Newsletter Australian Plants Society Macarthur Group

June 2013 Ron and Robin went to the State Branch AGM on Friday 17th. (After Macarthur’s 15th) John Aitken is again President. Our next get together is onSunday 23rd June at Wollondilly Community Nursery. Robin teed up using the facilities, tours, talks, plant sales and Rita is happy to man the Cob & co oven to do Pizzas. Carol Meiklejohn and Robin attended a lovely day for the 50th celebrations at Wooglemia on Sunday 26th May. Plenty of V.I.P.s, Cardinal from Wollongong and entourage. Lovely There were plenty of lovely people, great food and hospitality. A walk to the beautiful chapel for mass and after lunch, down to the beautiful grotto (Rosary) with a bushwalk afterwards. Robin enjoyed the talk about Wooglemai’s history and of course the connection with explorer Barralier (1st Koala ’specimen’ in the colony in 1802) and the aboriginal guides. Top spot and we are all very lucky to have access to this very special place, so too the school kids stopping over. Robin

A reminder if you can make it to set aside National Tree Day July 28th for a tree planting and Barbeque at Camden Ron Dine Reserve. It’s a great idea conserving a bit more of Camden’s flood plain/creekline.

If you are interested in broadening or refreshing your grass identification skills, why not attend a grasses Australian Native daisies workshop. Mount Annan Botanic Brachyscome spp are in flower now. Garden is holding a class run by These daisies grow in a wide range of soil specialist Van Klaphake on and climatic conditions, such as light to 27th and 28th June. heavy soils, and from the coast to the Contact the gardens for highest peaks. They are small annual or more info. perennial plants which flower white, Phone 4634 7900 yellow, pink, purple and blue depending on the species. They are ideal for small gardens or as container plants. Because of their We have a beautiful Waratah (Shady Lady) natural distribution they are very adaptable to a and 2 Kangaroo Paws for our BIG RAFFLE at range of horticultural conditions, I'm sure you1 Mount Annan in August. can find one to suit your garden conditions. Newsletter Australian Plants Society Macarthur Group

June 2013 What’s on

Meeting 8pm at Willow Park Community Centre, 25 Edgeworth David Ave, Fri 14 North Shore Hornsby. Speaker: Peter Abel on 'Potting Mixes' Walk: meet to Somersby Falls at 10.30am. There is a a fairly short walk at the Falls. Then a sausage sizzle (the BBQs are free) at about 12 noon, with Sat 15 Central Coast time for a chat and catch up, ensuring that we finish up at about 1.30 p.m. This will enable attendance at the meeting in Phillip House at 2pm

Meeting 2pm at Phillip House, 21 Old Mt Penang Rd, Kariong ($2 Entry Sat 15 Central Coast Fee). Speaker: John Akehurst on 'The Joys of Photography' Sat 15 Northern Beaches Walk: Lane Cove Fungus walk with Ray Kearney Walk 9.30am in non-cultivated areas of Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Sun 16 Newcastle Meet at the HRBG visitor centre. Leaders: Stella Savoury and Jenny Musicka Sun 16 North Shore Bushwalk or Garden Visit Walks and Talks (9.45am for 10.00am start at Kur-ring-gai Wildflower Mon 17 North Shore Garden; finish about 12.30pm; fee to cover costs $5): Topic: 'Rainforests' Walk: Red Point to Hare Point, Jervis Bay N.P. Meet at cemetery 9:00am or Mon 17 Nowra corner of Currarong Rd and Coonemia Rd 9:30am. If raining on the 17th walk is transferred to Friday 21st June Plant Identification Program: Plant Structure. Glenbrook Native Plant Wed 19 Blue Mountains Reserve 10.30am. If you are interested please contact Jim Ward: Ph: 4735 1965 Meeting 8pm at Gymea Community Centre, Gymea Bay Rd, Gymea. Wed 19 Sutherland Speaker: Mark Wolf on 'Weeds in the Home Garden' Thu 20 Nowra Working Bee 9am in Wirreecoo Garden Sun 23 Menai Wildflower Qalk: Bardens Trig Walk, Barden Ridge 9am-3pm Walks and Talks (9.45am for 10.00am start at Kur-ring-gai Wildflower Mon 24 North Shore Garden; finish about 12.30pm; fee to cover costs $5): Longer Walk (bring lunch & water) Return approx 2.30 pm

Why not visit one of the other groups? Newsletter Australian Plants Society Macarthur Group

June 2013 For those of you that have not had a chance to experience the Grevillea Park as yet here are the remaining open days for 2013.

Open Days, Illawarra Grevillea Park Bulli, New South Fruit a follicle Open Days Jul 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th 2- or 1-seeded; September 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th 10am to 4pm

See the Park's Website for further details. http://www.grevilleapark.org

The enclosed section of the Park is only open on six weekends per year. It is a showplace for many plants; there are hundreds of grevilleas and a wide range of other native species in a landscaped setting. There are two unenclosed sections which are accessible 365 days a year. Rear Rainforest Section: This is a popular area for walkers and access is either from Seymour St (off Cope Place), Bulli or walking around the northern boundary fence. This area is for walkers only and other forms of activity are forbidden. Front Section: This area is RTA land which is maintained by The Grevillea Park. It provides open land as well as many plantings. The Park is located at the rear of Bulli Showground - turn off the Pacific Highway at the Woonona-Bulli Sports Club, just south of Slacky Creek). It is just a short walk from the Bulli railway station. Admission to the enclosed area is $5 (accompanied children free). Barbecue and picnic facilities available. Bring your lunch and make it a family day! Drinks on sale at the old Sherbrooke chapel (which also has a displays and an abundance of literature on native plants). Special openings for tours from groups (such as bus tours by Garden Clubs) can be arranged.

2 beautiful specimens from Tony Sexton’s garden

3 Newsletter Australian Plants Society Macarthur Group

June 2013

I’m happy to say that I have noticed a lot less kangaroo corpses on the roads in recent months. However if you do see one you can report it to Wires and they will check to see if there may be a Joey in the pouch. This goes for possums and other Australian marsupials. Sometimes a joey can stay alive for up to2 days.

It’s a good idea to keep a blanket, first aid kit and gloves in the car. Store WIRES phone number in your mobile phone. If you wish to be more involved Remember ….. SAFETY FIRST

Emergency advice for injured birds and animals

Improper rescue can hurt and distress the animal and also the rescuer. This is why WIRES trains all its volunteers. Caution is required when handling many species of wildlife. If you live in New South Wales, call WIRES on 13 000 WIRES or 13 00 094 737.

Wild animals are not used to being handled and are very susceptible to stress. If handled improperly, they are likely to struggle and hurt themselves even more. It is crucial to take care with the rescue of any native animal, and to reduce the animal's stress as much as possible. Step 1 Remove any threat to the animal. This may mean locking up cats and dogs until the animal is rescued by a licensed rescuer. Step 2 Contain the animal or bird. Minimise stress by placing a towel or blanket over the animal. It is best to line the box with a towel rather than newspaper or bare cardboard, then gently place it in the box. Put the box in a warm, quiet, dark room and DO NOT DISTURB. The stress associated with human contact can result in death. Please keep both children and domestic pets well away from the animal. Step 3 Do not give the bird or animal any food or water. Step 4 Seek advice. If you live in New South Wales, call WIRES on 13 000 WIRES or 13 00 094 737.

WIRES will give you advice on what to do until a trained WIRES rescuer comes to take the animal to a vet or WIRES carer. The carer will look after the animal until it is ready to be returned to the wild. 4

Newsletter Australian Plants Society Macarthur Group June 2013

The following article was published in the March 1994 issue of "Native Plants for New South Wales", the newsletter of the Society's NSW Region. It resulted from numerous inquiries that were received following the disastrous New South Wales bushfires of January 1994. Please note that we know of no plant that is completely non-flammable. The Society cannot guarantee that the species listed in the article will not burn...they are simply more resistant than many other species. All plants, whether they are exotic or Australian, will burn when subjected to sufficient heat. Different fire conditions have varying effects at different times on the same species. Nevertheless, trees of the type recommended in the following list, if correctly sited, conserve moisture, serve as a wind break by absorbing and deflecting radiant heat from the fire and act as a barrier to flying sparks and embers. In any area likely to be subject to bush fires, attention must be given to proper planning and regular maintenance. The following are some of the factors that should be considered. •Plant trees at least 5 m from house to allow clear access. Have paved sections such as paths and barbecue areas and/or a pebble garden with herbs near to the house.

•Position pools, tennis courts, etc., between house and direct line of fire threat. A lawn is a clear space that can be used as a fire break.

•Space trees and shrubs to avoid continuous canopy that may carry fire. Careful arrangement of plants is essential. Don't have trees that overhang the house.

•Use plants around the house that can be pruned when fire threatens. Trees and shrubs with lignotubers will re-sprout and recover quickly if it is necessary to cut them back hard in the face of threatening fire.

•Monitor the growth of trees and shrubs so that pruning is maintained, dead limbs removed, leaves put into compost bins with lids.

•Avoid combustible door mats and brush fences. Use draft sealers around doors and screens on windows.

•Avoid growing Conifers, rough fibrous bark trees such as Syncarpia glomulifera and "candle bark" trees (loose bark hanging from tree). Eucalypts of the following type are hazardous: E. globoidea, E. viminalis and E. oreades.

"All plants, whether they are exotic or Australian, will burn when subjected to sufficient heat."

5 Newsletter Australian Plants Society Macarthur Group June 2013 The following list was compiled from various sources. The list is preliminary only and comments and suggestions on errors or omissions would be appreciated. A key to the symbols used is given at the end of the list. Plants maked * were not listed in the original article (refer Newsletter of SGAP Victorian Region, December 1984). ANPSA's The Victorian Region has also compiled a list of fire retardant species - see "Further Information" below. Rainforest Trees Alectryon subcinereus (st), Callicoma serratifolia (s/st), Canthium coprosmoides (ls/st), Cassine australis (st), Croton insularis (s/st), Cupaniopsis anacardioides (s/mt), Cuttsia viburnea (s/st), Denhamii celastroides (st), Diospyros australis (s/st), Eleocarpus reticulatus(s/st), Eupomatia laurina (s/st), Glochidion ferdinandi (st), Grevillea robusta (lt), Guioa semiglauca (st), Hodgkinsonia ovatiflora (st), Lomatia fraseri (s), Mallotus philippensis (s/st), Melia azedarach (s/mt), Hymenosporum flavum (s/mt), Petalostigma triloculare (st), Podocarpus elatus (mt), Rapanea howittiana (s/st), Rapanea variabilis (s), Rhodosphaera rhodanthema (s/mt), Sarcopteryx stipata (s/m), Scolopea braunii (s/mt), Stenocarpus sinuatus (lt), Streblus brunonianus (s/mt), Symplocos stawellii (st), Symplocos thwaitesii (st/mt). Other Trees Acacia dealbata (mt), Acacia elata (lt), Acacia melanoxylon (mt*), Acmena smithii (mt), Agonis juniperina (st), Allocasuarina verticillata (mt), Angophora costata (lt), Banksia integrifolia (mt), Brachychiton acerifolius (lt), Brachychiton populneum (lt), Buckinghamia celsissima (mt), Casuarina glauca (lt), Casuarina cunninghamii (lt), Corymbia (syn.Eucalyptus) maculata (lt), Eucalyptus alpina (mt*), Eucalyptus pauciflora (mt*), Heterodendrum oleifolium (ls/st), Hymenosporum flavum (st), Lophostemon confertus (lt), Lagunaria patersonii (s/mt), Myoporum insulare (s/st), Pittosporum spp (mt/st*). Other Small Trees/Shrubs Acacia baileyana (ls), Acacia cultriformis (ls), Acacia howittii (st), Acacia iteaphylla (ls), Acacia pravissima (ls/st), Acacia prominens (ls/st*), Acacia saligna (st), Acacia sophorae (s), Acacia terminalis (st), Acacia vestita (ls), Acacia spp. others suited to site, Atriplex spp (ss), Angophora hispida (st/s), Banksia marginata (st/s), Bursaria spinosa (ls/st), Cassia spp. suited to site, Dodonaea spp. suited to site, Einadia hastata (ss), Eremophila maculata (s), Grevillea spp. suited to site, Hakea elliptica (s), Hakea salicifolia (st), Hakea suaveolens (s), Jacksonia scoparia (ls), Maireana spp (ss), Rhagodia baccata (s). Ground Covers Ajuga australis, Carpobrotus glaucesens, Dichondra repens, Einadia nutans, Eremophila debilis (syn. Myoporum debile), Hardenbergia violacea (will climb), Kennedia prostrata (*), Kennedia rubicunda (will climb), Myoporum parvifolium, Pelargonium spp (*), Pultenaea prostrata, Scaevola spp. Key to Plant List ls = large shrub; lt = large tree; ms = medium shrub; mt = medium tree; s = shrub; ss = small shrub; st = small tree 6

Newsletter Australian Plants Society Macarthur Group

Further information June 2013 Several books are available which provide detailed information on bushfires and bushfire protection. There are also a number of useful resources on the internet. Some of the most detailed references are listed below.

Books: •Webster, Joan (2000), The Complete Bushfire Safety Book, Random House Australia.

Internet: •Australian Native Plants For Fire Protection - compiled by Neil Marriott for the Australian Plants Society (Victoria) •Bushfires - An Integral Part of Australia's Environment. •Fire and Biodiversity: The Effects and Effectiveness of Fire Management. Proceedings of the Conference held 8 - 9 October 1994, Footscray, Melbourne. •How Fires Affect Biodiversity.

If you are interested in the beautiful mosses found around your garden, why not check out this website for more information.

http://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/Mosses_online/index.html

Rita

Next APS meeting at: Wollondilly Community Nursery See you there! Wonga Street Picton

Many thanks to all who contribute their time to the following positions: Macarthur APS contact: Kevin Mathews 4628 6974 Vice President: Robin Davies 02 4653 1275, Treasurer: Tony Sexton Secretary/ Facebook/ Website: Rod Bray Phone/Fax: 02 4647 9928 mobile 0466 593 450 Membership Officer/ Library: Michael Williams mobile 0414 691 366 Newsletter and Blog: Shirley Henderson

Website: http://tinyurl.com/APS-Macarthur 7