Newsletter 1990S

The Friends of News from the President (continued) The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (continued from page 1) As a result of very significant WMC Resources Our funds should never be seen as an easy way of Port Augusta Incorporated donations, conditional on State and Federal making up a budget shortfall at short notice. We should This location with its boardwalk, observation deck and Government contributions, with input also from the City always try to ensure that our funds are donated in shelter with interpretive signs gave people an idea of Council, a revised Garden master plan was the basis ways that attract further funds and provide plants and what was proposed for the site they were viewing, in for development work which commenced in the early developments and equipment that can be seen, and February 2010 the years before the Garden was established. Newsletter 1990s. Various Friends played very significant advisory not swallowed up by administration. Those who have Bernie Haase, initially a Friends volunteer was employed and planning roles, propagating plants, and eventually worked so hard to fund raise over 25 years know how for some years as a contractor providing his own vehicle funding and establishing a nursery at the Garden which difficult a task it is and we must be good stewards of and tools and with no facilities on site in the beginning. they operated until it was taken over by council last our hard earned money. News from the President His tenure of employment changed but it was still a year. Other friends were involved in the preparation of Without the efforts of our Friends group in earlier years very poorly paid position. Despite this, his achievement all signage in the Garden until a few years ago, training especially, I am quite sure that the Australian Arid Following our last meeting for 2009 in November, the 'Friends' from the original committee of the FAALBG watching Fay Poole cutting the 25th birthday cake and John Zwar President in setting out the Garden, installing irrigation, garden tour guides and as garden guides, running Lands Botanic Garden would not exist, as it was the Friends celebrated 25 years of service in promoting standing behind her. Other past Committee members from left to right: Bruce Leane, Gwen Leane, Margaret Larson, Allan Murphy, propagating and planting, garden maintenance, record the informal education program until recently, helping Ursula Meese, Dennis Dobson, Wally Klau and Cam Cap. tenacity and perseverance of a core group of Friends the concept of the AALBG, fund raising, voluntary keeping – all by hand – he had no computer, and a with record keeping and administration until recently, which eventually convinced council and governments work and provision of expertise, at the annual Friends’ host of other duties is quite remarkable. His knowledge organising and running special promotional events and some sectors of industry that it was a valid and Christmas dinner, held again at the Bluebush Cafe. of arid zone native plants is second to none and he such as the Eremophila Festival and assisting with worthy development for Port Augusta. We provided It was a very pleasant evening, and thanks to Chris was meticulous in what he did. Gradually the garden others, developing and hosting (at no cost to council) base funding for many early developments. With a very Nayda in particular for helping with the organisation. developed, facilities were provided and at times one the Garden’s Web site until recently – now it is the small paid staff many Friends volunteer at the Garden After the dinner our 25 years were celebrated with a or more additional people were employed. He was not Friends web site, promoting the garden in many ways in various ways, enabling services to be provided that decorated cake and photos were taken which included really supported and his role was not appreciated by and in various places, conducting plant sales (until otherwise could not be afforded. I am not sure that Friends who were foundation members and were able council. Despite his passion for the Garden he was recently) and of course fund raising. senior Council management understand or appreciate to attend the dinner. It was wonderful to see several frustrated in his role and eventually resigned to accept Although not a complete list the Friends have funded the significance of the Friends group in establishing foundation members and former office holders at the a position with National Parks about three years ago. furnishings and equipment in the WMC Herbarium/ the Garden and in its ongoing operation. 25 year celebration. At that stage Council upgraded the position to Curator Meeting Room, a 4WD vehicle for use in the Garden, and increased the salary very significantly. I have the distinct impression they often consider we As President and founder of the Garden I gave an 2 Gaitor vehicles for use in the Garden, a tractor are interfering complainers. From the initial proposal in impromptu talk on the role and activities of the Friends The largest single fund raising event mounted by the and range of implements, a custom built trailer 1981, to the formation of the Friends in 1984 it was group since our formation in 1984, as I am sure newer Friends was in the 1990s when we were contracted specifically set up for plant collecting expeditions, Interestingly ours was one of the first Friends of With a site selected, the Friends were able to provide a further 12 years before Stage 1 of the AALBG was Friends and Garden employees and senior Council by Telecom to rehabilitate three disturbed areas in the the fully equipped nursery developed over 10 years, a botanic garden in Australia, established before base funding for a government grant employing long opened in September 1996. It would certainly not have personnel have little knowledge on the formation of Nullarbor National Park around their fibre optic cable label making machine and other plant and equipment, Friends groups of some of the major botanic gardens term unemployed people to clean up the site, remove eventuated if it had been left as a recommendation to the Garden, it’s early years, and the critical role played repeater stations. These sites are near the border with many interpretive signs, irrigation equipment, made in Australia. Our inaugural Secretary, Pauline Schiller rubbish, debris and weed growth. Once a master plan Council. It is significant though that Council eventually by the Friends. Although invited, no senior council WA about 1,100 km west of Port Augusta. The project several significant donations for garden developments, undertook to have our new group “incorporated” and was developed (the first one funded with a small state picked up the concept as a result of Friends lobbying personnel or Garden staff were able to attend the included collecting appropriate seed in these areas the particularly making up budget over runs recently, Main the new committee set about fund raising, promoting government grant) the Friends provided funds for and public opinion, and has funded and operated the dinner. My impromptu talk covered the earlier years of year before, volunteer growers propagating it, and then Entrance gates, fencing, road works, plant and seed and lobbying council and members of parliament for the vermin proof boundary fencing which was installed by Garden since the 1990s. Although it must have been the Friends in particular and made various comments 10 Friends volunteers taking a week off to travel to the purchases, funded seed collecting expeditions and garden and arranging regular meetings with progress TAFE Pastoral students for practical experience. a drain on Council finances the Garden is now a Port and observations. Nullarbor to plant, make and install tree guards (for the list goes on with hundreds of thousands of dollars reports on the proposed garden and with appropriate Augusta landmark and has helped change the formerly Friends volunteers mounted a number of seed and vermin protection) and then water in new plants. The having been provided over the 25 years. I estimate that In 1981 I recommended to Port Augusta Council guest speakers. Petitions were distributed throughout poor image of Port Augusta to that of “The Arid Garden plant collecting expeditions to various arid regions logistics of getting camping equipment and supplies, over 10 years we put approx $100,000 into developing that consideration be given to establishing a botanic northern SA and almost 30,000 signatures collected City”. Those members of earlier Councils who made of SA (with appropriate permits) and several Friends plants, tools, large rolls of mesh for the approx 1,000 the nursery at the Garden. It was taken over by Council garden featuring arid zone plants. At the time I was for both state and federal parliaments supporting the the decision to proceed with the Garden must be very propagated plants at home using this seed of known guards, arranging for full water tankers to be delivered last year to be run as a commercial venture, but the the Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, a role I establishment of an arid lands botanic garden at Port pleased with its progress and the status it has given provenance, collected in the wild and planted them in to each site, insurance coverage and various other disappointing aspect of that was that the executive of held for 15 years, having set up and established the Augusta. Promotional talks and displays were provided Port Augusta, within Australia and overseas.. the garden forming initial shelter belt plantings and the incidentals were huge as we all had our regular jobs to the Friends were not informed of what was proposed Parks & Gardens Department for the Port Augusta City whenever there was an opportunity. garden around the tourist lookout just off the Stuart attend to, but all went well and despite the harsh arid or happening until after the event and the Friends have To all Friends who have contributed in any way to the Council in 1975. Council allowed me to investigate the Council gradually became more interested in the Highway, looking over the Garden site. conditions our plantings had a success rate of more not been formally thanked for that very significant development of “our” Garden a huge thank you. Let’s botanic garden proposal but provided no support and proposal and a site was identified and secured for than 90%, a very pleasing result, helped by some “gift”. We are not opposed to the concept, but very hope our next 25 years will see many more appropriate there was minimal interest in the concept at the time. (continued on page 4) the Garden. Council formed an Advisory Group which timely rains and a couple of additional watering by the disappointed at the lack of consultation by those who developments! The local Garden Club was supportive as were some included Friends representatives, a representative of Lutheran Pastor and members of the Yalata Aboriginal organised the take over. Some more recent members individuals including some quite influential people and (Summary of talk given by President John Zwar at the Botanic Garden of Adelaide (usually the Director Community who carted water the few hundred km to seem to think we sit on our money, but we have put I promoted the garden concept through the media, by the FAALBG 25 year celebration, November 2009) – Dr Brian Morley at the time), environmentalist Dr do this. The Friends were paid $30,000 by Telecom hundreds of thousands of dollars into the garden over writing to many people and organisations, magazine Next Meeting Reg Sprigg of Arkaroola, and others. Meetings were for this rehabilitation work and after about $10,000 of our 25 years. I consider it our role to very carefully articles and so on but there was not much progress held sporadically but gradually progress was made. expenses made a profit of $20,000! consider how we spend our money and fund those and little council interest in the first few years. NEXT MEETING OF THE FRIENDS AALBG Our inaugural Treasurer, Wally Schiller managed our things that are unlikely to be funded otherwise. Saturday 20th February 2010 In 1984 I called a public meeting to investigate forming finances well and gradually our bank balance grew. 1pm at the Conference room of the AALBG a friends group for the proposed garden. It was very The most significant early injection of funds was a well attended and members of the recently formed $10,000 donation from the Port Augusta Rotary Club GUEST SPEAKERS WILL BE: Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide addressed which helped establish the Friends on a firm financial 1. Chris Nayda with a short slide show of her trip to the meeting, explained their role and activities and footing. Memberships and donations boosted our Hobart for the Australasian Botanic Garden Tour Guides Contacts offered help and advice. Those present agreed to funds along with income from fund raising events Conference form a Friends group for the proposed garden at Port and activities. Wally and Pauline Schiller raised a 2. Peter and Ronda Hall with some wonderful slides President: John Zwar Phone Home: (08) 8364 4256 Work: (08) 8372 6876 Email: [email protected] Augusta, which was based on the Friends of the Botanic considerable sum at trash and treasure markets over of plants and scenery taken on their trip in 2009 Secretary / Treasurer: Geraldine Davis Phone: (08) 8648 6399 Mobile: 0418 447 020 Email: [email protected] Gardens of Adelaide with some obvious differences – several years selling all sorts of donated items, large from Darwin south to Tenant Creek and then east to PO Box 2040, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700 the main one being that we were a friends group of a and small. We produced post cards and posters for Camooweal just over the Queensland border. concept, a garden that did not yet exist! sale. When I moved to Roxby Downs I sold plants at Issued February 2010 by Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Inc. Port Augusta market days with proceeds donated to the Friends.

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. Bird Walk at Arid Lands Botanic Garden Out and About in the Garden

Seven birders turned up for the first walk of 2010. BIRD LIST AS FOLLOWS: PROGRAMME 2010 Our Acacia pycnantha The Golden Wattle, Australia’s The new courtyard renovations are well under way It promised to be hot so we started at seven o'clock. - Crested Pigeon - White-browed Babbler Sunday 7th February - Pt. Patterson / Bird Lake national emblem on our coat of arms has had many with the lovely red sand placed around the pathways. From the car park, we could see Black Honeyeaters - Nankeen Kestrel - Chirruping Wedgebill Meet at pistol club 7.30am visitors to the AALBG commenting on the unexpected Plantings will begin about March when most of the hawking insects above the Sugarwoods towards the - Red-capped Plover - Australian Magpie white covering on the trunk. Pruinose (a description hot weather will be gone. Its certainly looking like the Sunday 7th March - Chinamans Creek / Winninowie Visitor Centre. White-plumed Honeyeaters paused - Galah - Australian Raven of the stunning powdery white covering of some Great Victoria Desert and walking in under the archway Meet at turn-off at 7.30am there briefly also. A Nankeen Kestrel perched on a - Mulga Parrot - Magpie-lark tree trunks), is only seen on Acacia pycnantha in its the color really hits you. Will make a lovely setting for solar-panel designed to deter birds from doing that - Rainbow Bee-eater - White-backed Swallow Sunday 18th April - Quorn tour ‘northern occurrences’ in the hot northern areas of its weddings as the center section has been enlarged with and allowed a very close look. - Singing Honeyeater - Welcome Swallow Meet at Quorn swimming pool 7.30am regions. Many visitors observe this difference, with the this in mind. - White-plumed Honeyeater - Tree Martin challenge ‘this is not the same as ‘our Golden Wattle” The dead trees by the pond at the Visitor Centre had Sunday 2nd May - Bernie’s Block Chris Nayda - White-fronted Honeyeater - Zebra Finch as the same tree in other regions where it grows has a a lovely pair of Mulga Parrots perched in them and a Meet at Mambray Creek Roadhouse at 8.00am - Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater - House Sparrow rough dark brown trunk. PLANTS FLOWERING IN THE GARDEN: few Crested Pigeons. A pair of Zebra Finches flew in - Black Honeyeater Sunday 20th June - Alligator Gorge / Melrose for a quick drink and some House Sparrows and Spiny- The same plant observed at Melrose about one hour Grevillea huegelii Meet at Wilmington Pub at 8.00am cheeked Honeyeaters made brief visits. There was a Not a big list, but considering the temperature (and drive north-east of Port Augusta in the Flinders Ranges Eremophila polyclada x divaricata [Summertime blue] small group of White-browed Babblers hopping about time spent) not bad. The Black Honeyeaters were Peter Langdon has the usual rough dark brown trunk as also seen in the Eremophila Garden, and more honeyeaters definitely the birds of the day. Hope it's cooler for Port in plants in eastern Australia. It is an interesting drive Eucalyptus coolibah including a White-fronted Honeyeater. Patterson etc on 7th February. through the Flinders Ranges via the Pichi Richi Pass Eremophila clavata from Pt Augusta to Quorn observing the ‘northern On towards the AridSmart Gardens and a Singing version’ of Acacia pycnantha. They present a stunning Eremophila maculata Honeyeater was “sunning”, low down in an acacia. display with their white trunks and masses of golden There was plenty of 'sun'. The mulgas were seen Acacia pycnantha at AALBG yellow flowers. again and a large flock of Tree Martins chasing insects towards the railway line. It was getting really hot. A Wedgebill was calling but declined to come out in the heat again after a brief “show”. At the Nursery Dates to Watch We drove out to the Flinders Lookout and saw Rainbow Bee-eaters in the mangroves. Silver Gulls and Red- DATES TO WATCH capped Plovers were seen out on the mud-bank but NEW STAFF BORONIA CRENULATA the heat haze made other small waders unidentifiable. We welcome Tania Danylycha to the nursery. She Most gardeners have at some time tried to grow a Laura Folk Fair - 10 & 11 April By this time it was very warm in the sun, so we decided will be working part-time for a while helping Deon Boronia in their garden, most times without much luck. ABC Garden Expo - 6-8 March to “call it a day”. Peter Langdon (far right) showing members of the Bird Observers Group a Black Honeyeater at AALBG Schumann. She still works part-time at SA Arid Lands If you want one that does very well in Port Augusta’s We are looking for volunteers to help man the stall NRM Board in administration. red sand you should try Boronia crenulata. at the ABC Expo which is being held at the Wayville Tania and her husband bought a large block of land Boronia crenulata grows to about 1m x 1m, has showgrounds Adelaide. This is a great weekend, lots of which is all native bushland in the Pichi Richi Pass dark green leaves and from August to September fun and you meet many interesting people. A roster will The Darwin Connection about 5years ago. With a plan from Landcare Australia is covered with dusky pink flowers about 1.5 cm in be made to suit peoples requirements. they are gradually revegetating. This includes clearing diameter. Flowers are four petalled. Once established We also need help to sell plants for a few hours on boxthorn and many other weeds, taking off all stock, it will survive by being watered in line with the water Included below is a brief summary of the The cause is massive habitat destruction from land either day of the Laura Folk Fair. establishment of the Darwin Reserve. For more clearance. If these figures are right, well before the collecting seed and propagating native plants from restrictions. their land. They can already see an amazing change If you are at all able to help on any of these days please information, visit www.bushheritage.org.au next millennium party begins, over 65 over cent of the Boronia crenulata grows naturally in Western Australia. in the landscape with plants not seen for a long time contact: Michael Anlezark at the Arid-Smart nursery Earth’s species will be long gone. They can be seen flowering now at the Australian Arid Late in his life the, the great naturalist Charles Darwin re-emerging after the rains. on 8641 9118 wrote; ‘I feel no remorse from having committed any Jac and I decided to use Charles Darwin money to try Lands Botanic Garden and have been used in the great sin, but I have often regretted that I have not done and slow this terrible decline. The best solution seamed She has been amazed at the wealth of knowledge AridSmart display gardens there. among the volunteers and staff at the nursery and is more direct good to my fellow creatures’. This poignant to be to buy high conservation value land before it, Peter Hall quote from my great-great-grandfather inspired me to and it’s inhabitants, were destroyed. We found what really excited about learning more. use my inheritance from him to rectify this omission we were looking for when Bush heritage discovered Her parents Jenny and Allan Murphy where original in his life. My wife, Jacqui and I began by researching Whitewells Station. Jacqui and I believe that if Charles Christa and Charlie Nicholson, formally caretakers members of the Friends of AALBG and participated in how our ‘fellow Creatures’ were faring. We were Darwin was here today, he would be delighted that his for The Charles Darwin Reserve (see article below). the first plantings at AALBG so it is great to have her horrified by what we discovered. Did you know that money was being used to protect this property which Charles Darwin Reserve was known as White Wells at the nursery. we are plunging into a ‘mass extinction spasm’ – a has been named in his honour. Station and is approximately 300Km north-east of short period in earth’s history (normally less than a Chris Nayda Perth on the edge of the wheat belt. Charlie and We are convinced that if we do not act now, future few thousand years) when more than 65 percent of all Christa visited the AALBG on their way home from generations will look back with dismay at the species become extinct? holidays in Queensland. destruction of the natural world that we presided over. The fossil records show that there have been at least By creating the Charles Darwin reserve we have all They have been long time ‘Friends’ and spent many five mass extinction spasms. These catastrophes helped to slow earth’s sixth mass extinction spasm, hours wandering through the garden as well as a visit occur due to massive habitat changes. The meteorite and helped to save the animals and plants with which to Powell Gardens in Quorn. Rieck Shine also gave that slammed into the planet during the Cretaceous we share this beautiful planet. them a tour of the Port Augusta Council’s Waste Water caused one such event and wiped out the dinosaurs. Treatment Plant as water conservation is high on their Extracts taken from comments by Chris Darwin Professor E O Wilson, one of the most respected priorities. with kind permission from Bush Heritage from biodiversity experts, estimates that we are losing www.bushheritage.org.au Chris Nayda between two percent and six per cent of the planet’s species every ten years. Boronia crenulata Tania Danylycha working at Arid Smart nursery

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. Bird Walk at Arid Lands Botanic Garden Out and About in the Garden

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. The Friends of News from the President (continued) The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (continued from page 1) As a result of very significant WMC Resources Our funds should never be seen as an easy way of Port Augusta Incorporated donations, conditional on State and Federal making up a budget shortfall at short notice. We should This location with its boardwalk, observation deck and Government contributions, with input also from the City always try to ensure that our funds are donated in shelter with interpretive signs gave people an idea of Council, a revised Garden master plan was the basis ways that attract further funds and provide plants and what was proposed for the site they were viewing, in for development work which commenced in the early developments and equipment that can be seen, and February 2010 the years before the Garden was established. Newsletter 1990s. Various Friends played very significant advisory not swallowed up by administration. Those who have Bernie Haase, initially a Friends volunteer was employed and planning roles, propagating plants, and eventually worked so hard to fund raise over 25 years know how for some years as a contractor providing his own vehicle funding and establishing a nursery at the Garden which difficult a task it is and we must be good stewards of and tools and with no facilities on site in the beginning. they operated until it was taken over by council last our hard earned money. News from the President His tenure of employment changed but it was still a year. Other friends were involved in the preparation of Without the efforts of our Friends group in earlier years very poorly paid position. Despite this, his achievement all signage in the Garden until a few years ago, training especially, I am quite sure that the Australian Arid Following our last meeting for 2009 in November, the 'Friends' from the original committee of the FAALBG watching Fay Poole cutting the 25th birthday cake and John Zwar President in setting out the Garden, installing irrigation, garden tour guides and as garden guides, running Lands Botanic Garden would not exist, as it was the Friends celebrated 25 years of service in promoting standing behind her. Other past Committee members from left to right: Bruce Leane, Gwen Leane, Margaret Larson, Allan Murphy, propagating and planting, garden maintenance, record the informal education program until recently, helping Ursula Meese, Dennis Dobson, Wally Klau and Cam Cap. tenacity and perseverance of a core group of Friends the concept of the AALBG, fund raising, voluntary keeping – all by hand – he had no computer, and a with record keeping and administration until recently, which eventually convinced council and governments work and provision of expertise, at the annual Friends’ host of other duties is quite remarkable. His knowledge organising and running special promotional events and some sectors of industry that it was a valid and Christmas dinner, held again at the Bluebush Cafe. of arid zone native plants is second to none and he such as the Eremophila Festival and assisting with worthy development for Port Augusta. We provided It was a very pleasant evening, and thanks to Chris was meticulous in what he did. Gradually the garden others, developing and hosting (at no cost to council) base funding for many early developments. With a very Nayda in particular for helping with the organisation. developed, facilities were provided and at times one the Garden’s Web site until recently – now it is the small paid staff many Friends volunteer at the Garden After the dinner our 25 years were celebrated with a or more additional people were employed. He was not Friends web site, promoting the garden in many ways in various ways, enabling services to be provided that decorated cake and photos were taken which included really supported and his role was not appreciated by and in various places, conducting plant sales (until otherwise could not be afforded. I am not sure that Friends who were foundation members and were able council. Despite his passion for the Garden he was recently) and of course fund raising. senior Council management understand or appreciate to attend the dinner. It was wonderful to see several frustrated in his role and eventually resigned to accept Although not a complete list the Friends have funded the significance of the Friends group in establishing foundation members and former office holders at the a position with National Parks about three years ago. furnishings and equipment in the WMC Herbarium/ the Garden and in its ongoing operation. 25 year celebration. At that stage Council upgraded the position to Curator Meeting Room, a 4WD vehicle for use in the Garden, and increased the salary very significantly. I have the distinct impression they often consider we As President and founder of the Garden I gave an 2 Gaitor vehicles for use in the Garden, a tractor are interfering complainers. From the initial proposal in impromptu talk on the role and activities of the Friends The largest single fund raising event mounted by the and range of implements, a custom built trailer 1981, to the formation of the Friends in 1984 it was group since our formation in 1984, as I am sure newer Friends was in the 1990s when we were contracted specifically set up for plant collecting expeditions, Interestingly ours was one of the first Friends of With a site selected, the Friends were able to provide a further 12 years before Stage 1 of the AALBG was Friends and Garden employees and senior Council by Telecom to rehabilitate three disturbed areas in the the fully equipped nursery developed over 10 years, a botanic garden in Australia, established before base funding for a government grant employing long opened in September 1996. It would certainly not have personnel have little knowledge on the formation of Nullarbor National Park around their fibre optic cable label making machine and other plant and equipment, Friends groups of some of the major botanic gardens term unemployed people to clean up the site, remove eventuated if it had been left as a recommendation to the Garden, it’s early years, and the critical role played repeater stations. These sites are near the border with many interpretive signs, irrigation equipment, made in Australia. Our inaugural Secretary, Pauline Schiller rubbish, debris and weed growth. Once a master plan Council. It is significant though that Council eventually by the Friends. Although invited, no senior council WA about 1,100 km west of Port Augusta. The project several significant donations for garden developments, undertook to have our new group “incorporated” and was developed (the first one funded with a small state picked up the concept as a result of Friends lobbying personnel or Garden staff were able to attend the included collecting appropriate seed in these areas the particularly making up budget over runs recently, Main the new committee set about fund raising, promoting government grant) the Friends provided funds for and public opinion, and has funded and operated the dinner. My impromptu talk covered the earlier years of year before, volunteer growers propagating it, and then Entrance gates, fencing, road works, plant and seed and lobbying council and members of parliament for the vermin proof boundary fencing which was installed by Garden since the 1990s. Although it must have been the Friends in particular and made various comments 10 Friends volunteers taking a week off to travel to the purchases, funded seed collecting expeditions and garden and arranging regular meetings with progress TAFE Pastoral students for practical experience. a drain on Council finances the Garden is now a Port and observations. Nullarbor to plant, make and install tree guards (for the list goes on with hundreds of thousands of dollars reports on the proposed garden and with appropriate Augusta landmark and has helped change the formerly Friends volunteers mounted a number of seed and vermin protection) and then water in new plants. The having been provided over the 25 years. I estimate that In 1981 I recommended to Port Augusta Council guest speakers. Petitions were distributed throughout poor image of Port Augusta to that of “The Arid Garden plant collecting expeditions to various arid regions logistics of getting camping equipment and supplies, over 10 years we put approx $100,000 into developing that consideration be given to establishing a botanic northern SA and almost 30,000 signatures collected City”. Those members of earlier Councils who made of SA (with appropriate permits) and several Friends plants, tools, large rolls of mesh for the approx 1,000 the nursery at the Garden. It was taken over by Council garden featuring arid zone plants. At the time I was for both state and federal parliaments supporting the the decision to proceed with the Garden must be very propagated plants at home using this seed of known guards, arranging for full water tankers to be delivered last year to be run as a commercial venture, but the the Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, a role I establishment of an arid lands botanic garden at Port pleased with its progress and the status it has given provenance, collected in the wild and planted them in to each site, insurance coverage and various other disappointing aspect of that was that the executive of held for 15 years, having set up and established the Augusta. Promotional talks and displays were provided Port Augusta, within Australia and overseas.. the garden forming initial shelter belt plantings and the incidentals were huge as we all had our regular jobs to the Friends were not informed of what was proposed Parks & Gardens Department for the Port Augusta City whenever there was an opportunity. garden around the tourist lookout just off the Stuart attend to, but all went well and despite the harsh arid or happening until after the event and the Friends have To all Friends who have contributed in any way to the Council in 1975. Council allowed me to investigate the Council gradually became more interested in the Highway, looking over the Garden site. conditions our plantings had a success rate of more not been formally thanked for that very significant development of “our” Garden a huge thank you. Let’s botanic garden proposal but provided no support and proposal and a site was identified and secured for than 90%, a very pleasing result, helped by some “gift”. We are not opposed to the concept, but very hope our next 25 years will see many more appropriate there was minimal interest in the concept at the time. (continued on page 4) the Garden. Council formed an Advisory Group which timely rains and a couple of additional watering by the disappointed at the lack of consultation by those who developments! The local Garden Club was supportive as were some included Friends representatives, a representative of Lutheran Pastor and members of the Yalata Aboriginal organised the take over. Some more recent members individuals including some quite influential people and (Summary of talk given by President John Zwar at the Botanic Garden of Adelaide (usually the Director Community who carted water the few hundred km to seem to think we sit on our money, but we have put I promoted the garden concept through the media, by the FAALBG 25 year celebration, November 2009) – Dr Brian Morley at the time), environmentalist Dr do this. The Friends were paid $30,000 by Telecom hundreds of thousands of dollars into the garden over writing to many people and organisations, magazine Next Meeting Reg Sprigg of Arkaroola, and others. Meetings were for this rehabilitation work and after about $10,000 of our 25 years. I consider it our role to very carefully articles and so on but there was not much progress held sporadically but gradually progress was made. expenses made a profit of $20,000! consider how we spend our money and fund those and little council interest in the first few years. NEXT MEETING OF THE FRIENDS AALBG Our inaugural Treasurer, Wally Schiller managed our things that are unlikely to be funded otherwise. Saturday 20th February 2010 In 1984 I called a public meeting to investigate forming finances well and gradually our bank balance grew. 1pm at the Conference room of the AALBG a friends group for the proposed garden. It was very The most significant early injection of funds was a well attended and members of the recently formed $10,000 donation from the Port Augusta Rotary Club GUEST SPEAKERS WILL BE: Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide addressed which helped establish the Friends on a firm financial 1. Chris Nayda with a short slide show of her trip to the meeting, explained their role and activities and footing. Memberships and donations boosted our Hobart for the Australasian Botanic Garden Tour Guides Contacts offered help and advice. Those present agreed to funds along with income from fund raising events Conference form a Friends group for the proposed garden at Port and activities. Wally and Pauline Schiller raised a 2. Peter and Ronda Hall with some wonderful slides President: John Zwar Phone Home: (08) 8364 4256 Work: (08) 8372 6876 Email: [email protected] Augusta, which was based on the Friends of the Botanic considerable sum at trash and treasure markets over of plants and scenery taken on their trip in 2009 Secretary / Treasurer: Geraldine Davis Phone: (08) 8648 6399 Mobile: 0418 447 020 Email: [email protected] Gardens of Adelaide with some obvious differences – several years selling all sorts of donated items, large from Darwin south to Tenant Creek and then east to PO Box 2040, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700 the main one being that we were a friends group of a and small. We produced post cards and posters for Camooweal just over the Queensland border. concept, a garden that did not yet exist! sale. When I moved to Roxby Downs I sold plants at Issued February 2010 by Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Inc. Port Augusta market days with proceeds donated to the Friends.

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. The Friends of Bird Group Outing with Flinders Ranges Water Cruises The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Six of us went down the gulf with Aaron from Flinders the northern hemisphere and not all that commonly Thrush, birds not usually associated with mangroves. Port Augusta Incorporated Ranges Water Cruises in the afternoon of Saturday seen in South Australia. Aaron put the bow of the boat Next summer I hope to be a bit more organised for 10/04/10. The trip was timed so that the tide was onto the mud bank and we had gripping views of them more of these trips. out and the mud-banks would be exposed for feeding catching shrimps on the incoming tide. We went on Peter Langdon May 2010 waders. South of the Yacht Club a small flock of towards the power station where hundreds of Pied Newsletter White Ibis were feeding amongst the mangroves Cormorants were nesting on the transmission-line accompanied by a White-faced Heron. Further on were towers. There were birds on nests, chicks in nests, and a couple of Sooty Oystercatchers and a Little Egret nests being built. A continual stream of birds were flying BUS TRIP TO WITTUNGA darting about in the shallow water catching a small to and from the site, either feeding young or bringing in BOTANIC GARDEN News from the President fish. On a channel marker a spotted - backed juvenile more nesting material, mainly leafy mangrove sticks. It The Australian Plants Society Port Augusta and Districts Crested Tern was begging unsuccessfully to an adult. was a hive of industry, albeit a bit smelly. On the return Group is arranging a two day bus trip to Wittunga Both the birds took little notice of the passing boat, so trip, we saw stingrays and couple of large Eagle Rays Botanic Garden and Gawler Food Forrest on 2nd and we had good views. A dolphin surfaced near the boat in the shallow water near Curlew Island and a large 3rd October 2010 (Long Weekend) and then another with a small calf. “That makes three male Musk Duck floating nearby. Back near the Yacht calves this summer” said Aaron who knows them all by Club, we stopped to greet “Joy”, a large female Dolphin The Friends and Guides of Adelaide Botanic Garden sight. We proceeded south, seeing more Sooty Oyster that lay on the surface alongside the boat, looking at have invited us for lunch on the way and all Friends catchers along the shore and a Caspian Tern overhead. us with a very large eye before slowly swimming off. of AALBG are invited to join this trip and see two Solitary Greenshanks were feeding on the mud banks She is a regular and is easily recognised by her badly wonderful gardens and the Food Forest at Gawler. and some 50+ Little Black Cormorants were seen scarred back. We saw 20 species of birds, so a good A good chance to swap information with each other. roosting together. Three waders at Orchard Point south two hours spent, especially seeing the Terek and the For more information please contact: of the hospital, turned out to be a Terek Sandpiper and Tattles. It was also interesting to note birds like Yellow- President Mrs. Ronda Hall on 8641 0112 two Grey-tailed Tattlers, both migratory species from throated Miner, Crested Pigeon and Grey Shrike- or sec. Chris Nayda 8642 4684 Vale, Brian Powell AM

It is my sad duty to inform members that Friends and supported always by Fay. On moving into Quorn foundation member, Brian Powell of Quorn died on several years ago, at an age when most people slow ANZAC Day. He was in the Royal Adelaide Hospital down, he proposed a garden of Quorn regional native and did not recover following heart valve surgery. Our plants in the town parklands. Work started promptly sincere sympathy is extended to his wife of 62 years, and the Powell Gardens were opened by SA Governor Fay and to Anne & Ian and their families. Brian (and Fay) Marjorie Jackson, shortly before the end of her were strong and active supporters of the Australian Arid term as Governor. These gardens have continued to Lands Botanic Garden from the time it was proposed. flourish and expand, maintained entirely by Brian, Fay He was a member of the Council Advisory Committee, and volunteers and will be one of a number of fitting then the Board then Reference Group, established to memorials to his vision and ability to “get things done”. set up, plan and develop the proposed garden, and to Brian, a good friend to many and a very practical recommend management procedures as well as being environmentalist will be missed by all who knew him. a Foundation Member of the Friends. He is responsible His was a life well lived. A more detailed obituary will for the Eremophila Garden in front of the Visitor be included in the next newsletter. Brian’s funeral Interpretive Centre at the Garden, and organised plants was held in Adelaide on 30th April. The Friends were (from the Hall’s Eremophila Nursery) and volunteers to represented at the funeral. plant them, mulch and help install Irrigation before the John Zwar, President. It is encouraging that some people have responded to More recently Friends have assisted council staff with Ronda Hall on duty at the ABC garden Show in March this opening of stage 1 of the Garden in 1996, so that a our request for more Garden Guides, though more are AALBG plant sales at the 2 day Laura Folk Fair which year. bare area disturbed by the building works would be Brian was showing a group of TAFE Horticultural & Garden still needed. If at all interested in finding out more was well attended on the Saturday but quieter on the planted up and more attractive for the opening. He was Design students around Powell Gardens, Quorn Five Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden helped about the role of guides please contact Chris Nayda, Sunday with rain forecast. In May several Friends are much happier actually doing things than sitting around August 2009 out over the weekend. who will be happy to explain this. Training is provided, travelling to Mildura for the conference of the Friends at meetings talking about them, which was a cause The stand was set up by Michael Anlezark and many along with guides’ notes and it is not a difficult job. of Australian Botanic Gardens, hosted by the Australian of frustration for him. Brian will be remembered for favourable comments were passed. Garden Guides meet some really interesting people Inland Botanic Garden. As we have been invited to host his huge contribution to many environmental causes, from all over the world. Additional guides will take the next conference in 2012 at Port Augusta, it will be especially in northern South Australia, ably backed up the pressure off the few who are presently handling useful to see how the event is run and promote the all guided tours. With cooler weather more visitors will AALBG as the next conference venue. Next Meeting be booking tours so please give this some thought if We look forward to seeing those who can attend our you live in the Port Augusta area and have time and May meeting when Lisa Stevens will speak about NEXT MEETING OF THE FRIENDS AALBG consider helping if you can. Contacts her experiences as an environmental volunteer with - Saturday the 29th May 2010 In March a number of Friends helped promote the Frontier in Tanzania. To Friends all over Australia - 1pm at the Conference room of the AALBG President: John Zwar Phone Home: (08) 8338 6658 Work: (08) 8372 6876 Email: [email protected] AALBG at the ABC Gardening Australia Expo at the and overseas who support the Australian Arid Lands Secretary / Treasurer: Geraldine Davis Phone: (08) 8648 6399 Mobile: 0418 447 020 Email: [email protected] Wayville Showgrounds in Adelaide at the Garden’s Botanic Garden our sincere thanks for your support GUEST SPEAKER promotional display, during this well attended 3 day and interest. It really is appreciated. Lisa Stevens talking on her trip to Africa with the PO Box 2040, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700 event. volunteer conservation group Frontier. Counting Cat John Zwar, President, April 2010 Issued 30/04/2010 by Christine Nayda, Secretary / Treasurer, The Friends of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Port Augusta Inc. prints was just one of the many things they did.

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. Citrus glauca (Native Lime) Some Plants of the Top End

Closeup of Citrus glauca - note sharp spines Grove of Citrus Glauca Nth of Port Augusta Calytrix exstipulta Grevillea pteridifolia

Citrus glauca, commonly known as Native Lime was Citrus glauca is potentially important for citrus breeding It is popular in native food restaurants. Specimens If you are one of those people who travel to the top end It grows to 8 metres, has silvery green fern like leaves A shrub or small tree that I found very interesting when formerly known as Eremocitrus glauca. It is native programmes and hybridises with many other citrus are growing in Spain and the US and possibly other of Australia for the winter there are a few plants that are and brilliant orange flowers about 18cm in length. The told about it, is the Excoecaria parvifolia or Gutta- to semi arid NSW, Queensland and a few locations species. Obviously its drought and salinity tolerance dry regions of the world. Although not a striking tree flowering at that time. If you can take your eyes of the flowers are full of nectar and are visited by birds and Percha tree. It grows to about 7m, flowers are very in central South Australia including the Port Augusta are features of intrest to citrus breeders. Although in appearance its useful fruit and potential in citrus road for a while and still dodge the Macks, Kenworths insects. Aborigines sucked nectar from the flowers and small in short spikes with male and female on separate region. It is not common in SA but is much more not widely cultivated it will grow successfully in drier breeding programmes may mean this interesting small and Jaycos you will see some very nice plants. also use the wood for various tools. It also flowers during trees. This plant has a milky latex or sap which can widespread in the other two states. It is often a small areas. It has a suckering habit and is often found in tree will play an important role in future. Probably the first and most noticeable is a member of Malapbar [June to September] the cool season. [It is injure eyes. The plant is reported to poison sheep spiny shrub but at its best can grow into a small tree large clumps. Suckers can be dug and transplanted. It the Myrtaceae family, Calytrix exstipula [turkey bush]. John Zwar considered a weed in Florida USA]. As you drive along although cattle browse it with no ill effects. Aborigines of 6 or 7 meters. Often growing on heavy clay soils it can also be grown from seed and budded onto other This plant grows all across the top end of Australia, Photos: Christine Nayda the highway you may see flashes of bright yellow. It will prepared a wash from the inner bark to treat boils. The is the only citrus adapted to withstand long periods of citrus. Specimens are growing in the Australian Arid Queensland, Western Australia and Northern Territory. be the flowers of the Yellow Kapok [Cochlospermum interesting part to me was that the sap is now used drought, and is also tolerant of extreme heat and frost Lands Botanic Garden. A large specimen grew in heavy It grows to about 4metres and covers itself with bright fraseri] These are up to 8cm across and easily seen. in dental work and also in electrical insulation. It also and a considerable degree of salinity. The spiny green red brown earth clay soil in the Waite Arboretum in pink flowers from June to September. The timber is Unless you stop and take a walk you may not see the grows in the 3 top end states. stems have grey green oblong leaves which tend to Adelaide for many years, on natural rainfall of 600mm hard and straight stems are used by Aboriginals to 6m shrub as it is deciduous and usually a bit ragged Peter Hall drop in drought periods. Small greenish white flowers and no irrigation. In the wild the average annual rainfall make spears. The next plant you may see is another looking. Aborigines again use the plant, the tap root Photographs: Peter Hall are followed by small edible greenish yellow fruits can be as low as 200mm, perhaps even less. It makes one that grows right across the top end even up to of young plants was cooked and eaten and the hairs 15mm in diameter about 8 weeks later. an interesting garden specimen with useful fruit. Native Cape York and some closer islands and as far south as of the seed are used for body decorations. When the Lime is a prized bush food plant, and fruit can be used Barcaldine in Queensland. It is Grevillea pteridifolia or plant flowered this indicated that freshwater crododiles in drinks, for marmalade, jams, and sauces and has a fern-leaved Grevillea. and turtles are carrying eggs and when it fruited it was pleasant lime flavour. time to dig up the eggs to be eaten.

Entrance to AALBG - Photograph: Peter Hall

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. Citrus glauca (Native Lime) Some Plants of the Top End

Closeup of Citrus glauca - note sharp spines Grove of Citrus Glauca Nth of Port Augusta Calytrix exstipulta Grevillea pteridifolia

Entrance to AALBG - Photograph: Peter Hall

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. The Friends of Bird Group Outing with Flinders Ranges Water Cruises The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Six of us went down the gulf with Aaron from Flinders the northern hemisphere and not all that commonly Thrush, birds not usually associated with mangroves. Port Augusta Incorporated Ranges Water Cruises in the afternoon of Saturday seen in South Australia. Aaron put the bow of the boat Next summer I hope to be a bit more organised for 10/04/10. The trip was timed so that the tide was onto the mud bank and we had gripping views of them more of these trips. out and the mud-banks would be exposed for feeding catching shrimps on the incoming tide. We went on Peter Langdon May 2010 waders. South of the Yacht Club a small flock of towards the power station where hundreds of Pied Newsletter White Ibis were feeding amongst the mangroves Cormorants were nesting on the transmission-line accompanied by a White-faced Heron. Further on were towers. There were birds on nests, chicks in nests, and a couple of Sooty Oystercatchers and a Little Egret nests being built. A continual stream of birds were flying BUS TRIP TO WITTUNGA darting about in the shallow water catching a small to and from the site, either feeding young or bringing in BOTANIC GARDEN News from the President fish. On a channel marker a spotted - backed juvenile more nesting material, mainly leafy mangrove sticks. It The Australian Plants Society Port Augusta and Districts Crested Tern was begging unsuccessfully to an adult. was a hive of industry, albeit a bit smelly. On the return Group is arranging a two day bus trip to Wittunga Both the birds took little notice of the passing boat, so trip, we saw stingrays and couple of large Eagle Rays Botanic Garden and Gawler Food Forrest on 2nd and we had good views. A dolphin surfaced near the boat in the shallow water near Curlew Island and a large 3rd October 2010 (Long Weekend) and then another with a small calf. “That makes three male Musk Duck floating nearby. Back near the Yacht calves this summer” said Aaron who knows them all by Club, we stopped to greet “Joy”, a large female Dolphin The Friends and Guides of Adelaide Botanic Garden sight. We proceeded south, seeing more Sooty Oyster that lay on the surface alongside the boat, looking at have invited us for lunch on the way and all Friends catchers along the shore and a Caspian Tern overhead. us with a very large eye before slowly swimming off. of AALBG are invited to join this trip and see two Solitary Greenshanks were feeding on the mud banks She is a regular and is easily recognised by her badly wonderful gardens and the Food Forest at Gawler. and some 50+ Little Black Cormorants were seen scarred back. We saw 20 species of birds, so a good A good chance to swap information with each other. roosting together. Three waders at Orchard Point south two hours spent, especially seeing the Terek and the For more information please contact: of the hospital, turned out to be a Terek Sandpiper and Tattles. It was also interesting to note birds like Yellow- President Mrs. Ronda Hall on 8641 0112 two Grey-tailed Tattlers, both migratory species from throated Miner, Crested Pigeon and Grey Shrike- or sec. Chris Nayda 8642 4684 Vale, Brian Powell AM

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. The Friends of When is a Pine not a Pine? The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden The Australian ‘Native Pine’ is not actually a pine. It To add further sentiment to Australians, at the Battle Our Australian ‘Native Pines’ or Callitris species occur Port Augusta Incorporated seems to have received its common name based on of Lone Pine at Gallipoli in Turkey during WW I, the in many parts of the country and range from small the appearance of the leaves which appeared to be ‘lone pine’ was an ‘Aleppo Pine’, Pinus halepensis. The trees to quite sizeable trees cut for commercial timber somewhat similar to the leaves of the ‘true’ pines of Aleppo is well known and revered by those interested production. Callitris glaucophylla occurs naturally in July 2010 the Northern Hemisphere. Native Pines are members in the history of the WW I. Pinus halepensis is native to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, the Flinders Newsletter of the family Cupressaceae, the Cypress family and the Mediterranean and Middle East, and its seed was Ranges and many other areas. Callitris verucosa and the foliage and rounded cones look quite similar to brought back from Gallipoli by soldiers on their return Callitris gracilis are other Native Pines which are many Cypress species from other parts of the world. to Australia at the end of WW I, often as a memento widespread in parts of South Australia. The male cone In the eastern states the common name Cypress Pine of the friends who had died during the Battle of Lone of a Callitris is small and located at the tips of twigs. AGM of Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is more widely used than Native Pine which is widely Pine. Unfortunately, in some areas of South Australia Female cones start out in a similar way and take 18-20 used in South Australia. The new white settlers of the ‘Aleppo Pine’ now has become a bush invader at months to mature to 1-3 cm long and wide. The cone of Australia, from the northern hemisphere, were naturally the expense of native vegetation and is considered a Callitris may remain closed on the trees for many years Will be held on Saturday the 31st July 2010 at AALBG Conference room at 1pm. familiar with the plants of that hemisphere; hence woody weed. sometimes only opening after being scorched by fire. The guest speaker will be Mr Tim Johnson talking on Street Trees of South Eastern Australia. Australian Callitris trees being called ‘Native Pine’ or The wood was well used by early settlers for fencing As Mr Don Caldecott from the Northern and Yorke ‘Cypress Pine’. and building and is resistant to termites. Callitris Tim Johnson has over twenty years experience as a extremes and civil infrastructure both challenge this environment which can be harnessed to support the Regional Development Board states, “the ‘Aleppo glaucophylla, Northern or White Cypress Pine is still horticulturist in South Australian local government role and provide opportunities for improvements, as development of sustainable, healthy and attractive Some plant enthusiasts may mistakenly think that Pine’ is a fast grower, reaches 20 metres in height, harvested commercially in NSW and has a beautiful and in the private sector landscaping industry. He has they have focused attention on the need for change in cities. The presentation will summarise the function the ‘true pines’ such as the commonly grown Radiata and grows almost anywhere”. He emphasizes that grain and a very pleasant cypress smell when being served on numerous related management committees the ways trees are utilised in our cities. Tim is currently of trees in cities, current works to trial additional tree Pine, Pinus radiata which is grown in plantations for it is important to note that a “seedling Aleppo will worked and can be used for many purposes. and boards including the Urban Forest Biodiversity undertaking research towards a PhD in civil engineering species to determine their suitability for use in streets woodchip and paper are native to Australia. Pinus take five years to mature, and once mature the trees Program, Treenet, and the National Trust Significant at the University of South Australia’s School of Natural and current engineering measures under investigation radiata is native to California; it creates a dense shade, may produce about 100,000 seeds each year and Geraldine Davis Tree Steering Committee. In his current employment and Built Environments. The focus of this research is to provide passive street tree irrigation and stormwater depletes the soil of nutrients and water, and changes so quickly swamp out native vegetation, leaving the as arborist with the City of Mitcham his focus is to the interrelationships between trees, stormwater, soil management benefits. the soil chemistry thus excluding native plants. The ground bare except for cones and needles. The Aleppo ensure the survival, enhancement and sustainability of and civil infrastructure. The goal of the research is to Radiata pine has a large pine cone as compared to our lives for about 50 years, has minimal benefit to birds, Tim Johnson Mitcham’s urban forest. Urban consolidation, climatic identify synergies between the natural and built ‘Native Pine’ which has a hard woody smaller rounded and becomes a significant fire hazard. This has led to cone which opens to a small upside down ‘crown’ to many roadside projects to remove large infestations of let the seeds disperse. Aleppo to be replaced by local native trees”.

Bird Watching Programme VALE: Ida Jackson, Ivan Holliday Weapons and Ian Bond Dates to Remember Sunday 25th July - Buckaringa Gorge -Meet at Quorn swimming pool 8 am & Wart Cures As well as the sad loss of Friends Foundation Member WATTLE WALK Sunday 15th August - Telowie Gorge - Meet at car park 8 am at The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Brian Powell AM in April, South Australia has recently Come and join us for a fascinating wander Every Sunday in August at 1pm Australian Arid Lands 18th - 19th September - Camp at Cooyerdoo Shearers’ quarters - Bring swags and tucker lost three other well known native plant enthusiasts. through the extensive collections of acacias at Botanic Garden. $13 per person including delicious 18th - 19th September - Meet at tanks near Iron Knob turn-off 9 am Saturday Callitris glaucophylla at AALBG - photo Shirley Mundy Ida Jackson was a highly regarded expert on the ﬂora the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. You will bush tucker afternoon tea. 'There are about 70 Acacia Sunday 17th October - Whyalla Conservation Park / Point Lowly - Meet at turn-off to park Whyalla Road 7 am of Kangaroo Island. Ivan Holliday was a well known discover some amazing things about our national species in the AALBG and our trained Garden Guides authority on native plants and their cultivation and ﬂoral emblem. After the tour join us for a delicious will give you a wonderful insight into this amazing Sunday 7th November - Blanche Harbour - Meet at shacks turn-off 7.30 am Left: Naturally growing Callitris glaucophylla kept around author of several books on native plants and long term afternoon tea of bushtucker delights. species.' houses in Roxby Downs - photo by John Zwar member of the Australian Plants Society. Phone: Peter 8642 5723 Greg 8648 6882 Shirley 8642 4013 BUS TRIP TO WITTUNGA Ian Bond was a former Director of the Loxton Research 2nd and 3rd October 2010 (long weekend) Tour times - 1.00pm every Sunday in August Centre where many dryland native plants were grown, Cost - $13 PP (includes tour and afternoon tea) Enquiries: 0434 717 382 and in retirement a native plant enthusiast in the Contacts Contact - AALBG Visitor Centre ARID A SCULPTURAL EVENT 4 Victor Harbor region. Each of these people contributed Ph - (08) 8641 1049 (Bookings essential) Sculptures show-cased at Australian Arid Lands greatly to the knowledge of native plants and their President: John Zwar Phone Home: (08) 8364 4256 Work: (08) 8372 6876 Email: [email protected] Botanic Garden. Open 18th September 2010. Treasurer: Geraldine Davis Phone: (08) 8648 6399 Mobile: 0418 447 020 Email: [email protected] cultivation in South Australia and beyond and will be sadly missed. GUIDED TOURS Secretary: Christine Nayda Phone: (08) 8642 4684 Mobile: 0434 717 382 Email: [email protected] Every weekday at 10am John Zwar PO Box 2040, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700 Come and do the wattle walk with us. at Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. Issued July 2010 by Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Inc. Port Augusta

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. Out and About in the Garden SPRING NOTES from KEW 16 April 2010

After the lovely rains we have had over the last As the old song goes ‘spring has come a little late this Walking around Kew Gardens this week some of the Nearby in the 2006 fan-shaped Alpine House 2 months you can’t help but notice how healthy year’. After more snow than London has seen for a trees in the grove of magnolias were almost past their (Architects Wilkinson Eyre) tiny species tulips (Tulipa and green the garden looks when driving in. The decade, the new shoots of spring took their time to best, others still in tight bud. Nearby a low swathe of humilis), tiny tulipa scarlet linifolia, small deep mauve first thing you see is the new plantings of arid tree appear. gorgeous Fritillaria. Another grove of pink and white Iris from the Caucasus next to Primula palinuri from Prunus with daffodils and narcissus below beckoned SW Italy and bright yellow Linacea from Crete. species known as the ARID ARBORETUM near the We were helped through February by the annual Kew and elsewhere a grove of bright white Prunus ‘Shirotae' Flinder’s Lookout corner. I hope I am able to see Orchid Festival with thousands of brightly coloured A great place to enjoy a spring day (and today the (also called Mt Fuji) and others - single and double them grow to maturity. orchids flown in to blow away the winter blues and unique joy of not having planes flying over as all are blooms. now, in early April, suddenly everything is making a grounded due to the plume of ash high above us from Walking up the entrance path the brilliant red pea mad dash to show itself. The woodland garden was full of low-growing spring an Icelandic volcano - despite the chaos and the loss of flowers on the Bossiaea walkeri (Cactus Pea) show delights - Epimedium versicolour, trilliums, Erythronium air revenue, a small part of me rejoices in the absolute In front of the Palm House there is the very bright up against the unusual grey leafless flattened stems californica. In the refurbished rock garden I saw supremacy of nature). formal Victorian type bedding in front of the lake - pale of this shrub. It is found in the western areas of Eyre various pulsatillas (P. Vulgaris, the pale mauve Pasque and deep pink hyacinths, masses of yellow tulips, rust, FROM HELEN AUTY Peninsula between Ceduna and Tarcoola, further Flower) and a first for me, a rusty red pulsatilla and the red, mauve and yellow primulas - perhaps the Victorian A 'FRIEND'OF BOTH AALBG AND KEW GARDENS wonderful cobalt blue Tecophilea cyanoctocus (Chilean west into Western Australia and other arid areas of colour sense rather more flamboyant than ours today. PHOTOS HELEN AUTY Victoria and NSW. Blue Crocus). Prunusshirotae or Mt. Fuji Throughout the Eremophila garden both the white and pink flowered Eremophila christophorii are ablaze with colour. This Eremophila grows to about 2m and is found only in the southern area of the Northern Territory. Throughout the garden, almost all the spring flowering plants are covered with new growth and buds can be seen in the photo of the Eremophila lachnocalyx. In a month or so the garden will be full of colour. The Xanthorroea quadrangulata is starting to show new flower stalks and can be seen in the western section of the garden. At present, the native birds are having a wonderful time in the Eremophila stenophylla near the cafe. This broom like tree or large shrub grows to about 6m with its branches, leaves, pedicels and sepals clothed in a silvery- grey lepidote indumentum (covering of hairs and scales). This plant is native to the south western corner of Queensland and is on the endangered list of Australian natives. refer R Chinnock. “Eremophila and allied genera”. On reaching the car park a Eucalyptus kruseana is now displaying its beautiful yellow flowers and buds, a very showy specimen to admire in the home garden. The garden is a prime place for the bird watchers at the moment with the wattle birds, mulga parrots and honey eaters flitting throughout the garden keeping very busy doing what birds do. 1. Bossiaea walkeri 1. Bossiaea walkeri Guide: Chris Nayda 2. Eremophilia christophorii 2. Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata Photos: C Nayda AALBG 30/6/10 3. Eremophila lachnocalyx 3. Eremophila stenophylla with Spiny-cheeked honey-eater 4. Eucalyptus kruseana November 1985 Newsletter

GOVERNMENT GRANTS $226,000! the establishment of a lookout will be under-taken. It is expected that 12 people It seems that the AUSTRALIAN ARID LANDS BOTANIC GARDEN is to become a reality will be employed for 28 weeks. This money will allow a comprehensive feasibility and will be established at Pt. Augusta. On 2 October 1985, Mr. Gavin Keneally, study to be done and a master plan to be drafted. Work has begun already. A further Member for Stuart, met John Zwar and other members of the 'Friends' committee announcement was made on 30 October 1985 by Mr. Keneally, on behalf of the at the site. At that meeting, Mr.Keneally formally announced on behalf of the Minister Federal and State Ministers, Messrs. Ralph Willis and Frank Blevins, who jointly for Agriculture, Mr. Frank Blevins, a grant of $50,000 from the Rural Adjustment administer the Community Employment Programme. A further grant of $176,645 Development Fund. Fencing, tree planting, development of paths and tracks, and has been made and will enable site construction to commence. Kew Pond Sunny Palm House

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. Out and About in the Garden SPRING NOTES from KEW 16 April 2010

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. The Friends of When is a Pine not a Pine? The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden The Australian ‘Native Pine’ is not actually a pine. It To add further sentiment to Australians, at the Battle Our Australian ‘Native Pines’ or Callitris species occur Port Augusta Incorporated seems to have received its common name based on of Lone Pine at Gallipoli in Turkey during WW I, the in many parts of the country and range from small the appearance of the leaves which appeared to be ‘lone pine’ was an ‘Aleppo Pine’, Pinus halepensis. The trees to quite sizeable trees cut for commercial timber somewhat similar to the leaves of the ‘true’ pines of Aleppo is well known and revered by those interested production. Callitris glaucophylla occurs naturally in July 2010 the Northern Hemisphere. Native Pines are members in the history of the WW I. Pinus halepensis is native to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, the Flinders Newsletter of the family Cupressaceae, the Cypress family and the Mediterranean and Middle East, and its seed was Ranges and many other areas. Callitris verucosa and the foliage and rounded cones look quite similar to brought back from Gallipoli by soldiers on their return Callitris gracilis are other Native Pines which are many Cypress species from other parts of the world. to Australia at the end of WW I, often as a memento widespread in parts of South Australia. The male cone In the eastern states the common name Cypress Pine of the friends who had died during the Battle of Lone of a Callitris is small and located at the tips of twigs. AGM of Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is more widely used than Native Pine which is widely Pine. Unfortunately, in some areas of South Australia Female cones start out in a similar way and take 18-20 used in South Australia. The new white settlers of the ‘Aleppo Pine’ now has become a bush invader at months to mature to 1-3 cm long and wide. The cone of Australia, from the northern hemisphere, were naturally the expense of native vegetation and is considered a Callitris may remain closed on the trees for many years Will be held on Saturday the 31st July 2010 at AALBG Conference room at 1pm. familiar with the plants of that hemisphere; hence woody weed. sometimes only opening after being scorched by fire. The guest speaker will be Mr Tim Johnson talking on Street Trees of South Eastern Australia. Australian Callitris trees being called ‘Native Pine’ or The wood was well used by early settlers for fencing As Mr Don Caldecott from the Northern and Yorke ‘Cypress Pine’. and building and is resistant to termites. Callitris Tim Johnson has over twenty years experience as a extremes and civil infrastructure both challenge this environment which can be harnessed to support the Regional Development Board states, “the ‘Aleppo glaucophylla, Northern or White Cypress Pine is still horticulturist in South Australian local government role and provide opportunities for improvements, as development of sustainable, healthy and attractive Some plant enthusiasts may mistakenly think that Pine’ is a fast grower, reaches 20 metres in height, harvested commercially in NSW and has a beautiful and in the private sector landscaping industry. He has they have focused attention on the need for change in cities. The presentation will summarise the function the ‘true pines’ such as the commonly grown Radiata and grows almost anywhere”. He emphasizes that grain and a very pleasant cypress smell when being served on numerous related management committees the ways trees are utilised in our cities. Tim is currently of trees in cities, current works to trial additional tree Pine, Pinus radiata which is grown in plantations for it is important to note that a “seedling Aleppo will worked and can be used for many purposes. and boards including the Urban Forest Biodiversity undertaking research towards a PhD in civil engineering species to determine their suitability for use in streets woodchip and paper are native to Australia. Pinus take five years to mature, and once mature the trees Program, Treenet, and the National Trust Significant at the University of South Australia’s School of Natural and current engineering measures under investigation radiata is native to California; it creates a dense shade, may produce about 100,000 seeds each year and Geraldine Davis Tree Steering Committee. In his current employment and Built Environments. The focus of this research is to provide passive street tree irrigation and stormwater depletes the soil of nutrients and water, and changes so quickly swamp out native vegetation, leaving the as arborist with the City of Mitcham his focus is to the interrelationships between trees, stormwater, soil management benefits. the soil chemistry thus excluding native plants. The ground bare except for cones and needles. The Aleppo ensure the survival, enhancement and sustainability of and civil infrastructure. The goal of the research is to Radiata pine has a large pine cone as compared to our lives for about 50 years, has minimal benefit to birds, Tim Johnson Mitcham’s urban forest. Urban consolidation, climatic identify synergies between the natural and built ‘Native Pine’ which has a hard woody smaller rounded and becomes a significant fire hazard. This has led to cone which opens to a small upside down ‘crown’ to many roadside projects to remove large infestations of let the seeds disperse. Aleppo to be replaced by local native trees”.

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. The Friends of Tour Report The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden The Friends hosted 28 Guides and Friends from Port Augusta Incorporated Adelaide Botanic Gardens on 28th September 2010. The day started with an early morning Bird Walk with Peter Langdon kindly donating November 2010 Adelaide Guides enjoying garden walk Newsletter his time to take us around. Breakfast at 8.30am at the AALBG cafe followed by tours of the Garden with 4 AALBG tour guides leading the tours. A quick dash to the nursery at 11am President’s Message for those who wished to buy plants and then lunch at noon, also at the cafe. On behalf of the Friends Committee I extend best Acacia papyrocarpa wishes for Christmas and the new year to all AALBG Everybody then hopped onto the bus (including Friends and supporters, near and far. Those who live all the tour guides who were officially invited to close enough and are able to volunteer doing various spend the rest of the day with the group) and tasks at the Garden are thanked for their input too. drove to Powell Park in Quorn where we were Many Friends live far away and can rarely visit. met by Geraldine Davis and Mary Kammermann I invite all to consider attending the biennial conference who showed us around the Park and then took of The Association of Friends of Botanic Gardens which us on a tour of Quorn ending up at the Flora we will be hosting at Port Augusta in 2012 17th to Reserve on the Western edge of Quorn. This 20th August. We expect to have people from all over Australia and New Zealand participate in tours, was amazing with orchids, calytrix, daisies, activities and have some excellent guest speakers and beautiful Velleia arguta, fringe-lilies and many presentations lined up. We hope to see many of our more plants flowering. A truly wonderful way Friends there. More details of the conference will be to finish the day. We thank Geraldine and Mary provided nearer the event. for taking us around and spending all afternoon John Zwar, President with us. A dinner at The Willows Restaurant in the Pichi Richi Pass followed.

The Guides have been very busy taking tours Christmas Dinner Eremophila polyclada x divaricata (Summertime Blue) Eremophila bignoniiﬂora around the garden with a lot of tourists calling in especially to see the Garden. With trained An invitation is extended to ALL FRIENDS guides still in short supply it has been a for our Christmas dinner at the Bluebush struggle. A new guide training course will start Cafe at AALBG on the 27th November at in the New Year so if you feel this is for you 6.30pm. please let me know. Most of the plants in the This is a good chance to catch up with AALBG were planted in 1996 so now are well everyone and see the AALBG at its best in established and it is great to see how tall the the early evening. trees and shrubs are and the Garden is now looking the best I have ever seen it. Cost: $30 Chris Nayda Bookings: Chris Nayda on 8642 4684

Next Meeting of The Friends of AALBG

French visitors with Chris Saturday the 27th November 2010 at 1pm at the Conference Room at AALBG Clive and Claire Chesson will be our guest speakers Claire is an accomplished photographer and has for the ﬁnal meeting this year. Clive is a geneticist and stunning pictures of a huge range of plants. They have Contacts former university researcher and lecturer but more more recently become interested in native orchids as recently until retirement co-ordinated the Diploma of well. Their illustrated presentation is not to be missed if President: John Zwar Phone Home: (08) 8338 6658 Work: (08) 8372 6876 Email: [email protected] Environmental Management course at TAFE SA Urrbrae you enjoy seeing and learning more about our beautiful Treasurer: Geraldine Davis Phone: (08) 8648 6399 Mobile: 0418 447 020 Email: [email protected] campus. Clive and Claire are passionate about native native ﬂora. plants and bushwalking, and every week spend time in Secretary: Christine Nayda Phone: (08) 8642 4684 Mobile: 0434 717 382 Email: [email protected] national parks and reserves, surveying native plants. PO Box 2040, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700 Triodia irritans Issued November 2010 by Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Inc. Port Augusta

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. Indigofera australis Bird Outing to Whyalla Conservation Park and Point Lowly

Nine of us met at the entrance to the Whyalla Con. Park and then two flushed out towards the rocks. For the Silver Gulls, Pied Cormorants and Pelicans. At Point Indigofera australis - Photos: Michele Mahoney on a cool Sunday morning. We saw a few species there next half hour, we quietly followed the movements of Lowly, there were lots of Black-faced Cormorants, including Crested Bellbird, Red Wattlebird and Grey some four birds as they gave us brief but good looks Crested Terns and Pacific Gulls in various age related Strike-thrush. We then proceeded slowly through the at this hard to sight bird. There was also a family of plumages. Quite near the shore were seen three Short- park towards Wild Dog Hill picking up Mulga Parrots, Variegated Fairy-wrens there with a very nice male tailed Shearwaters which allowed a good look with the Ringneck and a very nice male Mistletoe bird along amongst them. We climbed to the top of Wild Dog Hill scope. Further out there was quite a large flock [60+] with White-browed Babbler and a group of Chestnut- which was covered with flowering Rock Isotomes and of these birds, flying and bobbing about in the waves. rumped Thornbills, some being juveniles with dark saw a Willie Wagtail and a Common Bronze-wing. Out Near the shacks there were House Sparrows and eyes, causing a bit of identification problems. Near the of the conservation park and on towards Point Lowly we Common Starlings and a Spotted Dove. A pretty good northern boundary there were an Emu and a Brown saw Pallid Cuckoo, Weebill, White-winged Fairy-wren, day with 47 species seen. Falcon being harassed by a Black-faced Woodswallow Variegated Fairy-wren and a very nice male Splendid Peter Langdon and some White-fronted Chats. A few pairs of Blue Fairy-wren. Along from Fitzgerald Bay we saw more Bonnets were there also. At Wild Dog Hill, a Thick- Mulga Parrots, a flock of White-fronted Chats with billed Grasswren was heard not far from the car park lots of juveniles in it and a few Zebra Finches, plus

In August I received the following email message The two pictures were taken by Michele. I identified the The dye indigo comes from the leaves of some of the and the two pictures: plant as Indigofera australis. In South Australia it occurs 700 Indigofera species which come from many parts in the Flinders and Olary Ranges and is widespread in of the world. If the top of the plant is damaged, by I am a member of the Friends of the arid botanic all other states except the NT as well. In the SA arid bushfire for example, new growth can arise from the garden, naturally I have an interest in arid area plants zone it is typically a small shrub with arching stems base of the plant. and while out in the field the other day noticed this to about one meter but can grow twice this size. In plant. We checked our book on plants but were unable The foliage is a food for the larvae of some native the wild growth may be straggly and untidy but in to identify it the closest being a groundcover of the butterflies. The plant will grow in full sun though thrives cultivation it can grow into an attractive specimen Swainsona species. in light shade as well. It is sometimes called Austral and a light trim after flowering (or after seed has been Indigo and may have other common names in various The bush was about 1.2 m tall and was covered in collected) will help keep growth compact and improve regions. It has been cultivated in England, under glass these pea flowers, we wondered if you know what flowering. It is frost hardy and drought tolerant once since 1790 and is still grown there. In some regions this plant is. We live in the north east pastoral area at established. The pinnate foliage is a blue green colour Aboriginal people have used crushed Indigofera roots Plumbago station, the plant is close to the homestead and the small pinkish purple pea flowers are born in to poison water to catch fish. This is an attractive Nankeen Kestrel & Honeyeater Mulga Parrots Welcome Swallow - Photo: Heather Adams next to a rocky outcrop. There is a number of these elongated clusters arising from leaf axils. Timing of small plant worthy of a place in the garden so why plants there but we haven't noticed them anywhere flowering can be determined by significant rainfall not consider growing one? It is likely to be available at else on the property. We would be very interested to events but is often winter and spring to early summer. native nurseries around Australia. It grows well at the find out what it is please email us back if you have Seed is produced in small pods which can be picked Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. any ideas. when dry and seed germinates readily after soaking in hot water. Indigofera australis tolerates a wide range John Zwar Yours faithfully, Michele Mahoney of soil types but appreciates good drainage. If not overwatered plants in cultivation can last many years. Plant of the Month - Prostanthera sericea

Above - Gourd's Goanna Above Left - Petalostylis labicheoides (butterﬂy bush) Left - Grevillea juncifolia

Prostanthera sericea (Silver-leaf mint bush) Flowers in the spring and looks great with lovely silver the larvae of hepialid months of the genus Aenetus A small shrub 1-1.5m with fine soft silvery leaves and leaves. A very delicate looking shrub. Prostanthera including A. Eximia and A. Ligniveren. Prostanthera a white flower with lined throat very similar to its larger commonly known as Mint bush, is a genus of the are cultivated as ornamentals and for essential oil and cousin Prostanthera striatiflora (jockey cap) but much family Laminaceae. There are about 90 species spices. smaller. Comes from the Great Victoria Desert area within the genus all of which are endemic to Australia. Source: Wikipedia near WA and SA borders. Prostanthera species are used as food plants by Unless where stated, all photos credit: Chris Nayda

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. Indigofera australis Bird Outing to Whyalla Conservation Park and Point Lowly

Above - Gourd's Goanna Above Left - Petalostylis labicheoides (butterﬂy bush) Left - Grevillea juncifolia

2. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 3. The Friends of Tour Report The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden The Friends hosted 28 Guides and Friends from Port Augusta Incorporated Adelaide Botanic Gardens on 28th September 2010. The day started with an early morning Bird Walk with Peter Langdon kindly donating November 2010 Adelaide Guides enjoying garden walk Newsletter his time to take us around. Breakfast at 8.30am at the AALBG cafe followed by tours of the Garden with 4 AALBG tour guides leading the tours. A quick dash to the nursery at 11am President’s Message for those who wished to buy plants and then lunch at noon, also at the cafe. On behalf of the Friends Committee I extend best Acacia papyrocarpa wishes for Christmas and the new year to all AALBG Everybody then hopped onto the bus (including Friends and supporters, near and far. Those who live all the tour guides who were officially invited to close enough and are able to volunteer doing various spend the rest of the day with the group) and tasks at the Garden are thanked for their input too. drove to Powell Park in Quorn where we were Many Friends live far away and can rarely visit. met by Geraldine Davis and Mary Kammermann I invite all to consider attending the biennial conference who showed us around the Park and then took of The Association of Friends of Botanic Gardens which us on a tour of Quorn ending up at the Flora we will be hosting at Port Augusta in 2012 17th to Reserve on the Western edge of Quorn. This 20th August. We expect to have people from all over Australia and New Zealand participate in tours, was amazing with orchids, calytrix, daisies, activities and have some excellent guest speakers and beautiful Velleia arguta, fringe-lilies and many presentations lined up. We hope to see many of our more plants flowering. A truly wonderful way Friends there. More details of the conference will be to finish the day. We thank Geraldine and Mary provided nearer the event. for taking us around and spending all afternoon John Zwar, President with us. A dinner at The Willows Restaurant in the Pichi Richi Pass followed.

Next Meeting of The Friends of AALBG

4. www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org 1. OBITUARY Brian Powell a m (14.02.1926 - 25.05.2010) Life Member FAALBG

Brian was the third youngest in a family of 7 children. the beaten track and not on the regular tourist routes. much more than just a job. Every day there would be He grew up in Reynella, attending Reynella Primary The property had been run down to some degree under something different and interesting to observe. from Year 1 to Year 7 and then Morphett Vale High previous management and presented many challenges Brian’s local knowledge, keen observation skills and School. He spoke fondly of an enjoyable childhood for Brian. He approached these with his usual energy common sense were sought and appreciated. Many growing up in this almost idyllic environment even and enthusiasm. Partacoona was built up to be a very other scientific operations passed through or used the though this was during the great depression. Growing successful and smooth running property. property as a base. The Adelaide University set up a fresh vegetables in the kitchen garden was learned Most of the stock work was done using horses and seismograph which Brian and Fay operated, attending then and the practice lasted his lifetime. Music was these were also used occasionally for off-property the data recorder daily. There was anthropological a big part of family gatherings and though he never recreation. There were a number of local horse events, research by Dr Ronald Lampert from Sydney Museum played an instrument himself, Brian had a lifelong picnic race meetings or gymkhanas for station horses collecting and documenting Kartan culture stone tools passion for music, particularly live performances, of and it was good for staff morale to attend these. Brian that apparently pre-dated later aboriginal culture. There all styles. was also interested in country thoroughbred races and were magnetometer surveys, part of a joint research On leaving school, he started work as a delivery boy at one stage owned his own horse, Mateship, which project conducted by Sydney Museum and a Canadian in Woolcock’s Store, then as the Second World War won 19 country races, including a Pt. Augusta Cup Institute detecting “hot spots” where the earth’s crust was in progress, Brian joined the Air Training Corps and Provincial Cup before being retired. The interest is thinner and more active. Another Sydney Museum (Air Cadets) for basic training. He wanted to be a pilot, was not about betting but mostly to do with the social project collected “ripple rocks” to detect and research but after only about 8 hours on Tiger Moths, with the outlet. There was always a great deal of fun and so called “polar flips”, reversal of the earth’s polarity. tide of war turning in the Allies favour, it was decided humour at these events but to have a winning horse Adelaide University hosted annual field studies looking that there were enough men trained to see it out and was certainly a bonus. at astronomy, botany, geology, ornithology and so on. all pilot training was cancelled. His group was directed Apart from the normal duties of running the station, Another of Brian’s keen interests was botany. He and to aircraft maintenance training. Brian did a number Brian’s natural curiosity covered a wide range of Fay hosted Deputy Director Rex Kuchel and trainees of communication courses and moved to air traffic interests. He became interested in archaeology from the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide to gain experience control. He took part in the invasion of Borneo and as there were Aboriginal grindstones and cooking in the field in plant identification and environmental was stationed on Labuan Island. He finished service middens and “factory” sites where the ground was studies. Botany was a passion that Brian carried as Leading Aircraftman and was demobbed in April, covered in stone flakes, hammer stones and discarded through to the end of his life, but what he was most 1946. core stones, from which smaller tools were struck passionate about was to see the knowledge applied in In 1947 Brian started work as a cellar hand for Walter such as knives, scrapers and points. Brian became a a practical way. He could see great potential and many Reynell & Sons at the winery back at Reynella. On Warden of Aboriginal Artefacts. uses for hardy drought and salt tolerant native plants 14th February, 1948, Brian married his childhood and gained a lot of satisfaction from the huge number On one fox shooting expedition he spotted and captured sweetheart, the girl next door, Fay Dix. This was the of planting projects he undertook in later years. a small marsupial mouse and this was the beginning start of a strong and enduring partnership that passed of years of research with Dr. Peter Crowcroft of the In 1971, Brian and Fay purchased Endilloe, a property many milestones in their 62 years of marriage. There SA Museum, who was conducting research into this on the northern outskirts of Quorn. It had an historic were two children, Ann and Ian. Ann and her husband, particular animal (Fat-tailed Dunnart – Sminthopsis old homestead, built from natural stone, on the edge Ivano, live in Italy, and have two children, Dario and Crassicaudata). Brian invited him to Partacoona to of Stony Creek, which ran through the property. They Isabel. Ian and his wife , Robyn, live at Mylor where look for more specimens. The hospitality provided undertook the renovation of this house and moved they run their successful nursery business, Tupelo by Brian and Fay on these field monitoring trips was into it when they left Partacoona in 1975. Many of the Grove. They have two sons, Tim and Chris. greatly appreciated and led to visits by other scientific institutions and people that they were connected with In 1951, Brian took a job as a farm hand at O’Halloran professionals and as their reputation grew their followed them to Quorn. For example, the seismograph Hill and he and Fay moved there to live with their two network of contacts broadened. Brian had discovered was moved to Endilloe and they continued collecting small children. In 1956, well known South Australian an isolated colony of Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies in an the data. In total, they clocked up 25 years of daily pastoralist and race horse breeder, Mr. H.C. (Slinger) area of hills that was well away from the main ranges monitoring. The property was used as a base for Nitschke, bought the property and Brian was appointed and known habitat. This colony became important helicopter wallaby counts and feral goat control. manager. He continued to run the farm successfully for a research project of Dr. Peter Hornsby from the In 1974 Brian formed a partnership with the CSIRO until 1963, when Mr. Nitschke offered him the University of Adelaide. Again, the researchers were to develop an experimental orchard growing wild manager’s position on Partacoona Station, a pastoral made welcome by Brian and Fay, and Partacoona was peaches or quandongs (Santalum Acuminatum) on property of around 540 square kilometres, in the again a base for important scientific work. Brian looked the Endilloe property. He had long been interested in Flinders Ranges north of Quorn. This was a major forward to these visits because it was an opportunity to developing quandongs as a commercial fruit and had change in lifestyle for the family. Partacoona is set in learn more about his environment and put something grown a number of trees on Partacoona after collecting a very scenic area of the Flinders, but much of it is off back into it. Living and working in this area was seeds from wild trees. The trial orchard was planted with quandongs grown from seed sourced from all walls, all carted and placed by hand and a diversity of with machinery for the initial layout and a grant was over Australia. Brian also planted many quandongs native trees and shrubs. Brian was always ready to try received from Australia’s Open Garden Scheme which in the native garden he was developing on Endilloe. something different and liked the challenge of getting was used to set up the first drip system and purchase For many years he and Fay collected data on the fruit things to grow where they shouldn’t. Visitors came from plants and tree guards etc. In May, 2007, the gardens produced in the orchard and from some of the other all over Australia and overseas as well, and the garden were officially opened by the out-going Governor of trees. Fruit was picked from individual trees, counted, received both National and International acclaim. As South Australia, Her Excellency Marjory Jackson- weighed, cooked and samples were also sent to CSIRO each section was finished, Brian would say “that’s it Nelson, AC, CVO, MBE and named “Powell Gardens” in for analysis. There was great variation in the size and – no more”, but before long, he would be laying out “Recognizing the outstanding pioneering work of Fay & quality and out of all the seedlings a small number a new area. The stone walls were a great refuge for Brian Powell to research, develop & promote the use of superior trees producing high quality fruit were small reptiles, skinks and geckos etc, which helped to of native arid land plants throughout the north of South identified. Material was grafted from these and made control insect pests and the wide variety of flowering Australia”. Further grants and generous donations available for commercial planting. Work is still being plants gave food and shelter for many bird species. have seen the gardens develop and mature with new done to find a reliable method of propagating these A dam which was topped up occasionally with bore areas opening up and they continue to be a “work in superior plants on a large scale. Brian’s vision, from water provided a haven for a number less common progress”. nearly 50 years ago, for the commercial potential of and unexpected water birds and waders. Greening Through his lifetime, Brian attracted many awards of this fruit is still to be fully realised. Australia set up a building on the property to act as a various kinds for community service, landcare and centre for botanical and horticultural training. In the late 1980’s, an invitation to speak on the School promotion of native vegetation. Either individually or of the Air in Pt. Augusta about growing quandongs led Brian also found time for community service. He was with Fay, there have been KESAB Tidy Town awards, Brian to offer help in planting native plants to improve a Charter Member of the Quorn Lions Club when a nearly one a year from 1987 to 2007. He was “Citizen homestead environments. He volunteered his time and chapter was set up in 1981. He served on the Quorn/ of the Year” in 1983 for Kanyaka-Quorn District, “One vehicle and managed to get many plants donated. Kanyaka District Council for 6 years during the 1980’s. of 100 Notable Contributors” for SA National Parks Demand for his services quickly increased and Greening He was involved as a volunteer supervisor in numerous and Wildlife Service Centenary in 1991, SA Landcare Australia came to his rescue supplying a vehicle and Government sponsored employment schemes around “Individual Carer” award in 1991, “Outstanding running costs, though he still volunteered his time. Quorn and Hawker, and was responsible for many tree Individual” from the National Banksia Awards in Through his friendships and wide circle of contacts he planting projects in and around the towns. He served 1992, “Member of the Order of Australia – AM” for was able to obtain up to 25,000 plants each year. The on the Northern Consultative Committee of the National “Service to the conservation of Australian native flora station people supplied fencing material, driplines and Parks and Wildlife Service for 16 years. and fauna through the management of the natural so on and for over 10 years Brian and his friend, Basil environment” in1992, Greening Australia Silver Pin in He and Fay were active supporters and Foundation Bowden, travelled through the north of the State laying 1993, Parliament of South Australia Bronze Medallion Members of The Friends of the Australian Arid Lands out systems and planting native trees and shrubs. in 1996, “Opera in the Outback” National Parks Botanic Garden at Pt. Augusta and he served on the Basil recorded their efforts in his self-published book, Foundation Environmental Award in 1997, Australian Committee until retiring from it in 2007. He received Life “Outback Plantings – People and Places”. Plants Society Award in 1999, Ivan Holiday Award membership of that group. Brian was also a member for “contributions of conservation, promotion and After moving onto Endilloe, Brian took a job for some of, firstly, the Advisory Committee when the Garden knowledge of Australian plants” in 2007, Flinders time working for the Plant Control Board and covered was being planned and set up. He then served on its Ranges Council “Certificate of Recognition” in 2007 a lot the local and neighbouring districts searching out Board and, finally, on its Reference Committee. It was and Northern and Yorke Resources Management and advising on the control and removal of invasive Brian who proposed the development of the Eremophila Board’s “Quiet Achiever Award” in 2010. Brian and Fay plant species. In October of 1978 he had a serious Garden around the Visitor Reception Building and this together were a strong partnership and Brian readily accident on the Carrieton road when a kangaroo quickly became one of the most attractive and best acknowledged that he couldn’t have achieved what came over the bonnet and through the windscreen. known features of the young garden. he did without Fay’s enduring support. They were very The vehicle rolled and Brian was knocked out. He Brian assisted on several seed and plant collecting trips generous with their time and knowledge and their suffered whiplash and some spinal injuries and was over many years, to remote areas of the state, seeking network was very wide. People enjoyed visiting them hospitalised. His recuperation was slow and it was plants for the expanding collection at the AALBG. He and were always received with warm hospitality. mainly through his spirit and determination that he also assisted with a Friends major fund raising project, was able to get himself going again. On top of football Brian was a most unique and independent person. helping rehabilitate degraded areas in the Nullarbor injuries as a young man and physically active working He was a free and original thinker who relied on and National Park, 1,200 west of Port Augusta. His wisdom life, this accident was a set back from which he never backed his own judgement and wasn’t persuaded by and practical approach were greatly valued by others fully recovered. To those who hadn’t known him before convention. He respected reasoned debate but wasn’t involved in setting up the new Botanic Garden. it didn’t seem to slow him up too much. afraid to stand up for his own opinion if his conclusions In 2003, Brian and Fay sold Endilloe and moved into differed. He had a good, some might say “wicked”, Brian was never one to sit around and he started work the township of Quorn. Once again a new garden was sense of humour which made him fun to work and on a native garden of his own on Endilloe. This became set up and very quickly brick paved pathways, plants socialise with. He was a good judge of character a very extensive project, over 12 hectares, and he and Brian’s signature dry stone walls appeared. The and had the rare ability to pass his enthusiasm for a collected and nurtured many rare plants collected vegetable garden was soon yielding seasonal produce particular job or project on to those around him. It was during his trips around the State. Apart from native and the figs, olives, citrus and grape vines were on the this ability to bring people along with him that enabled plants, he and Fay maintained a large vegetable garden way. A suburban backyard, even on a large block was him to achieve so much in his life. and an orchard with a wide variety of vines, fruit and never going to be enough for Brian and soon he was nut trees. These were grown on brackish bore water Brian died in Adelaide on Anzac Day 2010 some days starting work on what was to be his last challenge and that was considered only good enough to grow the after heart surgery. A small private funeral was held in a fitting memorial. most salt tolerant plants. They preserved much of their Adelaide and then on Sunday June 20th a memorial produce and Brian made wine from his Shiraz vines. At the eastern end of Quorn there was a parkland that gathering was held to honour Brian’s memory in the A feature of their hospitality was a tasting of home had been previously planted with a variety of trees, Powell Gardens at Quorn, attended by about 120 preserved treats such as olives, dried figs, apricots, part of a species trial conducted by the Adelaide people, followed by refreshments in the Lions’ Club pistachio nuts, currants and many more, washed down Botanic Gardens during the 1980’s. Brian had been Hall. The Friends were represented on both occasions. with a glass or two of wine. On many occasions the involved with this trial at the time, but the data had His was a life well lived. Our sincere sympathy to Fay garden was opened to the public under Australia’s been collected and the area had become neglected. and family. Open Garden Scheme and there were always requests He approached the Council with the idea to take over Thanks to Greg Bannon for providing much of this from individuals or groups for conducted tours. the area and establish a native garden of local plants information, with additional input by John Zwar. that occurred within a radius of 20 to 30 kms of Quorn. The garden spread across the redgum creek in front With a small group of volunteers the project was started of and around the house. It was a discovery trail of in 2005. Council provided support and some help winding paths, hundreds of metres of low dry stone