be Informed
Become Informed while you are beguiled
A light, informative and entertaining introduction to the indigenous plants of the Geelong Region and the ecologies that support them. These articles describe these plants and how they fit into the ecology of the bush. They are easy to read stories based on science and personal observation. For a broader perspective on ecology and nature, have a look at Nurseryman's Diary below
You will be astonished and amazed by what the local native plants will bring to you and your garden, whether your garden is a suburban block or a thousand hectares.
To read more, Click on the headings below,
The Indigenous Flora of the Geelong district is a brief description of how Geelong's variable geology has led to the evolution of a remarkable and uniquely beautiful community of plants.
Indigenous flora, what and why
- discover the benefits of planting indigenous flora in your garden and back paddock.
Acacias, wattles of the Geelong Region
- read about and see the local wattles. Discover where they prefer to grow. You can get the full story on the local wattles in my recent popular blogs. Click here to 'easy blog finder' and scroll down to acacias.
Acacias, the cafés of the bush
- wattles have been a source of food and useful products for thousands of years to both humans and wildlife. This article playfully looks at the cafe culture and how it is very similar to how wattles fit into the world of birds, animals and insects
Cherry Ballart
- this beautiful plant has many historical uses as well as edible fruit. Read about it in 'Cherry Ballart - a symbol of cooperation'
Eucalypts - The sentinals
- describes the eucalypts found in the Barrabool Hills overlooking Geelong
Moonah,
- a tough, long-lived large shrub that is common along the coast and is found inland in Victoria and South Australia
Sheoaks and Cypress-pine
- two species of local Sheoak and the rare local Cypress Pine are described in 'Trees without leaves'.
Sweet Bursaria
- this remarkable small tree is a biological pest control plant, and it supports a rare butterfly. Two articles, 'A story of intimacy, trust and protection' and 'A story of hope and resilience' will give you some remarkable insights
Wedge-leaf Hop-bush
- the amazing story of the beautiful indigenous shrub, the Wedge-leaf Hop-bush. It got its name because it was used in the Australian ‘colonies' to make a uniquely Ozy beer and is used as a natural medicine worldwide.
You will be astonished and amazed by what the local native plants will bring to you and your garden, whether your garden is a suburban block or a thousand hectares.
To read more, Click on the headings below,
The Indigenous Flora of the Geelong district is a brief description of how Geelong's variable geology has led to the evolution of a remarkable and uniquely beautiful community of plants.
Indigenous flora, what and why
- discover the benefits of planting indigenous flora in your garden and back paddock.
Acacias, wattles of the Geelong Region
- read about and see the local wattles. Discover where they prefer to grow. You can get the full story on the local wattles in my recent popular blogs. Click here to 'easy blog finder' and scroll down to acacias.
Acacias, the cafés of the bush
- wattles have been a source of food and useful products for thousands of years to both humans and wildlife. This article playfully looks at the cafe culture and how it is very similar to how wattles fit into the world of birds, animals and insects
Cherry Ballart
- this beautiful plant has many historical uses as well as edible fruit. Read about it in 'Cherry Ballart - a symbol of cooperation'
Eucalypts - The sentinals
- describes the eucalypts found in the Barrabool Hills overlooking Geelong
Moonah,
- a tough, long-lived large shrub that is common along the coast and is found inland in Victoria and South Australia
Sheoaks and Cypress-pine
- two species of local Sheoak and the rare local Cypress Pine are described in 'Trees without leaves'.
Sweet Bursaria
- this remarkable small tree is a biological pest control plant, and it supports a rare butterfly. Two articles, 'A story of intimacy, trust and protection' and 'A story of hope and resilience' will give you some remarkable insights
Wedge-leaf Hop-bush
- the amazing story of the beautiful indigenous shrub, the Wedge-leaf Hop-bush. It got its name because it was used in the Australian ‘colonies' to make a uniquely Ozy beer and is used as a natural medicine worldwide.
Nurseryman's diary:
These articles were written about memorable trips, incidents and revelations on botanical themes.
The joys of seed collecting will give you insights into seed collecting, drying and storage. It's both reflective and practical
Give me a home among the gum trees tells the amazing story of the symbiosis between winter flowering eucalypts and migrating flocks of honeyeaters
Landcare, who cares? Raises the important issue of bringing environmental awareness to our cities and giving children a real connection with nature, otherwise they won't care about the natural environment when they are voting adults
Neds Corner - a Trust for Nature property. The inspiring story of how a degraded sheep station in the far north-west of Victoria on the Murray River has become TfN's 'flagship property' full of diverse and extraordinary wildlife
Symbiotic fungi - most plants can't live without them
Tree Violet - as tenacious as a terrier describes how this tough and beautifully scented bush has adapted to many environments and even 150 years of sheep grazing. Read about how a day out seed collecting unexpectedly turned into a battle between my Jack Russel Terrier and a very large fox
The River Red Gums and the Tuscan Monks relates some remarkable botanical history. It unfolds during a trip to the Apennine mountain ranges south of Florence, Italy, in an effort to discover the truth about the naming of the River Red Gum. It explores why this iconic Australian tree was named after the Camaldolese monks of Tuscany
The last Silver Banksia sadly looks at the loss of this species from granite areas around Victoria. It was written after a visit to a granite outcrop near Geelong called Dog Rocks.
The Regent Honeyeater - a good news story is a remarkable tale about what one man with a dream can achieve with the community behind him. It describes the intriguing relationship between Red Ironbarks, the Imperial Jezebel Butterfly and the Regent Honeyeater
