Goings on in the Gardens…
February 13, 2023
Our rainfall in Blackheath in December 2022 was 28mm (December 2021 - 129mm) and so far in January 2023 it was 78mm (January 2022 - 222mm). This makes us hopeful that the Gardens will continue to dry out and replanting of Rhododendrons can resume over the coming year.
There has been significant activity in the Wild Flower Garden which took a hammering from the flooding rains and much that was planted failed.
One exception was the Brachyscomes which flourished so we plan to plant more. Wild Plant Rescue in Katoomba are currently growing some on for us.
In the meantime this area has been extensively weeded and mulched. In the upper area we have planted three tree ferns (Cyathea Australis) and around them, some other small plants indigenous to the Upper Mountains again from Wild Plant Rescue.
The steps on Centenary Walk have now been rebuilt and the handrails and uprights which were replaced have been recycled, to edge the Wild Flower garden.
The large Pieris at the top of the driveway has been severely cut back to ensure the pedestrian entry down Griffiths Walk is clearly visible. Hopefully it will be used rather than the dangerous practice of wandering down the vehicle access.
Recently we have planted two small and interesting Rh. “Impeditum” in the area of the garden near the Kalmias adjacent to the ponds in front of the Lodge. Found at Bills Nursery in Clarence, they have very small leaves with blue/purple flowers. Also in the area around the Kay North ponds we have put in three “Fairy fishing rods” (Dierama Pendulum) and a number of Cistus kindly grown from cuttings and donated by Julia Hanley.
Wild Flower Garden - tree ferns
Impeditum
Pieris at Griffiths Walk
Edging the Wild Flower Garden