The Central Goldfields are renowned for their diversity of spring Indigenous wildflowers, with the disturbance from historic mining creating a mostly open forest floor that allows for a diversity of smaller plants that can be easily viewed.
Peter Haack, horticulturalist and Landscape Architect, will take you on a gentle wander through the Maldon Historic Reserve.
Australian Indigo (Indigofera australis). This small patch of plants was found above Dog Rocks. The wisteria-like clusters of magenta flowers on this straggly bush really pop in the shade; Early Nancy (Wurmbea doica). As its name suggests, this is one of the first spring wildflowers. A tiny plant, it often creates a colourful carpet amongst leaf litter in clearings on the forest floor; Rice Flower (Pimelea sp). A small bush, the Pimelea can be found scattered throughout scrubbier areas around sunny clearings; Native Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea). A well-known indigenous plant that has been cultivated for garden use under the name ‘Happy Wanderer’. Photos: Tarrangower Times
The forest tracks create a wonderful place to see everlastings, pea flowers, native heath, wattles and numerous other species.
The walk will take about 1.5 hours and includes an introduction and a brief history of the Maldon Historic Reserve.
The pace will be leisurely, and there will be plenty of time to stop for photos and discussion about the plants. Put Saturday 8 October in your diary now.
Cost will be $25, and all you will need will be sturdy walking shoes, full-length trousers, water, sunblock, a hat and a snack.
Don’t forget your camera. The meeting place will be 1 Spring Street, Maldon at 10.45am. You will not need a 4WD.
For more information visit Experience Maldon at tinyurl.com/nxk3twua.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 23 September 2022.