Another banksia currently flowering in my garden is the Banksia robur. Banksia robur is an open smaller tree with large dramatic serrated leaves and the most wonderful flowers. These start as tight cones and then turn an iridescent green before ending up as open cream cones before turning to the brown seed pods. The flower... Continue Reading →
Walking in my garden today I found some Banksia serrata in flower. This tree has a gnarled and ancient looking trunk with cream flowers which are set against serrated brighter green leaves. The banksia derives its genus name from Sir Joseph Bank who accompanied Captain Cook on the first voyage to Australia and collected and... Continue Reading →
I've been in hospital to have my gall bladder out (one rather large 20mm stone!) so am a bit under the weather for a few days.....
I have been growing a favourite Australian wildflower of mine - the strawflower or paper daisies. I buy them in punnets at a local nursery. They provide a bright and impressive display for many months. The flowers have dry, papery petals and can be picked and used as dried flowers. The botanical name was Bracteantha... Continue Reading →
Our garden is regularly visited by Noisy Mynas Manorina melanocephala - they are cheeky, chirpy and obviously noisy birds and think nothing of chastising our dogs - from a safe height obviously. However they are also very aggressive, and they travel and attack in packs. I have seen them in groups of about 6 or... Continue Reading →
I was inspired by a recent post at A Snail's Eye View about emus to have a look back at some photos I'd taken about 6 months ago of Emus. Here's a drawing I just completed - it's just a study and yes the mistakes jump out at me but it is the first drawing... Continue Reading →
Wildflowerings - Art Studio Diary 