Spring- November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016

17 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood VIC 3134 Tel. (03) 9879 3911 CRISP ABN: 83189398124 email: [email protected] Nursery News www.crispnursery.org.au

Special focus on orchids

SALES AREA CRISP WEBSITE A Note from the Editor Wednesday 9.30am - 12.30pm www.crispnursery.org.au Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm Rain and wind. That very much sums up the past month in Melbourne. The rain has meant an Saturday 10.00am -1pm Check out abundance of wildflowers, including orchids which are (March - Nov) the full colour showcased in this newsletter. On our property we had version of the ‘fields’ of chocolate lilies - the likes of which I have not CRISP News seen before. The Trigger plants are still blooming and on-line more numerous than last year. Mark Smith and others also reported the appearance of a record number of orchids in Wombolano park, including the Cinnamon from anyone who has heard either of these calls. As Volunteers Bells orchid. Management Team they are hard to find, it is the sound that becomes vital Nursery Most of the work at CRISP is carried in identifying them. Management Annette O’Sullivan This magazine focuses on the local indigenous orchids. Stephanie Dean out by volunteers. These are people Some of the photos are stunning, including Mark’s Thank you to everyone who contributed to the from within the community who front cover photo of the Common Bird orchid Committee newsletter which over the years has come to look give their time to help provide a in Wombolano park. Thank you to Mark and to President Steve O’Flynn more and more like a magazine. I’d especially like to large range of indigenous plants Stephanie for these wonderful photos. Check out the Vice President Lloyd Smiley thank Stephanie for her commitment to sourcing for the Maroondah Region. If you colour version on the website. Secretary Gwenda Waite much of the material, including Monday Morning in the Treasurer Vivienne Osborne care about your local environment Reserves update. Recently Birdlife Australia conducted a national Members Carmel Koesasi and would like to help out at the wide Backyard Bird Count. Well over 1.4 million of Pam Yarra nursery, join the friendly team. Thanks to Merrilyn for her article on the inner Australia’s birds were counted and the figures are still Kathy Croft No experience needed. Learn the structure of eucalypts and their difficulty in surviving being collated. For most of Bird Week, the Australian Sue Mosley difference between our local native droughts; to Carol Clarke for her information Magpie led the way as the most commonly recorded Merrilyn Smith on oxalis and for the update on the ‘Bird Walk in plants, learn to propagate and pot bird, but the Rainbow Lorikeet made a late charge. up the many seedlings. Loughie’s Bushland’ that took place on September the Newsletter Editor/design: Linda Hibbs 25th and attended by twenty people including eight In regards to birds, one puzzling observation I have Website manager/design: Ken McInnes children. Twenty-nine different species of birds were made is what appears to be the change in the call recorded. of the Spotted Pardalotes on our property. When Also a thank you to Pam Yarra for her update on their RINGWOOD d growing up, this was a definite ‘Sleep ba-bee’ sound stlan very successful Open Garden, and Charlotte Templing Ea n CRISP is located in but is now a mere ‘Pi-pit’. Recordings of pardolotes Statio for her article, photos and list of plants recorded in y od GREENWOOD AVE, wa wo Rd suggest that the original sound I recall is more High ng ford North Ringwood. And of course a big thank you to ndah Ri Bed Ringwood (just next to urn roo common to the NSW variety. I would love to hear lackb Ma Olwyn Smiley for her detailed proofreading. To B Jubilee Park). Location et If you can’t find a Stre ion To test your knowledge of plant scientifc names

Wa Stat volunteer amongst the Federation Estate (based on the article in last newsletter), have a go at ntirna Road plants, walk down further the crossword I have created for you on page 12. and find them in a small Come to the BBQ and have a great Christmas and building on your left, just New Year! before Reverse Art. Linda

Right and top: Cover photo Arthropodium strictum credits (Chocolate lily ) Main cover photo by Mark Smith Left: Stylidium armeria Chiloglottis valida (Common bird orchid) (Trigger plant)

Smaller photos left to right: Gastrodia sesamoides (Cinnamon bells orchid) Photo Mark Smith, Diuris orientis Photo Stephanie Dean, Caladenia parva Photo Stephanie Dean, Pterostylis nutans (Nodding greenhood) Photo Mark Smith

DISCLAIMER CRISP Nursery Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made or opinions expressed in CRISP News. They may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the organisation but are merely printed to share information with those who are interested in the conservation of our local flora Photos Linda Hibbs and related environmental concerns. 2 3 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 Committee Corner Report from the nursery Stephanie Dean & Annette O’Sullivan Hello all

After a cracking good spring growing season, it’s The past few months have seen a great many of our to help support the talk. Many members were keen to coming around to peak seed collection time again. plant species being returned to the local environment. purchase cards and prints. We collect from our own plant stock around the Maroondah Council have been busy planting nursery and from further afield. We hold a ‘Permit to thousands of our plants in reserves throughout the Recently Maroondah Preschool students were given take Protected Flora’, issued by the Department of municipality and supplying many more plants to information on the importance of Goodenia ovata as a Environment, Land, Water and Planning. It allows us Friends groups, school groups and kindergartens. Our food plant for the ‘Meadow Argus’ caterpillars, which to collect seed and cuttings from indigenous plants in Monday Mornings in the Reserves group has put in in turn become beautiful butterflies. They are now the wild, subject to certain conditions, such as taking a hundreds more plants this season and many local growing their own Goodenia plants from cuttings we maximum of 10% of reproductive material from any residents are using local species in their home gardens. prepared with them. one plant. While CRISP is officially not required to conduct regular audits, Consumer Affairs recommend that There are great advantages of using indigenous species The Maroondah Festival always provides a great Once seeds are collected, they are labelled, catalogued organisations such as ours do so anyway in the for gardening projects. These plants are adapted to opportunity to talk to many residents about the and sown or stored. It may be many years before they interests of good financial stewardship. Early this the local conditions and require minimal care once importance of growing the local species. We attract are sown, and only then do we know how viable our year the committee elected to undertake a financial established (although many do respond well to people’s attention by having a beautiful display of collections have been. Adverse weather, insect attack, review and a suitably qualified person from outside pruning). Local bird and insect species have co- Ruth’s illustrations entitled ‘The Natural History of immature, aging or damaged seed can all affect our our organization was found who volunteered to evolved with these plants and interact to create active Maroondah’. success. Before sowing, much of the seed needs to check over our accounts. While we were pleased to ecosystems that result in an interesting and diverse be released from the pods or parent material, and receive news that our position is fairly robust, it was garden. Using local species in your gardens helps CRISP Nursery has a very strong volunteer base and so we have our ‘seed cleaning’ nights, to which all are noted that in the five years since our pricing was last create stepping stones throughout the area between it is due to the work of these wonderful volunteers, welcome. These nights are a great way to further your reviewed, costs have risen and another review was larger habitat corridors. 1 both at the nursery and behind the scenes, that we knowledge of our indigenous plants while having a now due. New pricing will apply from January 1st, so are able to provide quality local plants and information cuppa and chatting with other members. A special make sure you visit our sales area before the year is It also helps you to learn about these plants, and to the community. It has been great to welcome thanks to those volunteers who additionally take seed out and take advantage of the current prices. Our walks in the reserves become so much more some new volunteers to our Wednesday and Friday home for ‘cleaning’. treasurer tables a financial report at most committee interesting when you know the plant species. We volunteer sessions and our Saturday Morning Sales. meetings and a copy can be made available for any have had a couple of opportunities recently to talk to Many thanks to all who contribute to the ongoing I’d like to congratulate Pam Yarra and husband member to peruse upon request. community members about the work of the nursery success of the nursery. We look forward to celebrating Jim on the success of their recent Open Garden. and the importance of local species as part of local with many of you at our end of year BBQ on In addition to raising several thousand dollars for I look forward to catching up with all of you at ecosystems. The Garden Club at Walmsley Friendly December the 10th. This is always a great event where Oxfam, hundreds of visitors were able to share their our annual break-up barbeque on Saturday 10th Village invited us to speak to their members about we acknowledge the work of members towards inspiration and enthusiasm for sustainable gardening. December, see you there.. the history and work of the nursery. It was great to be preserving the plant species of our local area. able to use the botanical illustrations by Ruth Jackson With no committee meetings usually held in Steve O’Flynn December or January, our thoughts now turn to the President next AGM in March. New faces are always welcomed 1 to learn more about habitat corridors see http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/HabitatCorridors.aspx on committee and a number of vacancies are expected to arise. If you have thought about stepping up please let yourself be known to any of the existing Goodenia ovata is a food committee, or Stephanie or Annette. plant for the ‘Meadow Argus’ caterpillars, which in turn become beautiful butterflies. Have Illustrations by Ruth Jackson you thought about joining the committee? Next AGM CRISP NURSERY is in March - if you are interested, get in touch with END OF YEAR- CHRISTMAS BBQ Saturday 10th December current committee members From midday or Stephanie and Annette. 17 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood Bring a plate (sweet or savoury) to share All welcome - we’d love to see you there

Photos by Linda Hibbs 4 5 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 Monday Mornings in the Reserves Around the nursery by Stephanie Dean

Over the past few months we have been working in and only need a bit of weeding and some infill planting. the reserves once a fortnight with the aim to create We always take these opportunities to extend the corridors and increase the habitat especially for the mulch beds and prepare for future planting. As these birds and pollinators that our plants need to ensure areas mature, we have been receiving a lot of positive their survival. feedback from local residents who appreciate our work. We have had three recent outings to Old Lilydale Road where we have increased the size of the mulch With abundant flowering across the reserves we are beds in readiness for planting next year as well as hoping for a productive collection of seed this year creating some infill planting in existing mulch beds. and are looking forward to seed collecting with our There are over 900 new plants along Old Lilydale Monday Mornings group. Road near Holland Road. Many bags of weeds and rubbish have also been removed. Improving the habitat Many thanks to the Maroondah council Bushland Team corridor along Old Lilydale Road is a project that will for the support they have given our Monday Mornings keep us busy for a long time to come. group over the past three years. If you would like to join our Monday Morning Crew, ensure you are on the Other outings have included planting in Cheong Street, email list to receive information on planned outings. If Ringwood East. Local residents have been working there is an area near you that you would like support hard alongside the railway reserve to improve their to regenerate or revegetate please contact us and we local area. With information and support from the can provide guidance, practical support and help liaise council, they have been removing weeds, mulching, and with Maroondah Council. It is due to the involvement revegetating with local species from CRISP. We joined of many people that we are able to maintain and them on one of their planting days and were very improve the amenity of our local environment. If you encouraged by the enthusiasm that this fledgling group are not available to help out on Mondays – check the had for improving their local area. list of Friends Groups that meet on different days at the end of this newsletter. We have also revisited reserves along the Tarralla and Mullum Mullum creeks where the plantings that were done over past years are now growing and maturing

Calochilus robertsonii (Photo by Annette O’Sullivan)

Glossodia major Photos by Stephanie Dean

A kookaburra joins CRISP WEBSITE us at the Old Lilydale Road site Photos by Linda Hibbs www.crispnursery.org.au

6 7 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 Bushland Diversity North Ringwood species list by Charlotte Templing Species list 2016 for Bushland adjoining Glenvale Road, North Ringwood Maroondah City Council area stands close to each Speciesby Charlotte list 2016 Templing for Bushland adjoining Glenvale road, Maroondah shire council area. I’ve enjoyed my first winter back in Melbourne. The other numbering cold air nipping the nose, rediscovering knitting and fourteen plants at last SPECIES COMMON NAME GoodeniaLOCATION ovata Hop goodenia how warm wool is. After twenty years or more in count. Unfortunately Acacia Aculeatissmaaculeatissma Thin leafed wattle Through out area northern climates, believe me, seeing the change I have not sighted any Hardenbergia violacea Purple coral pea of seasons is a welcome diversion. I grew up here, Spider orchids which Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood ThroughHibbertia out area obtusifolia Showy guinea flower my parents Margaret (CRISP member) and Derek were present in the Acacia dealbata Silver wattle DittoHovea eterophylla Common hovea Williams have lived in their house for 40 years and 80s. A house now Acacia pycnantha Golden wattle Hypoxis vaginata or glabella Yellow or tiny star now circumstances have led me here again. stands where I am Adiantum aethiopicum Common maiden hair South facing gullies Chamaescillia corymbosa sure I photographed LagenophoraLangenophora gracilis gracilis Slender bottle daisy (Blue Stars) Arthropodium strictum Chocolate lily We are so fortunate in having a strip of remnant them. I must add LeucopogonLeucopogon virgatus australis var. SpikeCommon beard beard heath heath Billardiera mutabilis Common apple berry Through out area bush opposite the house on its acre block and that I have only Lyperanthus suaveolenssuavelons Brown beaks Lower portion joining Oban rd Loughie’s bushland just down the road. Bird life photographed in the bush along Glenvale road. Brunonia australis Blue pin cushion Pimelea humilis Common rice flower abounds as Mum has kept and enhanced the Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine lily natural bush garden. My eyes are more open now to the diversity in Plantago varia Variable plantain Burchardia umbellateumbellata Milkmaids these pockets of bushland. I am so glad Maroondah PlatylobiumPlatyobium obstusangulumobtusangulum Common flat pea (42) Caladenia catenata White caladenia I’d taken many photos back in the early 80’s of the council is actively maintaining them. However, I’ve Poa. sp. Grass native flora of the area. So I decided to re-record also noticed how thick parts of the bush have Cassinia arcuataarcuate Drooping cassinia Pterostylis melagramma Tall green hood what I found this year which apparently is a bumper become with fallen trees and branches which tend Cassinia arculeata Common cassinia to inhibit the natural cycle of these delicate flowers. Pultenaea gunnii Golden pea bush year due to the rain. Cassinia longifolia Long leafed cassinia Dare I suggest ‘controlled burning’ in parts? It would RanunculusRannuculus lappaceus lappaceus Common buttercup Cassytha melantha Coarse dodder laurel Starting this project in July, I started photographing be interesting to map what regrows and maybe Rubus parvifolius parvifolus Native raspberry the white and pink heath (Epicaris impressa) and even the elusive spider orchid will re-appear. Chamaescillia corymbosa Blue stars Spyridium parvifolium Australian dusty miller the tall sundews (Drosera auriculata). Since then, I’ve Clematis aristata Austral clematis Stackhousia monogyna Candles continued stalking through the bush with camera at Acacia aculeatissma Comesperma volubile Love creeper the ready, avoiding my least favourite of creatures the (Thin leafed wattle) Stylidium armeria Thrift leaved trigger plant Coronidium scorpoidesscorpioides Button everlasting Jack jumper ant and its cousin the Inchman or bull Tetratheca ciliataciliate Pink bells dog ant. There are no formal paths through this area, I Daviesia leptophylla Narrow leafed bitter pea Thelymitra sp. Sun orchidsorchids (52) follow the swamp wallaby trail – it has a penchant for Diuris pardina Leopard orchid 2 specimens only (20) Themeda triandra Kangaroo grass new everlasting daisy tips. Diuris orientissp Wallflower? donkey ear orchid Drosera aberrans Scented sundew Viola hederceahederacea Native violet So far I’ve identified 41 species which, I might add, Wurbea dioica spp dioica Early Nancy need to be put under expert eyes to verify. (see Drosera auriculata Tall Tall sundewsundew Xanthorrhoea minorsp. ssp. lutea SmallGrass Grasstree Tree (56) chart on next page). This has included four orchid Epacris impressa Pink & white heath species including Lyperanthus suaveolens (Brown Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red stringy bark beaks), which I had not seen before. There are two Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Scented flower Photos by Charlotte Templing Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red box spp.vestia Exocarpus cupressiformis Cherry Ballart Gahnia radula Thatch saw sedge 30 Glossodia major Wax lip orchid Reminder - Orchids are protected under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. Removal or interfering with orchids is illegal

Lyperanthus suaveolens Diuris orientis Diuris pardina (Leopard orchid) (Brown Beaks) 8 9 CRISPCRISP Nursery Nursery News News Spring Spring - November - November 2016 2016 CRISPCRISP Nursery Nursery News News Spring Spring - November - November 2016 2016 Orchids from around Maroondah by Mark Smith and Stephanie Dean

© Stephanie Dean © Stephanie Dean Microtis parviflora (Slender onion orchid) Above: Caladenia carnea Above (left to right): Diuris sulphurea, Diuris orientis Photo Mark Smith (photo by Stephanie Dean) Below: Glossodia major Photos by Stephanie Dean

Below and inset at bottom Chiloglottis trapeziformis © Mark Smith (Dainty Bird-orchid) Wombolano Park Photo by Mark Smith

Above: Caladenia parva Photo by Stephanie Dean

Gastrodia sesamoides (Cinnamon bells orchid) Wombolano park Pterostylis pedunculata (Maroon hood) Below: Chiloglottis valida (Common bird orchid) Photo by Mark Smith Photos by Mark Smith © Mark Smith

Above: Lyperanthus suaveolens Above: Pterostylis nutans © Mark Smith Photo Stephanie Dean (Nodding greenhood) Below Chiloglottis valida (Common bird orchid) Photos by Mark Smith

10 10 11 11 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 Scientific plant names - Maroondah area Open Garden update The Yarra Garden - a sustainable habitat garden Scientific plant names - Maroondah area by Pam Yarra

You may recall reading in the CRISP winter edition The curving paths leading to garden rooms were newsletter, my husband Jim and I opened our popular and many visitors were keen to find out sustainable habitat garden on the weekend of about the construction and materials used. Watching September 10th and 11th. Coverage in The Age and children running from area to area, the conventional Leader newspapers and the distribution of posters and grass was obviously not missed. flyers ensured there was a steady stream of visitors on both days. Many individuals, couples and young families Both the herb garden and raised vegetable beds were from the local Maroondah area, and other attracted interest. The labelled plants provided an eastern suburbs but there were also visitors from the opportunity for at least one primary school visitor to inner city and bayside areas. In total there were 500 write names in her note book. She attends a school visitors, including children. that has a Stephanie Alexander produce garden and hopefully her enthusiasm will continue. We labelled the Lizard Lounge, Butterfly Bar and Frog Ponds with labels included information about the The proceeds to Oxfam totalled $4000 from required needs of specific wildlife, especially the value admission costs, refreshments (by Oxfam) and fifty of leaf litter and mulch. Many people were genuinely percent of the profit of the sale of the plants sold interested in knowing more about attracting wildlife to by the Australian Plant Society. Kuranga Native Plant the garden and the open garden provided them with Nursery also kindly donated 100 vouchers, valued at the oportunity to see a garden in action. $10 each.

Some plants were in flower, others had finished Overall the weekend was a success on many levels. flowering and more were ready to open. Acacia It enabled engagement with both the local and wider pycnantha had finished flowering, but Acacia acinacea community, exposed others to the beauty and benefits was spectacular in full bloom and the climbing of growing sustainable, low-maintenance Australian Hardenbergia violacea contrasted wonderfully with plants (including indigenous plants) and provided the yellow/orange flowers of Pultenaea glabra and information about ways to create areas for wildlife in 14 Hibbertia empetrifolia 14 . Plants that thrive in almost the suburban garden. None of this would have been total shade and dry conditions were of interest too. achieved without the support from family, friends and Chorilaena quercifolia (low growing form) is one volunteers from local organisations and groups. such plant, accompanied by Lomandra filiformis, as Thank you to all. an informal edging plant. The oak shaped leaf of the Chorilaena is well contrasted with the narrow leaves of the lomandra and both thrive in shady, dry conditions. © ©Linda Linda Hibbs Hibbs

AcrossAcross Pam and Jim’s Note: If you get stuck, Open Garden day these plants are listed 2. Ribbon/Manna2. Ribbon/Manna Gum Gum = Eucalyptus = Eucalyptus ______on the CRISP website 5. Common5. Common Maidenhair Maidenhair species list. 9. Small9. St.Small John’s St. John’s Wort Wort = ______= ______gramineum gramineum 11. Kidney11. Kidney Weed Weed 13. Pale13. Vanilla-lily Pale Vanilla-lily = Arthropodium = Arthropodium ______14. Yellow14. Yellow Hakea Hakea = Hakea = Hakea ______15. Common15. Common Apple-berry Apple-berry = ______= ______scandens scandens 16. Australian Clematis = Clematis ______16. Australian Clematis = Clematis ______Down Down1. Cherry Ballart = Exocarpus _____ 1. Cherry3. Chocolate Ballart = Lily Exocarpus _____ 3. Chocolate4. Milkmaids Lily 4. Milkmaids6. Bulbine Lily 6. Bulbine7. Cinnamon Lily Wattle = Acacia ______7. Cinnamon8. Pandorea Wattle pandorana = Acacia = ______8. Pandorea10 Short pandorana purple flag = = _____ fragilis 10 Short12. purple Swamp flag paperbark = _____ = Melaleuca fragilis ______12 13 12. Swamp paperbark = Melaleuca ______CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 Oxalis and its removal Climate change and our eucalypts by Carol Clarke by Merrilyn Smith

The very pesky weed Oxalis, is more prolific than ever this • Roundup killed a patch for several weeks but it then started I recently read a couple of articles published on the increase their habitat range but the distribution of year. I am horrified to see the way it has taken over large parts reappearing and is not a good option to use in the ABC Science News website and was shocked by 90% of the species could shrink by an average 50% of some properties, including my neighbours on both sides. environment.* The following observations may help others to control this • Patiently digging up seemed to be the best option although recent research which suggests that extreme droughts over 60 years. Some may even disappear entirely. weed. is still only viable for smaller patches. could lead to the widespread death of eucalypts • Covering oxalis with mulch or matting can only be a from embolisms. In humans an embolism refers to an The loss of trees in some areas will also have a The roots of Oxalis are basically either long or very long (very temporary measure as the oxalis loves the extra nutrition obstruction of an artery, usually by a blood clot or knock-on effect on other parts of the environment. few short). They vary from being very fat to very fine. The in mulch and growths through. Our Bushland manager says air bubble. I didn’t realise that trees can also develop If a tree disappears it will also affect some insects, roots have either a few bulbs or numerous bulbs and these he will not use mulch in natural bush areas as he says it is embolisms caused by air bubbles. birds and other wildlife. There won’t be only a shift in are mostly small and white. Due to their thin delicate nature, simply too good for the weeds. tree distribution and diversity; there will be a shift in the majority of roots break off very easily. One of the roots I The researchers made three key points: Australia’s overall biodiversity. measured was 18cm long! In the spring and summer, oxalis will gradually die off and you • Some trees can shrink the width of their water may breath a sigh of relief. But it is simply having a rest until transport vessels in response to lack of water. Removal: here are suggestions I have been given; it springs up again next year. Drought controls oxalis but we References: • 50/50 vinegar and water can’t wish for this! Eucalypts are not able to do this which puts them at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-30/climate-change- • salt solution risk of developing air bubbles in their vessels, making could-put-eucalypts-at-risk-of-death-air-bubbles/7266230 • breaking off small growths as they appear them vulnerable to extreme heatwaves and drought. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-20/climate-change- • Roundup (Glyphosate) * * Ed. Note. It is not recommended that Glyphosate be used. • Trees that drop leaves, reduce evaporation could-shrink-habitat-of-90-pc-of-eucalypt-species/7858382 • patiently dig it up with the bulbs (my solution) Research has shown that it takes a very long time to break from their leaves in response to lack of water and down and thus creates a problem in soil for future planting high temperatures but this does not occur in Trials and conclusions: and is to be avoided at all costs if there is any chance that a eucalypts. Spotted pardolotes • The vinegar and water quickly killed a patch. vegetable garden may one day be planted in that area. Please • The width of the vessels (xylem) that trees use to • Salt solution - I did not get to try. see CRISP newsletter Winter /July 2015 pp8-9 for information transport water from the soil to the leaves also • Breaking off shoots worked short term as it did deprive the about the impact of Glysophate on the environment and affects how well they respond to drought. plant of nutrition through the leaves but as it kept re alternative options. shooting, this could not be recommended. Why garden for birds? Narrow water transport vessels are better for trees by Stephanie Dean growing in dry environments because a narrow vessel is less likely to form an air bubble when insufficient water With widespread loss of suitable is available. Once an embolism forms, the vessel is no Illustration by habitat, small insect-eating Neville Caley longer able to transport water. Some conifers can narrow (insectivorous) birds have been their vessel width in response to dry years but it appears experiencing declining numbers in urban areas. that many eucalypts can’t reduce the size of their vessels Small birds are always vulnerable to predation from quickly enough to cope with the variability in water larger species especially during breeding season. supply. These vascular traits appear to have been ‘hard- Why garden for birds? Many larger predatory birds species, such as Pied wired’ over a long period of time. With widespread loss of suitable habitat, small insect-eating Currawongs,(insectivorous) Ravens, Butcherbirds birds have beenand Noisyexperiencing Miners declining have becomenumbers more in urban prevalent areas. Smallin urban birds areas. are always These vulnerable to Researchers studied more than 24,000 vessels in 28 birds raid thepredation nests from of small larger birds species and especially survive duringwell breeding Join us in celebrating species of eucalypt and found that species adapted to season. Many larger predatory bird species, such as Pied on human-created foods such as large showy garden Australian Pollinator Week drier parts of the country had narrower water transport Currawongs, Ravens, Butcherbirds and Noisy Miners have flowers, becomepetfood, more garbage prevalent and in foodscraps. urban areas. Introduced These birds raid the th th vessels than those adapted to wetter conditions. They 20 – 27 November 2016 birds suchnests as ofthe small Indian birds Myna and survive have become well on human-created foods found that eucalypts die when approximately 90% of such as large showy garden flowers, petfood, garbage and abundant and out-compete small bush birds for How can we support insect pollinators? their vessels contain embolisms. A mass tree death did foodscraps. Introduced birds such as Indian Miners have Health and resources.become very abundant and out compete small bush birds for • Plant lots of flowering2 plants Safety not occur in Victoria’s drought between 1998 and 2010 resources. • Don’t use insecticides but there are already examples of mass deaths in other Creating suitable Reminder • When pruning, bundle hollow stems together states. After 20 years of drought in Western Australia, habitat for birds Please consider your health for cavity-nesting insects jarrah woodlands south of Perth endured mass forest and wellbeing when selecting brings interest and collapse after the heatwaves that occurred during 2010 activity into your which activities to join in. Many Jaime Pawelek and 2011. Scientists are still studying why these trees died garden. Choose activities around the nursery involve and believe it is partly related to embolism because those lifting, bending or standing for long plants that provide trees often grew in rocky outcrops with shallow soil and periods. Some activities can be a food source and adjusted where required and CRISP low levels of water. a refuge for smaller Michael Duncan management are keen to discuss birds. Also place ! go to www.beesbusiness.com.au or Researchers also studied more than 650 species of any ideas you may have to lots of birdCreating baths suitable around habitat and include for birds smaller brings interest ones and activity facebook.com/groups/beeawareofyournativebees to eucalypts across Australia to see what would happen if reduce any potential Health - find information, find a group activity, share ideas, share your pictures for the smaller birds. into your garden. and Safety issues that our climate warmed by 3ºC. A handful of eucalypts could you identify. 14 15 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016

Cards and prints by Ruth Jackson What’s on Dates for the diary

‘The Natural History of Maroondah Series’ Cards available to purchase from the nursery Julie Vivas $4 each, Prints $40 mounted, $15 unmounted. Over 50 species/ illustrations available exclusively through CRISP nursery.

CRISP NURSERY END OF YEAR- CHRISTMAS BBQ ©Copyright Saturday 10th December From midday 17 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood © Copyright Bring a plate (sweet or savoury) to share © Copyright All welcome - we’d love to see you there Spring Outdoors Program As in previous years, Manningham, Nillumbik & Banyule Councils are combining to hold a ‘Spring Outdoors Program’ of Daniella admixta environmental activities. The first activities were in September and the last is on November 28th. Activities include Vegie by Ruth Jackson Swaps, Breakfast with the birds, Frog talk & walk. Some activities are free and there is a cost for others see http://www. manningham.vic.gov.au/spring-outdoors-2016 for a full program. Pterostylis nutans by Ruth Jackson Eucalyptus cephalocarpa by Ruth Jackson Ideal Christmas Presents! The Mullum Mullum Festival AGM will be held on Sun Nov 20th. at the Field Naturalists Club Hall, I Gardenia St., Blackburn (Mel 47 K10) at 2.00pm. Dr. Gary Presland will give a presentation of “The Landscape of Aboriginal Melbourne,” Ruth Jackson at the September followed at 3.30pm by the AGM. Everyone Welcome. No Charge. RSVP appreciated (but not essential)- Sales Day with some of her [email protected] or Ph 9719-7661. NB The next festival will be in Spring 2017 ie NO festival in 2016. prints on display

Free Environment Seminars are held by Manningham Council - first Wednesday of the month (Feb – Dec) at 7.30pm. All are welcome. No booking is required. December 7th Powerful Owl Research – Nick Bradsworth

Manningham Nature Walks Thursdays At 9.30am November 24th – Grass Identification at Pound Bend – Moderate (mostly easy) December 22nd – Summer Solstice at Bluetongue Bend – Difficult (some steep, narrow sections) Booking is essential and open two months before each walk. Numbers are limited. To book or for more information phone 9840-9129, or go to http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/nature-walks HAVE YOUR SAY! Comment on Discussion PaperWhat Until is pollination? 28th November The Maroondah community is invited to Unlikeprovide animals, input into plants the can’tdevelopment move around of in search of a mate, to Don’t forget to return Maroondah’s first Climate Risk and Adaptationreproduce. Strategy, Therefore, which plants will allow need pollinatorsus to better to transfer the male sex CRISP polo shirts your plant tubes manage the risks of climate change. Throughcells taking (pollen) early to theaction female and reproductive through our parts of flowers. This is designed by Jamie Holyoake continued work with the community we cancalled improve pollination, Maroondah which inleads many to fertilisation. ways. Good fertilisation Buy now from the nursery and poly boxes helps plants develop seeds and fruit. The seeds and fruits that feed Only $10 Bring back on Wednesday or Friday Council has prepared a discussion paper. Thethe countless community animals is invited in the to world, read includingthe discussion us. or leave outside the CRISP potting paper and provide their input on the key directions and priority action areas outlined in shed/office. the document. There are many ways the communityPollinators drivecan havebiodiversity, their say: and an overonline 75% survey of the world’s flowering or in person at Council service centres andplants libraries. rely on insect pollinators to reproduce. Pollinators provide these important ecosystem services in the natural landscapes as well as within agricultural/horticultural and urban environments. Feedback on the Maroondah Climate Risk and Adaptation Strategy discussion paper must be submitted by Monday 28 November. TheThe worlddiscussion is suffering paper andfrom online major survey, pollinator as declines,well but through education and events such as Pollinator as FAQs, are available on Council’s website.Week we can bring these usually-unnoticed insects to the forefront of peoples’ thoughts, with the goal of http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ClimateAdaptation.aspxsupporting and protecting their populations.

Why is Australian Pollinator Week important? 16 17 Communities in the northern hemisphere have been celebrating the importance of pollinators since June 2007, however, the seasonal differences in the south has restricted bilateral celebrations.

Australian Pollinator Week acknowledges our important and unique insect pollinators during our southern spring (November). It is a designated week when community, business and organisations can come together to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and support their needs.

Through group activities, community members can learn and laugh together as they help to support our pollinators.

By engaging communities in schools, gardening clubs, community gardens, local council areas, Landcare groups and neighbourhoods we can increase awareness and act on our increased knowledge.

Pollinator Week activities may include

 Creating a pollinator habitat garden  Making insect hotels  Creating environmental art pieces to educate about pollinators  Conduct children’s educational activities  Conduct ‘catch a bug’ sessions to help identify and better understand insects  Conduct a ‘wild pollinator count’ https://wildpollinatorcount.com/

CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016 Subscriptions LOCAL ENVIRONMENT/FRIENDS GROUPS Due on July 1st each year Group Name Contact (For Members joining after March, your next subscription falls due the following year.) Heathmont Bushcare What does your membership mean for you? Working bees held 1st Sunday of the month Roger: 9876 6762 Apart from helping support your local Indigenous plant nursery (run by volunteers), all plants are available to you at http://heathmontbushcare.wordpress.com reduced rates (eg. tube stock will cost $1.50 instead of $2.00 and 150mm pots cost $4.00 instead of $5.50.) You are also helping to keep Maroondah’s local flora and fauna alive. Loughies Bushland Support CRISP and help your local environment. Note: These Working bees held 1st Saturday of the month Carol: 9870 8126 Pay now (cheque, direct debit) or drop into the nursery. THANK YOU new prices take 9.30-12.30pm. Meet in Kubis Drv at the Main Entrance. place on January Direct deposit to renew membership the 1st 2017 First Friends of Dandenong Creek Lex: 9874 4326 Can’t get to the nursery to pay cash? Don’t have a cheque book? We are making it easier for you to Mullum Mullum Creek Bushcare Group Alan: 98761319 renew by direct deposit. 0417541483 BSB 033 044 Account No: 149422

FJC Rogers Reserve Don Dower: 9736 2309 Ensure you put your name in the details section so we can update your membership Friends of Wombolano Andy: 0414999491 Working bees held 3rd Sunday of the month Merrilyn : 0410073514 Sending an email to the nursery when you make the deposit will ensure that your membership information Friends of Ringwood Lake is updated correctly. Working bees held first Monday of the month Des: 9879 4176 Meet at the Sound Shell at 10.00am Friends of Andersons Creek Richard: 9876 5382 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Bungalook Conservation Reserve SINGLE $10 per annum MEMBERSHIP Second Sat of the month fom 9.30am Graeme: 8711 3454 FAMILY $15 per annum (Please circle) Ringwood Field Naturalist Club Peter: 9801 6946 GROUP: $20 per annum Croydon Conservation Society Keith: 9723 1806

Warranwood Reserve Margaret: 9876 3094 Name: ______

Warrien Reserve www.warrien.org Keith: 9723 4410 Address: ______Yanggai Barring, Warranwood Pat Black: 9723 0036

______

Contact: Tel: ______Email: ______

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CRISP WEBSITE I wish to continue receiving the newsletter by snail mail o The Treasurer CRISP Nursery Inc. www.crispnursery.org.au OR PO Box 706 Heathmont, VIC 3135 I wish to read the newsletter on the website o Maroondah Environment Yahoo network [email protected] 18 19 CRISP Nursery News Spring - November 2016

CRISP Nursery News

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CRISP Nursery Box 706 Heathmont VIC 3135

Calochilus robertsonii Purple Beard Orchid photo by Annette O’Sullivan

Cinnamon Bells (Gastrodia sesamoides) photo by Mark Smith