Director’s report Introducing the Royal Botanic …Hon. Kay Patterson launched a book entitled Banksia lady: Celia Rosser, botanical artist, written by Carolyn Landon, one of our

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NEWSLETTER OF THE FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS CRANBOURNE, INC.

Introducing the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

In the winter issue of Naturelink I mentioned that we were about to launch our new visual identity. It is an important and exciting moment in our organisation’s history, so I take this opportunity to provide some detail on what it means, why we undertook the review and what the outcome looks like. Whilst we have a new name and logo, many of the changes will be rolled out over coming months. This will include refurbished signs (site signage will be gradually updated over a couple of years) and new uniform. Acknowledgement goes to our Marketing team for many of the following words, and indeed for coordinating the whole project.

Why the name change?

Since its establishment in 1846, the organisation known as the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has expanded dramatically and now incorporates a number of distinct locations and functions that were no longer easily connected to the site at Melbourne. In addition to the well-known garden in the heart of Melbourne, the organisation includes: the internationally recognised Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology based at the University of Melbourne; the National Herbarium of Victoria, housing the State Botanical Collection; and a 363-hectare contemporary Australian native garden located in Cranbourne.

Our new name, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, reflects our commitment to the entire state in line with other key Victorian organisations such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Zoos Victoria and Museums Victoria. This change recognises that our work extends beyond the physical boundaries of our two gardens, and that we pursue knowledge and share our scientific achievements for the benefit of the entire Victorian community.

With our new visual identity we are able to create a system that connects the very diverse parts of our organisation, creating instant recognition when someone comes into contact with us. This can take time to build up but once achieved it is a very powerful tool and will give strength to individual parts that may have been lost in the past.

Director’s report

Chris Russell

Friends of the Royal BotanicGardens Cranbourne, Inc.1000 Ballarto RoadCranbourne Victoria 3977

Inc no. A0025281B ABN 43 551 008 609

Web address:http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/support/support-groups/friends-of-rbg/cranbourne

Highlights

in this issueEOI Round the Prom 5

EOI WA tour 5

Lord Howe Island 7

From the Bushland 15

The new logo of the RBG Victoria captures the breadth of our role in connecting people with

plants and the natural world.

What does the new visual identity reflect?

The new ‘brandmark’ incorporates many elements that reflect our vision: Life is sustained and enriched by plants. By incorporating the three key elements—plants, animals and people—our new visual identity acknowledges that plants are central to all life—including us and our precious wildlife. The plants featured in the symbol include a wattle and eucalypt, representing the native Australian plants typical of Cranbourne Gardens; the Moreton Bay fig and an oak, closely associated with Melbourne Gardens; birds and other animals that support and depend upon plants, reinforcing the focus we have on urban ecology; and importantly, people, representing the community, who all rely on plants for survival and enrichment.

Does this mean we now look after all botanic gardens in Victoria?

Victoria has over 40 botanic gardens run by Councils and local community groups. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria will continue to support these gardens through the peak industry body, Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (Victoria), and through various partnerships and historical relationships. The name change does not imply any governance responsibility, but it does reinforce our commitment to a strong network of botanic gardens throughout the State of Victoria.

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What does this mean for Friends of RBG Cranbourne?

Thanks Marketing … back to me for this one! With the new organisational name and focus on unifying our diversity of parts and functions, the previous site name of RBG Cranbourne will no longer be used. Instead the site name will be Cranbourne Gardens, as one of two gardens managed by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. It will, of course, take some time for us all to get used to this,

but I am very confident that it will make our organisation less confusing to our community and to those who may be engaging with us for the first time.

For the Friends, there is no need to do anything immediately, however I am pleased to say that the changes and new logo have received overwhelming support from the Friends Committee and we are in the very early stages of exploring opportunities for the evolution of the visual identity of the Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, Inc.

Other news in brief

I know I am going over my space allocation in this edition(!), but I am sure many of you would like to know that two of our longstanding and much-loved employees are moving on. Visitor Programs Officer Luke Saffigna has accepted a Presentations Coordinator role with Zoos Victoria, based in Melbourne, and Nursery Technician Cali Salzmann is heading ‘back home’ to Queensland. They have both made such a big contribution to the development of Cranbourne Gardens, especially with the creation of the Australian Garden, not to mention contributions around the lunch table! We wish them both well with their future endeavours.

Growing Friends spring plant sale Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October

10.00am–4.00pm

RBGV Cranbourne, follow signs in carpark

The nursery is open to all members every Thursday from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Plant list is available 1–2 weeks before the sale. See website <http://www.rbgfriendscranbourne.org.au>.

CASH or CHEQUE ONLY15% discount for membersDrawing of Rhododendron viriosum

by John Armstrong

Thank you, farewell and good luck to Cali Salzmann and Luke Saffigna

July winter plant sales

The July plant sales were held over the course of a very cold and windy weekend and that of course meant, unsurprisingly, a reduced number of visitors. However despite this we sold $6,765 worth of plants over the weekend. A very good result considering, and thanks go to the Growing Friends, who braved the weather in organising the sales and providing advice. Thanks especially to Barbara Jeffery for her organisation while Marjanne Rook was having an interstate holiday. In addition 10 new members joined the Friends over the weekend.

There was an excellent range of plants on offer at very affordable prices. Knowledgeable people quickly picked out some of the so-called more desirable plants. There were many bargains being scooped up quickly, such as the chamomile sunray ‘Paper Baby’, Rhodanthe anthemoides, with only a $2 price tag.

A number of people were asking for trees suitable for suburban gardens. So this is likely to be another task for the Growing Friends to source and supply such plants.

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From the President

Richard Clarke

Once again, I am pleased to report that the previous three months have been very busy and fulfilling in all respects; our very successful Annual Luncheon was held in early May, and then there were events where not only Friends, but also the public were involved. Starting with the most recent, the Hon. Kay Patterson launched a book entitled Banksia lady: Celia Rosser, botanical artist, written by Carolyn Landon, one of our own members. Celia Rosser attended the function together with members of her family, her early mentors and about 250 Friends and guests. On display was the original of Celia’s first painting of a banksia and Volume One folio of her paintings. Prior to the book launch, Carolyn Landon gave a talk to a full house of 120 Friends in which she traced the development of Celia’s painting skills throughout her life. You will find a detailed report elsewhere in Naturelink.

Our advertised tour to the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island for 20 Friends was so heavily oversubscribed that two further tours, each of 20 people, followed. We were fortunate to have the services of Ian Hutton as our guide throughout the period. Ian is the leading naturalist and environmental ‘guru’ of the island. Again these highly successful

tours are described elsewhere in Naturelink.

What are the Friends funding?

I foreshadowed in the last Naturelink that the Gardens Management would present the Friends with a prioritised ‘wish list’ of projects for which no funding was available. These discussions have resulted in the Friends undertaking to provide funds for the leasing of two ‘Garden Explorers’ over three years, the installation of a large possum-proof cage for the Gardens Nursery and improved air conditioning and access for the Orchid Conservation Centre.

Leasing for the ‘Garden Explorers’ was chosen, in preference to purchase, due to the rate of technological advance taking place, servicing requirements and the opportunity to trade the vehicles in for updated models at the end of the lease period. The new vehicles are expected to arrive in October and will provide a greatly improved service to visitors to the Gardens.

Professor Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive RBGV, and Chris Russell, the Director of the Cranbourne Gardens, have both expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to the Friends for raising such significant sums and applying them to these worthwhile projects. It is through the past and continuing support of the Friends in participating in the various activities that we run, that we have been able to generate good positive cash flows. I also want to add my appreciation and thanks to everyone who has devoted their time and energy to the development of the various groups we run and for participating in our activities.

What’s in store for 2016?

Chloe Foster masterminded a successful planning day in early July with many Friends attending or submitting their ideas by email for workshops, discovery days and tours. After the morning brainstorming session a preliminary program was drawn up, which the activities sub-committee is now refining for publication in the next Naturelink. I would like to encourage you to join the active and busy activities sub-committee, where you will be made most welcome. So many ideas were submitted that we could not accommodate them in the normal schedule. These ideas will form the basis for a monthly schedule of Friends member discussions that we are planning to hold in the Elliot Centre on a Thursday.

I look forward to meeting you at the many events that are coming up.

The AGM for the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Inc. will be held on 15 November at 2pm. The meeting will comprise the presentation of reports for the 2014/2015 financial year, approval of the annual accounts, and elections for members of the Committee and office bearers.

Guest speaker: Millie Ross

Following the AGM, at about 3pm, we will have a guest speaker, Millie Ross. Millie is a

Annual General Meeting

Sunday 15 November 2pm

Australian Garden Auditorium RBGV Cranbourne

professional horticulturalist, designer, writer and broadcaster on 3CR and 3AW gardening programs, and she is currently the senior researcher for the ABC’s Gardening Australia. She is an experienced traveller seeking garden ideas and inspiration wherever she stops. You can be sure of an entertaining addition to the AGM, with Millie’s passion and effervescence for all aspects of gardening. Please note the date and time in your diary.

President Richard Clarke at the recent Annual Luncheon. Photo: Judith Cooke


SEPTEMBER6 Sunday Discovery day—Bayside Australian gardens, see page 13

13 Sunday Plant genus workshop—Callistemon and melaleuca, see page 13

15 Tuesday Discovery day—Burnley Gardens, see page 4

OCTOBER21 Wednesday Botanical Illustrators talk—‘Tracking down and painting all known brachychitons’, with Jean Dennis, see page 8

24 Saturday and 25 Sunday Growing Friends spring plant sale, see page 2

NOVEMBER15 Sunday Annual General Meeting, see page 3

18 Wednesday Botanical Illustrators workshop—Canson international paper and art materials demonstration, see page 9

24 Tuesday Discovery day—Edithvale–Seaford wetlands, see page 5

A C T I V I T I E S C A L E N D A R F O R S E P T E M B E R – N O V E M B E R

Night prowl Wednesday 23 September Monday 28 September 7–9pm

Families with children aged 6–12; adult participation required $17 adult, $12.80 child/concession; bookings essential Meet at the front gate on the corner of Botanic Drive and Ballarto Road, Cranbourne.

Journey into the bushland to discover the native animals that emerge at night. Keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies and possums! Bring along a torch and dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Note: program is subject to cancellation on days of extreme weather.

Wildflower fairy and elf day Wednesday 30 September 10am–2pm Meet at the Visitor Centre 3–6 years; adult participation required $10.60 per child

Put on your fairy wings or elf hat and enjoy a magical day of activities in the Australian Garden. Search for hidden fairies and elves, listen to fairy and elf stories, make a wand to cast some spells, pot up a plant to take home, discover treasures at our fairy and elf pop-up shop, and much more!

Snapshots of Australia September, October, November Daily Tours available at various times by request. Group tours available at 11am or 2pm. Meet at the Visitor Centre $6.90 adult, $5.90 concession (group bookings $5.90 per person) All ages Group bookings—minimum of 10 Guide-led ‘audio descriptor’ tours are available for visitors with low or no vision.

This walk loops back to the Visitor Centre and provides a snapshot of seasonal colour and an overview of the Australian Garden.

Discounted spring double passes can also be purchased for two walking tours OR one walking tour plus a daily pass on the Garden Explorer.

This tour, hosted by the Friends of Burnley Gardens, is a wonderful opportunity to get to know more about these historic and important Gardens. Nestled on a peninsular adjacent to the Yarra River, the Heritage-listed Burnley Gardens have been there since the 1860s. In the Gardens there is a blend of exotic and Australian plants, some of the tree specimens being about 150 years old.

In more recent times Australian designers, including Kath Deery, Ellis Stones and Robert Boyle, have all had an influence on this delightful space so close to the centre of Melbourne, yet tucked away and tranquil.

This tour will focus on

• the Australian Rainforest area

• the Victorian western plains flora area

• the area designed by well-known Australian Plants Society member Kath Deery

• the billabong and ponds area designed by prominent landscape designer Robert Boyle

• the area designed by Ellis Stones, and

• an Araucariaceae collection.

In a short break we will have morning tea (BYO). There will be a selection of plants for sale from the Burnley Gardens nursery and you are most welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the tour. Toilets are limited, so please be prepared!

(Some of) What’s On at RBGV Cranbourne

For enquiries and bookings, phone 5990 2200. For information about more activities at RBGV, see the RBGV website at <www.rbg.vic.gov.au>.

Discovery day

Burnley Gardens Tour

Tuesday 15 September 11.00am–1.00pm

500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond (Park in Yarra Boulevard)

Meeting Point: At the bottom of the Ramp to the Administration Building

members $15 non-members $20

Contact Rodger Elliot 8774 2483


The Melbourne Water Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre overlooks the Edithvale Wetlands. They are a remnant of the once extensive and ecologically rich Carrum Carrum swamp, now recognised as a Ramsar site of international significance as a summer migratory bird habitat.

The visit will include a 2-hour session on the history, ecology and management of the wetland with a focus on wetland plants and how indigenous people used the wetlands. There will be time to explore the interactive displays and view information boards.

Those who wish to see more wetlands and water birds can bring a rubbish-free, packed lunch, then walk with Jacqui on the northern side of the road where there is deeper permanent water.

There are public toilets 300 metres south of the Centre, at the playing fields.

Please bring plenty of drinking water as there is none available on the site.

Meet at the Discovery Centre, Edithvale Rd, Edithvale (Melway 93 E7). The carpark by the Discovery Centre is small, but there is another one 200 metres along at the other end of the wetlands. Carpooling is encouraged. Public transport: the Discovery Centre is a 20-minute walk (or a bus ride) down Edithvale Rd from Edithvale Railway Station (Frankston line).

Maximum of 35 people. For more information, contact Jacqui Sheppard on 9772 4318 or Christine Kenyon on 9589 2154.

Most members have enjoyed walking in Wilsons Promontory National Park. Now you have an opportunity to see the Prom from the sea. We are negotiating with Wildlife Coast Cruises to take a group on a full-day cruise around the Prom. Check them out at <www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au>.

The cruise includes a stop at Refuge Cove for a walk or swim, a cruise around the Prom Lighthouse, up and under the natural feature called Skull Rock and a visit to the Kanowa Island seal colony. Along the way expect to see birds and dolphins.

The final cost is to be determined, but will not be more than $250 for the cruise, including morning and afternoon teas and lunch. Members may avoid an early morning trip from Melbourne by staying overnight at Foster. If there is sufficient interest we may make a group booking. Please express your interest via the Booking Form with this edition of Naturelink.

Please contact me on 9707 5275 or at <[email protected]> if you have any queries.

—Alex Smart

Over the last 12 months a number of Friends members have inquired as to when the next Western Australian Wildflower Tour would take place.

The tour is likely to be for a period of about 3 weeks. It is envisaged that it may concentrate on an area mainly south of Perth, which could cover from Perth to Kalgoorlie and south of that line to include Norseman, Esperance region (Cape le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks), Ravensthorpe and surrounds such as the magnificent Fitzgerald River National Park, Hyden, Lake King, Stirling Range and Porongurups, Albany, Walpole, Pemberton, Augusta and Cape Leeuwin and Margaret River etc.

Hopefully that is enough to make your mouths water and say to yourselves ‘Yes we would love to come on such an exciting tour’!

Before doing any detailed planning for such a tour we are seeking expressions of interest from people who would be seriously interested in going. Please note that we

have stated ‘seriously interested’ as there is much planning involved in getting a tour off the ground and therefore we need to have genuine expressions of interest. At this stage we cannot provide a cost but similar tours range from about $5000–$6000. It is envisaged that the cost could be lower.

If interested, please put your name on the attached Booking Form. There will be about 30 places available.

Contact Rodger Elliot on 8774 2483.

Discovery day

Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre

Tuesday 24 November 10am – 12 noon


Expressions of interest requested

Cruise around Wilsons Promontory

Monday 18 April 2016

Expressions of interest requested

Western Australian wildflowers tour

Spring 2017

Cruise boat at Refuge Cove

A beautifully symmetric flowerhead of Banksia baxteri photographed near Bremer Bay

The distinctive triangular shaped pods of a daviesia species at Fitzgerald River National Park


Staff profile

Russell Larke

Horticultural Technician

Book review

Banksia lady: Celia Rosser, botanical artist

Carolyn Landon

I was never inside as a kid …

In a yard full of eucies, acacias and melaleucas, I climbed, played and kicked over 1000 goals through trees lined up like the goals at the MCG. There was a huge agonis in the front yard that I would spend whole days in, where my parents passed me my lunch ’cause they knew I was never coming down.

My earliest memories of gardening were down the coast following my Grandma and Grandpa around through the kangaroo paws and the banksias—wondering how they could create such a magical place. I guess I was destined to end up as a gardener.

My first job after school was as an apprentice carpenter and I soon realised it wasn’t my thing. I began handing my resume in to every nursery I could find and finally got a job down at the Gardeners Corner Store in Brighton in the Landscaping Crew. After working for a few more landscaping companies, I decided to start my own business and worked throughout Bayside and beyond for close to eight years, restoring and creating some really beautiful properties.

I then moved to the Natural Resources Team at Kingston City Council and joined a fantastic team. As the Senior Ranger, I learnt a lot about conservation in and

around the urban environment, not just in vegetation management but also community engagement and education. Subsequently, I joined a few private environmental contracting companies and worked all over Victoria.

I then travelled overseas for 18 months throughout South East Asia, China and America, wandering in the jungles of Sumatra and Borneo, over the Great Wall and through the lights of New York.

I then returned home and completed my Horticulture Diploma and a Conservation and Land Management Diploma at Swinburne.

And now…

I have been at the Australian Garden for a little over two years and could not ask for a better opportunity. I am truly passionate about Australian plants (I may have a slight obsession with mallee eucalypts) and want to share that with as many people as possible, so there is no better place to be.

When I’m not hanging out with the plants I spend most of my time down the coast, chasing waves and heading off into the bush as much as I can.

Monash University Publishing Clayton, Victoria © copyright 2015 Carolyn Landon ISBN 978192235800 Paperback 320 pages Recommended retail price $39.95 Available from RBGV Gardens shops Hill of Content, Readings

Banksia lady is a memoir/biography covering the extraordinary life and accomplishments of botanical artist Celia Rosser. The cover design lures readers into the book.

Successful writer Carolyn Landon, who has a Masters degree in Biography and Life Writing, is well equipped to venture into new territory, the history and practice of botanical art, and its relationship with science. Landon brings the main character to life and weaves around her a fascinating tapestry of the significant people in Rosser’s life. In the acknowledgments, Landon gives insight into her journey, meeting Rosser, and gradually becoming captivated, as she listened to Rosser’s recollections and reflections. She also researched in depth the history and practice of botanical art, and interviewed relevant people.

The book contains acknowledgments, a brief biographical note about the author, a section of colour illustrations, an epilogue, bibliography and index.

Chapter 1 introduces ‘The Book’, Monash University’s 18th-century-style monograph The Banksias: Volume I (Celia Rosser, illustrator; Alex George, botanist and author), published in 1982 (p. 3). Subsequent chapters tell the story of Rosser’s role in this project, with all its ups and downs, through to the completion of Volume III in 2000 (p. 215). Outstanding expertise and resilience were required for the mammoth, 25-year task of painting all known species of banksia. For this Rosser received various awards, including an OAM (p. 195) and an Honorary Doctorate of Law (p. 215). Along the way, readers learn about Rosser’s life from childhood (p. 30) through to the establishment of the Celia Rosser Gallery at Fish Creek (p. 229).

Banksia lady will be enjoyed by those interested in botanical art, Australian plants, and botany, and indeed, all those who enjoy reading about people. The book has a captivating flow.

—Robin Allison


Recent tours

Lord Howe Island

In 2013 Rodger and Gwen Elliot went to Lord Howe Island (their fifth visit) to begin arrangements for a Friends of Cranbourne tour there in 2015. In particular they wanted to meet up again with Ian Hutton, and hoped to engage him as a tour guide.

After much negotiation, a date for the FRBGC tour was set and the tour maximum was set at 20 people for a 1-week stay, but it soon became apparent that three tours were required to meet demand. The Elliots felt they could stay on for a second week, and Jill Burness offered to be the leader of the third tour.

You need only to speak to any of the travellers to learn how much everyone enjoyed their time on Lord Howe. The weather was mixed for each trip, with some sunshine and some rain, but this didn’t prevent us from enjoying some of the special features, such as the glass-bottom boat tour on the coral-rich Lagoon or the boat trip out to Balls Pyramid. While no one climbed Mt Gower, numerous other walks were enjoyed, some of which are classified as ‘easy’, while others are described as ‘challenging’.

In addition to seeing a wide range of plants, many of which occur nowhere else in the world, we also saw about 40 different bird species, despite the fact that many had already left for their annual migration to the Northern Hemisphere.

Ian Hutton is an excellent leader, and on four of the evenings he provided illustrated lectures about Lord Howe on the following topics:

• geology, flora, fauna and walks• birds• marine life• history and conservation.

He has written books on most of these subjects, and many were purchased and brought home by tour members. He was presented with an OAM in 2006 for his services to conservation and tourism on Lord Howe Island.

During Group One’s stay there was a major meeting of Residents and the Lord Howe Island Board to vote on proceeding with plans to eradicate rats from the island. Rats have been a major problem on Lord Howe since they arrived as stowaways on a ship early last century. They have been responsible for the extinction of a number of birds and other species. Participants at the meeting included the Federal Commissioner for Threatened Species, Gregory Andrews, and other VIPs as well as our own Alex Smart. The meeting voted to proceed with the rat eradication, and Ian Hutton was able to bring us all up to date with its implications, as well as other environmental concerns on Lord Howe.

Each of our three groups contributed to the conservation efforts there by spending time helping to remove the weed sea spurge from the Lagoon foreshore. See Ian’s article for the local Lord Howe newspaper of 29 May, which is included herewith his permission.

Lord Howe Island is certainly a very special place. Do include it on your ‘bucket list’ if you have not yet had the pleasure of visiting.

Visit by Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

By Ian Hutton

The Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (45km south of Melbourne, Victoria) have three groups of their members visiting the Island during May and June. The Cranbourne Garden specialises in Australian native plants. The total area of this division of the botanic gardens is 363 hectares, including heathlands, wetlands and woodlands. The gardens also provide habitat for native birds, mammals and reptiles, including some rare and endangered species.

Rodger Elliot and his wife Gwenda are leading the tours, with guiding by local operators Lord Howe Island Nature Tours, Islander Cruises and Sea to Summit Expeditions. All members of the tours have been impressed by the Island and the conservation programs being carried out by the LHI Board. While the groups are on the island they are volunteering their time for a half-day for a conservation activity. This is to support the Friends of Lord Howe Island work controlling Sea Spurge along the Lagoon dune areas.

From The Lord Howe Island Signal, 29 May 2015. Reproduced by permission of Ian Hutton.

Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne pose for a picture on Lagoon Beach LHI. Photo: Ian Hutton.

Front-page photo of LHI Lagoon: David and Jill Williams


R E G U L A R M O N T H LY A C T I V I T I E SThe Friends RBG Cranbourne run several regular monthly activities, which are described below. If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, even on an irregular basis, please ring or email the contact person, or just turn up. Don’t worry if you don’t have specific skills, you will learn on the job, and you will be made most welcome!

Botanical Illustrators1st and 3rd Wednesday 10am–3pm

Elliot Centre

Contact Margaret Holloway 0438 985 382 [email protected]

We are a small, friendly group of artists of varying experience, who meet to paint and draw together (without tuition). This allows us to share ideas, information and give each other encouragement and support. We hold exhibitions at various galleries.

Wednesday Botanical Illustrators Group

The Botanical Illustrators group has been enjoying working in the comfort and warmth of the Elliot Centre, though not too warm as to cause the specimens to droop! Each artist has been working on their own subject and some are continuing to finish works started in the recent workshops. Anyone interested in joining our group is welcome to visit us to see if it would be suitable for them.

Talk on ‘Tracking down and painting all known brachychitons’ with Jean Dennis

Wednesday 21 October 10.30am – 12 noon members $6; non-members $10 Elliot Centre, RBGV Cranbourne

Jean Dennis has painted all the known brachychiton species. Finding all the plants was a challenge that took nine years, and a total of 13 years to complete all the paintings.

Jean will talk about how she came to fall in love with these plants and tell stories of her adventures in finding the specimens. There will be plenty of chat and amusement along with samples of her excellent work to look at. In 2000 Jean exhibited her work at the Royal Horticultural Society, London, winning a Silver Gilt Medal. In 2005 Jean accepted an invitation to exhibit a body

Herbarium Collectors

1st Monday 9am–2pmMaud Gibson Room

ContactNola Foster 9583 5731

We find, photograph and collect specimens of the indigenous plants in the RBGV Cranbourne at each stage of their development and ensure that relevant details—locations, appearance, the substrate they are found on, and habitat—are recorded. These specimens are then dried and mounted for herbarium collections at the RBG Cranbourne, and the National Herbarium at the RBGV Melbourne.

Jean Dennis working on one of her many brachychiton paintings

Recent pen-and-ink workshop with Pauline Dewar

Pauline inspired the group with many examples of fine and varied drawings by a range of artists, including samples of her own stunning work. Her explanations gave participants confidence in developing new skills or improving their proficiency.

Pauline took up botanical illustration as a retirement pursuit and has exhibited in Melbourne and interstate, receiving a Highly Commended Award in the Margaret Flockton Exhibition of Scientific Illustration in 2012–2014 and she was accepted as a finalist in the 2014 Waterhouse Art Exhibition. Her work is represented in the State Botanical Collection as well as in private collections.

of her work, consisting of 15 paintings, at Kew Gardens, London. Jean has kept all her paintings and is now looking to have a book of her paintings published.

Canson International Paper and Art Materials Demonstration

Wednesday 18 November 10.30am–1.30pm members $6; non-members $10 Elliott Centre, RBGV Cranbourne

This will be an exciting informative event not to miss. It is most suitable for all artists and for anyone interested in starting out in the creative art world. Andrew will explain the manufacturing process and the qualities, advantages and disadvantages of a wide variety of materials and papers. He will also cover the best uses for the papers and materials. Participants will be able to sample products and, at the end of the session, order items, which will be available for pick up at the following fortnight illustrators session.

To book for workshops or for further information about the group, please contact Margaret Holloway.


Growing Friends

3rd Wednesday Every Thursday

Growing Friends Nursery

ContactsMarjanne Rook 9769 7881 [email protected]

Don Dower 9736 2309 0401 611 173 [email protected]

We propagate a great variety of Australian native plants that have been sourced from the Gardens, and have great fun doing it. The plants are used for educational purposes as giveaways, and for raising funds for selected projects for the Gardens.

City of Casey Arbor Week plant give–aways

Each May, as part of Arbor Week, the City of Casey gives away some thousands of plants, endemic to the Casey/Cardinia area, to local residents via two shopping centres. The Growing Friends have been part of this project for some years now and this year we supplied 1300 plants.

Members Thursdays

Our nursery is open every Thursday to members who wish to purchase plants. Numerous members have taken the opportunity to do so and we enjoy meeting them—some are regular visitors. As members can now purchase plants each Thursday, it is no longer necessary to hold a ‘special members’ plant sale day prior to the weekend plant sale.

New plants at the spring plant sale

We regularly grow ‘new to the Growing Friends’ plants. See below for some of these,

which should be available at the spring plant sale.

• Banksia occidentalis, red swamp banksia. A spectacular banksia for a moist to wet area with sand/peat soils. A densely foliaged, fast-growing plant with variable height, 3–6m, with scarlet with gold flowers to 20cm long and 7.5cm wide in spring and summer. Attracts honeyeaters.

• Boronia clavata. A bushy shrub, H2m x W2m, with aromatic leaves and 5mm lime-green cup-shaped flowers in spring and early summer. Suitable for cut flowers and as a screen plant. Excellent for coastal climates. Most well- drained soils. Sun to part-shade.

• Scaevola nitida, shining fan flower. A hardy, erect, medium-growing shrub, H1m x W1m, with stunning lilac to blue flowers in spring. Suitable for coastal areas. Full sun. Lightly prune to maintain shape and bushiness.

Special Orders

As always, any wishes? Perhaps you would like a plant you have seen in the Gardens or multiple plants for a large area? If so, please contact us by email or phone with your request and we shall endeavour to grow them or may even have them in stock. Contact details are on this page.

We work with fabric crafts (hand sewing, machine sewing and embroidery) using materials or designs featuring and highlighting the beauty of Australian native plants. We also host exhibitions and provide items for prizes and gifts for Friends activities.

Members of the Botanical Fabricators group continue to meet each month in the comfort of the Elliot Centre, and visitors or new members are always very welcome, whether you are an experienced sewer or a beginner. Tea & coffee are provided; you just need to bring along a sandwich (or something) for lunch.

We have recently provided a number of gifts for speakers, each using a fabric that relates to the topic of the activity. We are also representing the Friends of the Cranbourne Gardens with a display of our fabrics and craftwork at the Australian Native Plant Sale, Saturday 5 September, at Wilson Park, Princes Highway, Berwick.

Our meetings are always very friendly and enjoyable and we would love to have you join us.

Botanical Fabricators

2nd Tuesday 10amElliot Centre

Contact Gwen Elliot 8774 2483

Seed CollectorsWe meet on an ad hoc basis

ContactRichenda Harrison 9885 2744 0438 852 744 seedcollectors@rbgfriendscranbourne. org.au

We gather and process seed for the RBGV Cranbourne seed stock. The seed collected is used by the Growing Friends Nursery and by the Gardens for regeneration of the bushland.

Our meetings are irregular, as the peak time for the group is November to March. Most of the 2–3 hour sessions are on Thursdays, and involve a range of activities: reconnaissance, collection and processing, and documentation.


Friends in Focus

2nd Saturday Jan–Mar, 9.30–11.30am April–Sept, 2–4pm Oct–Dec, 9.30–11.30am

Elliot Centre

Contact James McKee 9707 2624 0411 102 107 [email protected]

We get together to have fun and learn about photography, take photos and enhance and practise our skills in a friendly, social and non-judgmental environment. We range from ‘snappers’ to serious photographers. Our starting times vary with daylight saving to give the best lighting conditions for taking photographs.

Looking backwards and forwards

June 2015 marked the first year of FIF, the Friends photography group. Our members have a wide range of experience, interests and most importantly we enjoy companionship on a regular basis, while exploring all things photographic in the Cranbourne Gardens (both the Australian Garden and the remnant bushland).

Friends in Focus have activities every second Saturday of each month of the year—no January holiday shutdown. Meeting times are

at 2pm during Eastern Standard Time, and at 9.30am during Eastern Daylight Saving Time. News is distributed by email (on an opt-in basis) and by QuickLink.

At our well-attended July meeting Judith Cooke gave a presentation about organising photographs into a collage using a combination of free photo editing software and MS PowerPoint. Judith also had examples of stereo photography enabling images to be seen in 3D.

Does her name sound familiar? Judith’s photos often appear in Naturelink and her portfolio contains a collection of wonderful photographs of life in the Cranbourne Gardens.

Upcoming events include a walk in the bushland with a bring-a-bag lunch. To be held in October and November, these events have morning starts, which will enable people to spend more time exploring and photographing if they wish. The bushland area offers both short and longer walks of exploration.

New faces are always welcome; so please come, whenever you can make it. If you would like to join the email list, please provide your email address via the photography link on the FRBGC website.

Botanical Basketmakers

3rd Saturday10am–2pmElliot Centre

Contact Lynn Lochrie 0437 759 610 basketry@rbgfriendscranbourne. org.au

We bring prepared native plant materials to make baskets and other objects of all varieties, shapes and sizes, and enjoy the challenge of experimenting as well as the pleasure of congenial company.

Our enthusiastic group are enjoying learning some new skills and making items. We have made Random Weave Baskets and Cordyline Fish recently. We plan to do some Stitch & Coil and Hanging Twig Baskets in the future, as well as work on our own projects.

Do come and join us. We welcome all newcomers.

Lesley Hall from Basketmakers of Victoria showing how to start a Random Weave Basket.

Photo: Juanita Carrington

Epacris Longiflora in the Water Saving Garden, Australian Garden.

Eriostemon australasicus in the Water Saving Garden, Australian Garden. Photos: Judith Cooke

Update re FRBGC tour of South Africa 2016

An itinerary, covering letter, Botanica booking form and FBRGC levy form are included with this Naturelink. Please read all this information carefully. Contact Alex Smart at <[email protected]> or on 9707 5275 if you have any queries. It would be really helpful if those intending to travel would book promptly as Wendy and Alex will be away from mid-September until mid-October.


Annual Luncheon

Recent discovery day

Sustainability on the Mornington Peninsula

It seems a long time ago that we gathered in the Tarnuk Room for our Annual Luncheon on 2 May, but the winter edition of Naturelink went to press before the luncheon had taken place! It seemed to us that it was again a very worthwhile event. Bookings rolled in and there were just a few who missed out. Professor Tim Entwisle kept us on our toes and smiling as he posed the question ‘Are plants immortal and do they care?’.

Once again the Silent Auction went well. We always worry that we will not have enough items, but sure enough the usual array of treasures appeared and the Treasurer was happy with the bottom line!

The success of the day was evidenced in the many shots taken by our photographer for the day—thanks Judith!

Our caterers provided us with a lovely meal

and we thank them for all their fine efforts in the time we have been using the Tarnuk Room, as they have come to the end of their contract. We look forward to the same high standards from the new lessees of the café.

This leads us to remind you that our 2016 Lunch will be on 7 May and our guest speaker will be Andrew Laidlaw, Landscape Architect and Horticulturist, who has been with RBGV for many years and plays an outstanding role as Landscape Architect at the Melbourne Gardens. Don’t forget to book in as soon as the Booking Form comes out with the summer edition of Naturelink.

On Tuesday 16 June, we gathered at the Balcombe Estuary Reserve ready for a morning of enlightenment. Eyes had been focused on the morning weather forecast, with coats and umbrellas very evident. Fortunately the rain stayed away.

During morning tea, we were introduced to Sue Betheras from BERG (Balcombe Estuary Reserves Group) who told us about the many projects undertaken by BERG, the planning involved, their many achievements and the support that BERG receives from other organisations. Sue then led us along the boardwalk, stopping along the way to point out interesting aspects. The reserve is the home of many native animals and we saw some pied cormorants and ducks. BERG is hoping to establish a microbat colony in the reserve, and microbat boxes were evident in many of the trees. As with many bushland areas, the reserve is affected by feral animals, especially rabbits and foxes. Sue pointed out many of the indigenous plants found in the reserve, including those that are part of the saltmarsh, a threatened coastal wetland.

We then traveled to St Macartan’s Parish Primary School in Mornington, which is an ‘environmentally friendly, sustainable school built with the future in mind’. We were welcomed by Carmela Theobald and her team of student school leaders, who were to be our guides. Carmela is the school’s Italian teacher and also leads the school’s sustainability program.

As we headed off in small groups to see all of the learning areas with our enthusiastic school leaders, we couldn’t

help but be impressed by their pride in and understanding of the programs operating in their school. Water tanks were very evident and the electronic display showing energy use and savings was an obvious focal point for the school’s sustainability goals. The students took us to the sustainability area, where we met their two pigs and saw the amazing outdoor kitchen. We moved onto the garden area, which contained the composting, hydroponic system, polyhouse for raising seedlings, worm farm, chooks and guinea pigs. The students were all set up to sell us seedlings, strawberry plants and hydroponic lettuce and herbs. You could also get worm wee! The school grounds, which were landscaped with a wonderful variety of native plants, had a swale meandering through it to manage the school’s water run-off.

Wow! It didn’t end there. Our student leaders took us back to the school building where we enjoyed a cuppa and ‘student cooked’ scones with jam and cream. The students were keen to show us their leafy stick insects, which created considerable interest. This was also an opportunity for Carmela and her wonderful team to be thanked for sharing their amazing school with us.

As a relatively new participant in the Friends activities, I really appreciated the friendliness and inclusiveness of the group. What a wonderful morning.

—Lyn Blackburne

CE Professor Tim Entwisle commencing his address. Photo: Judith Cooke

Jill Burness, Shirley Smith and Chloe Foster. Photo: Judith Cooke

Jean Galliott and Trix Chambers. Photo: Judith Cooke


Talk by Carolyn Landon and book launch

Carolyn Landon is a member of the Botanical Illustrators group at RBGV Cranbourne. She has also been very active in recent times with research and writing for her book Banksia lady: Celia Rosser, botanical artist. When this task was nearing completion, Carolyn kindly accepted an invitation to provide a talk for the Friends of RBGV Cranbourne, entitled ‘Celia Rosser in the field’.

While the talk was being planned—the Auditorium booked, information included in Naturelink and bookings beginning to come in—we were contacted by Sarah Cannon of Monash University Publishing, asking whether it might be possible to launch the new book on the same day at Cranbourne. There would be a relatively small number of official guests who would also be invited. This seemed an excellent idea, and all at RBGV Cranbourne agreed. Jo Fyfe from Public Programs then came ‘on board’ as the Staff Representative.

All proceeded smoothly until Saturday 6 June when Megan Backhouse, Gardening Editor at the Age, wrote an excellent full-page article entitled ‘A life botanic’, including a photograph of Celia and one of her banksia paintings—all in full colour. Also included was information, including contact details, regarding the talk at RBGV Cranbourne.

A further article in Fifty-plus news, plus promotion on a number of radio stations added fuel to the fire, and things really heated up.

It became obvious that the Auditorium would be too small to handle the number of people wishing to come, so the function was moved to the larger Tarnuk Room upstairs. But the phones kept ringing, and within 10 days we had over 200 people booked! Many were long-term friends of Celia and/or Carolyn and some were coming from interstate and Victorian country areas.

We knew we would be unable to accommodate them in the space available. Carolyn kindly came to the

rescue, and offered to provide not one, but two additional presentations, to be held in the Auditorium on 4 July.

Sunday 21 June

The sun was shining and the Australian Garden was glowing in winter glory as guests started to arrive for Carolyn’s talk at 2pm.

The audience of over 100 people were enthralled by the presentation. Carolyn has written several award-winning memoirs/biographies focusing on the times in which her subjects lived, but this is the first time she has set her sights on someone already known and admired for her extraordinary talents and artistic achievement. Carolyn took us with her through the journey of Celia’s life, and it was truly fascinating.

At 3pm we moved to the foyer area for afternoon tea, and were joined by the special guests invited to the Book Launch. The initial ‘a relatively small number of official guests’ had grown to well over 160 official guests, meaning that there would be more than 250 at the launch. Alex George, who wrote the text for the three-volume The banksias, and Kevin Collins from the Banksia Farm at Mt Barker had both travelled from Western Australia. Neil Marriott, who named Banksia rosserae after Celia, had come from Stawell and Brenda Murray, a close friend who had assisted Celia in her work from the 1960s, had come from Orbost.

Many of the special guests had admired Celia’s work over a long period and some had helped her in getting the project to fruition. Everyone was obviously delighted to be sharing this occasion with her.

The RBGV was represented by Director & CE, Tim Entwisle, Chris Russell, Director of RBGV Cranbourne, and former RBG Director Philip Moors.

A very special guest was the Hon. Dr Kay Patterson who met Celia in the early 1970s when they were working in the same building at Monash University. They became firm friends. Kay went on to become a member of the Australian Senate from 1987 to 2008 and currently serves on a number of not-for-profit boards and is a Commissioner on the National Mental Health Commission. Kay spoke to us about her times with Celia and then officially launched Carolyn’s book Banksia lady: Celia Rosser, botanical artist.

The formalities concluded with gifts to Celia, Carolyn and Kay, including some magnificent floral arrangements by Warren Worboys of RBGV Cranbourne.

—Gwen and Rodger Elliot

Carolyn Landon and Alex George in conversation.Photo: Alex Smart

Long-time friends Pat Bentley and Brenda Murray with Celia Rosser. Photo: Alex Smart

Kevin Collins from the Banksia Farm, Mt Barker, WA, with banksias he brought for Celia. Photo: Alex Smart


Recent talk

Geological insights into Victoria’s plant distribution

Reminder

Bayside gardens

Sunday 6 September 10am–3pm

Meet at Ricketts Point carpark (south of kiosk)


Reminder

Callistemon and melaleuca workshop

Sunday 13 September 10am–4pm

Australian Garden Auditorium RBGV Cranbourne


It was the perfect mix of relaxation and stimulation. On a glorious sunny Sunday there was time for a walk in the Australian Garden before a brief, but fascinating, presentation by Associate Professor John Webb.

With the help of satellite imagery, John demonstrated that geology determines soil and topography and so, combined

with other factors such as climate, has a very strong influence on plant distribution. Focusing on three Victorian regions, he provided a broad perspective of overall geological patterns and insights into how landscapes evolve over time.

John stresses that Victoria, at least, has had a very exciting time, these past 10 million years. There have

been dramatic changes to the landscape. The main processes have been sea level change and dune formation, faulting and uplifting of mountains, and eruptions of volcanoes.

One conclusion from John’s talk is that much of Victoria’s vegetation has developed in less than 10 million years since sea levels reached their maximum and other processes have occurred.

Vegetation overlays highlight the ‘razor sharp’ accuracy of farmers’ utilisation of certain geological areas. Arable land is mostly cleared with ruthless thoroughness whereas unsuitable land often still has remnant vegetation.

For instance, in the North West, old dunes with high clay content are intensively farmed, whereas the area overlain by sand dunes is now the Big Desert National Park. Older clayey dunes have troughs that have become saline and these also show up as distinct lines of unfarmed land. Thus some vegetation communities and plant species are virtually eliminated by human activity and others remain relatively intact.

In South West Victoria, successive lava flows smoothed the landscape, with the Stony Rises representing the most recent flows. Basalt is thicker in dune troughs. Some lakes in troughs are saline whereas others, where there is leakage, are fresh water.

John briefly explored different theories for the flat tops of our South East Highlands. High elevation flora is a recent development because the highlands once had moderate elevation and were covered in rainforest. The Strzelecki and Otway ranges were uplifted 4–6 mya.

Geological knowledge certainly enhances our botanical understanding.

—Kate Walsh

We have been given permission to visit some private gardens in Beaumaris that tend to focus on Australian plants—but not exclusively. In one case, the owners have an eclectic taste and have included some interesting artwork in their garden. Another makes a feature of the old tea trees and the garden spills out onto the nature-strip. It will be a privilege to enjoy these gardens with their owners.

Prior to the day, you will be provided with a map showing our starting location and the properties we will be visiting. Lunch (BYO)

will be held at the Ricketts Point picnic area on the foreshore. Bring appropriate clothing (i.e. layers) and comfortable walking shoes. Please let me know if you would like to participate in carpooling.

We want everyone to enjoy these gardens, so we are taking only 30 people. If you wish to join us, you’ll have to be quick.

Contact me on 0402 477 590 or 5990 2208 if you have any queries.

—Jill Burness

Just a reminder that our speakers will include Dr Frank Udovicic of the RBGV, Dr Charles Young, who has a background in chemistry and horticulture, Barrie Gallacher, a landscape architect, and our very own Rodger Elliot and John Thompson.

Topics will include a botanical overview, the chemical properties of tea tree oil and other melaleuca oils, garden design, propagation and cultivation, the creation of habitat and the cultural history of callistemons and melaleucas.

Don’t miss learning more about these beautiful plants and how to use them in your own garden.

—Amy Akers

Ian Endersby and Leon Costermans in discussion with Assoc. Prof. John Webb. Photo: Judith Cooke

The beautifully textured bark of Melaleuca linariifolia, ‘Snow in summer’, in the Melaleuca

Spits of the Australian Garden. Photo: Amy Akers

• our quarterly newsletter Naturelink

• QuickLink eNews • discount rates for both Melbourne and Cranbourne Friends activities • access to Friends-only activities• 15% discount on plant sales at RBGV Cranbourne • access to Friends-only plant sales

• 10% discount at the Boon Wurrung Café• 10% discount at the Gardens Shop (Melbourne and Cranbourne).

You can get an application form from the website <http:// www.rbg.vic.gov.au/support/support-groups/friends-of-rbg/cranbourne>, the Visitor Centre at RBGV Cranbourne, or Helen Morrow, Membership Secretary on 9850 9125, or at <[email protected]>.

B E N E F I T S O F M E M B E R S H I P JOIN THE FRIENDS AND RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

Membership update

Helen Morrow

The Friends are now on Facebook and Instagram!

Thank you to all members who have paid their subscription so promptly. I have received over 200 renewals, which is fantastic. If you haven’t received your 2015/16 membership card yet, it will be on its way. Please remember to use your number when booking for activities.

Discount is available to members at the Boon Wurrung Café and the Gardens Shop if you show your card.

Those who have not yet paid will receive a reminder in this newsletter. I hope to hear from you soon. If you pay your subscription directly into the bank or by electronic funds transfer, please be sure to use the code ‘Subs’ and your family name, then send the renewal and receipt to me by post or email. Karen (our hard-working Treasurer) and I need this information to record your payment.

We offer members the choice of receiving their Naturelink by email, and lots of you

have already taken up this offer. If you wish to try this method please tick the box on the renewal form. We are still doing the quarterly mailout if you prefer to receive a hard copy.

We are delighted to welcome 23 new members this quarter and look forward to meeting you at some of our activities and special interest groups.

Welcome to: Vera Anderson, Heather Campbell, Lee Clinch, Nichelle Davis, Diane & Ross Garner, Lyndal Hall & Peter Congdon, Janet Hodgkiss, Margaret Johnston, Paula Nicholas, Rosemary Paterson, Sarah Patterson, Suzanne Simmons, Judy Taylor, Lynne & Darise Thomas, Cecily Vial, Peter & Frances Wallace, Robyn Warburton, Judy & Andrew Wilks.

Please contact me if you have any queries on 9850 9125 or at <[email protected]>.

Are you a fan of social media? Would you like to see beautiful photos taken in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria at Cranbourne, as well as reminders of our activities? If so, you must follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

We can be found at the following sites:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ rbgfriendscranbourne

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ friendsrbgcranbourne

Please also let your friends and family know so that they can follow us as well.

President: Richard Clarke 5974 1750Secretary: Helen Kennedy 9560 0185Vice President: Indra Kurzeme 5904 6275Vice President: Helen Morrow 9850 9125Immediate Past President: Margaret Clarke 5974 1750 Treasurer: Karen Russell 9878 4857Membership Secretary: Helen Morrow 9850 9125RBGC Representative: Chris Russell 5990 2200General Committee

Amy Akers 0423 513 281Rodger Elliot 8774 2483Chloe Foster 9725 3569Nola Foster 9583 5731Christine Kenyon 9589 2154

James McKee 9707 2624 Bev Roberts 9391 3393Marjanne Rook 9769 7881Ros Shepherd 9766 1876Alex Smart 9707 5275

Naturelink EditorsSusan Funder [email protected]

0409 864 237Gill Gartlan [email protected]

5281 7569

Contact details for activity group coordinators are listed under Regular Monthly Activities.

The committee meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6pm.

The Friends of RBG Cranbourne Committee



There are more than 1700 species of orchids native to Australia and more are still being identified/named. Most are endemic, so found only in Australia. The majority of these are terrestrial (growing in the ground) and the rest are epiphytic (growing on trees) or lithophytic (growing on rocks).

Of the 385 currently recognised orchid species found in Victoria about half are in serious decline or considered threatened, mainly due to land clearing and degradation, and the introduction of weeds and rabbits. Forty-eight indigenous species have been recorded in the Cranbourne Gardens, with one of these listed as vulnerable and 28 listed as rare in the Melbourne and Westernport areas. One nationally endangered species has been introduced for conservation purposes (see below) and there is one naturalised weed species, Disa bracteata (discussed in the autumn issue of Naturelink).

All species found in the bushland here are terrestrial. Each of the six distinct habitat types—Heathy Woodland, Wet Heathland, Swamp Scrub, Wetland Complex, Grassy Woodland and Grassland—supports a different ‘suite’ of orchids, with the Grassy Woodland supporting the greatest diversity.

Reproduction and life cycle

The majority of terrestrials are ‘perennial herbs’, which have a definite yearly life cycle that is controlled mainly by soil moisture. They die down and are dormant over summer. In autumn as temperatures decrease and soil moisture increases, leaves shoot from the underground fleshy tuber. Depending on the species, flowering usually starts in winter or spring. As temperatures increase and the soil dries out the orchids return to dormancy. Before dying back, the next season’s tuber is produced, and with colony-forming orchids several tubers may be produced.

Some orchids rely on environmental factors to induce flowering, e.g. there are four species that generally flower in Victoria only after bushfire.

The structural arrangement of the orchid flower is distinctive in that there is only one vertical plane it can be cut through to give identical halves. One petal is usually highly modified to form the labellum (lip).

Pollination

Most Australian orchids require an insect pollinator and in many cases it is a very specific relationship—i.e. a single species of pollinator for a particular orchid. This adds to the vulnerability of native orchids. The labellum usually plays an important part, either being brightly coloured and/or complex in shape. Some attract the insect via a pollen or nectar food reward. Others achieve pollination by deception. This may

be food deception, where the orchid uses bright colours or sweet scents to mimic plants that do provide a food reward to lure the pollinator in.

Or it may be sexual deception, where the orchid mimics the pheromone and even the appearance of the female insect. The unsuspecting male insect is lured in and tries to mate with the flower, which is pollinated in the process. Most Australian orchids that use this deception—for example, the common bird-orchid (Chiloglottis valida)—are pollinated by a group of wasps called thynnines. A few orchids are self-pollinating.

Mycorrhizal associations

Orchid seed is tiny—the smallest of all plants—containing few stored food reserves. So all Australian terrestrial orchids rely on a specific type of mycorrhizal fungus to germinate their seeds and to effectively provide energy for seedling development. The degree of dependence on the fungus varies, with most orchids able to photosynthesize at maturity.

Some species completely lack chlorophyll and are dependent on the fungus association throughout their life cycle to obtain their food from the soil or leaf litter. Two such myco-heterotrophic orchids are found at Cranbourne Gardens—the potato orchid (Gastrodia sesamoides) and the hyacinth orchid (Dipodium roseum). Other examples are the unusual underground orchids.

An understanding of mycorrhizal relationships is essential for the successful cultivation of terrestrial orchids ex situ. The newly established Orchid Conservation Centre at Cranbourne Gardens, managed by Dr Noushka Reiter, focuses on the management, ex-situ propagation and reintroduction of threatened orchids. It is hoped that this will significantly reduce the threat of them becoming extinct in the wild.

Threatened species program

The Frankston spider orchid (Caladenia robinsonii) is one of the many threatened orchid species in Australia (listed as endangered in Victoria). It is endemic to a small area near Melbourne, originally occurring in Heathy Woodland from Sandringham through to Rosebud. There is only one surviving population in the wild (near Rosebud) with fewer than 100 adult plants. As part of its recovery plan the RBGV Cranbourne was identified as a potential secure introduction site in 2007, and a total of 130 plants have been successfully introduced to the bushland here in two separate sites since 2008.

From the bushland

Native orchids


Vulnerable orchid

The naked sun-orchid (Thelymitra circumsepta) is listed as vulnerable in Victoria. It is a robust, statuesque species producing multiple blue-mauve flowers from early to mid summer. The population at Cranbourne Gardens represents the only known occurrence of the species in the Greater Melbourne Region, and this is an important site for the conservation of the species in Victoria generally. This species’ distribution is controlled, in part, by water levels in ephemeral wetlands. In most years only a small number of individuals can be found, but in some ‘good’ years large numbers of plants appear in soggy sites throughout the northern wetlands at the RBGV Cranbourne.

Many of the orchids recorded at the Gardens are similarly cryptic: small in both stature and number, sparsely distributed, appearing for brief periods and vulnerable to the constraints imposed by rainfall, temperature, fire, browsing animals and competition. In some seasons many individuals can be seen scattered throughout our woodlands and grasslands while at other times they are frustratingly difficult to find. Surprising new taxa turn up from time to time while known species ‘disappear’ for long periods.

So next time you are out in the bushland, keep an eye out for some of our indigenous orchids on the sides of the walking tracks. Some of them start flowering in mid June (e.g. nodding greenhood, Pterostylis nutans); many are in flower from late winter to spring. Some may be seen flowering through summer, while others don’t flower until autumn (e.g. the autumn bird orchid, Chiloglottis reflexa). Some such as the various greenhoods and bird-orchids can form quite large colonies. And check out the display in the Orchid Undercroft in the Visitor Centre for both terrestrial and epiphytic native orchids. The display is maintained by the nursery staff.

Thanks to Ollie Sherlock, Dr Terry Coates and Warren Worboys for their assistance with this article.

—Mary Thackeray

White fingers (Caladenia catenata). Photo: Warren Worboys

Bronze caladenia (Caladenia iridescens). Photo: Terry Coates

Frankston spider-orchid (Caladenia robinsonii). Photo: Bron Merritt

Donkey orchid (Diuris orientis). Photo: Wendy Lawrence

Dotted sun-orchid (Thelymitra ixioides var. ixioides). Photo: Wendy Lawrence

Colony of nodding greenhoods (Pterostylis nutans). Photo: Wendy Lawrence

Documents

Director’s report Introducing the Royal Botanic …Hon. Kay Patterson launched a book entitled Banksia lady: Celia Rosser, botanical artist, written by Carolyn Landon, one of our