Scribbly Gum, Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens
Trunk of a scribbly gum
I took this photo of the bark of a scribbly gum during a walk we did in the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens earlier this year. Whenever we visit this park I am fascinated by the intricate patterns on the bark of these trees. They look like someone has taken a pen and scribbled all over the bark on the trunk, hence the name. The trees are quite common in the Sydney region.
The term ‘scribbly gum’ can refer to several species of eucalypt trees, but this one is probably the Eucalyptus haemastoma. The markings are caused by the larval form of the scribbly gum moth tunnelling through the bark.
Hakea, Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens, Sydney
Hakea propinqua flower
On our walk in the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens in St Ives, Sydney earlier this year we came across a number of hakea plants in flower. I have shown one of the flowers in the photos above. I failed to ask my wife if she knew the actual botanical name and as I write this she is not at home for the morning. So, being resourceful, I did a little research online and came to the conclusion that it is Hakea propinqua.
Then I had another look at the photos I took on the day.
Doh. I had actually taken a photo of the name plaque under the tree! (See photo below)
In other photos below I show the fruit and more flowers of this attractive bush. This particular specimen could almost be called a tree as it was 4 – 5 metres tall.
Fruit of the Hakea propinqua
Fruit and flowers of the Hakea propinqua
New Visitor Centre Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens
Banksia flower, Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens Sydney
On our visit earlier this year to the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens in St Ives in Sydney we were delighted to see a new visitor and information centre near the entrance. After having a picnic lunch we spent a while in the new centre before going on a walk along one of the many walking trails in this park.
The visitor centre (see photo below) houses information about the gardens including posters and guides detailing what can be seen in the gardens. They also have a selection of books and other materials for sale. In an adjacent section the local Australian Plants Society has a small range of plants for sale. They also maintain and update regularly a display of what plants are currently in flower (see second photo below). This always interest my wife who has a keen interest in Australian plants. She even has a small nursery (and a website here about growing Australian plants).
New visitor centre at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens Sydney
Selection of wildflowers on display at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens Sydney
Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
Sydney Trip June 2011
On the second day of our return visit we stopped briefly at Balranald for lunch. We visited the tourist information centre, then drove down to the picnic area on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. During and after lunch I did a little birding and captured a nice shot of the White-faced Heron shown below.
White-faced Heron, Balranald
Sydney Great Steam Train Expo 2011
Sydney Great Steam Train Expo 2011
Sydney Great Steam Train Expo 2011
Sydney Great Steam Train Expo 2011
Sydney Great Steam Train Expo 2011