has also been a membership enquiry from contrast against grey foliage. Jill Sleeman of Sunshine Bay, who will hopefully Another example of the benefit of growing grafted join us as well. plants. It was pleasing to meet and say Hi to another recently joined member, Mary Anderson, who has moved to Broulee, and attended her first meeting last month. Mary also took the opportunity to visit Horse Island when the Nowra group held their excursion there. Jenny John Membership Officer COMMITTEE CONTACT DETAILS President, John Knight Ph 0434 674 347 e. [email protected] Vice-President Geoff Gosling Ph 0438 286 382 e. [email protected] Secretary, Vacant Minute Sec., Vacant Treasurer, Geoff Gosling Ph 0438 286 382 e. [email protected] Membership Jenny John Ph 02 4476 3576 e. [email protected] Publicity Dianne Clark Ph 0402 555 330 e. [email protected] Website. southeast.austplants.com.au

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