December 2006/January 2007 Newsletter

RoyalBotanic Gardens, Cranbourne.

Our speaker was Rosemary Verbeeten a well-known member of the Australian Plant Society – Northern Group. She spoke to us on the development of the AustralianGarden at Cranbourne, Victoria. A far-sighted project, the land was bought in 1970 and added to in 1980 to bring the total to 363 hectares, two thirds of it natural bush.

It is all about water, people and culture through landscapes and presents an extremely innovative approach to modern day gardening with Australian native plants. The garden is to be developed in two stages, the first was opened in May 2006 when 10,000 people attended the opening; the second stage is planned to be opened in 2010.

Rosemary had an extensive collection of colour photos to illustrate many points of design in the garden and took us through the various sections and exhibition gardens showcasing the diversity of our flora and how it can be utilised in the home garden. She commented specifically on the quality and clarity of the signage throughout.

The Rockpool Waterway and the Escarpment Wall are perhaps the most imposing features of the garden. The ‘escarpment’ is a 90 m long rust red metal sculpture that was inspired by the sandstone escarpments of Northern Terrritory with a shallow rushing stream flowing over rocks at the base. An amazing sight. MS

9th December—Christmas Party at Skemps

About forty members enjoyed a relaxing day; playing bocce, chatting and taking walks around the property.

Christmas came early to the Club when 2 outdoor settings were donated for use in the BBQ area; a big thank you is extended to Ray and Ruth Tomlin for these items. The settings were put to good use later when many members took advantage of the additional seating in the BBQ area to have their lunch.

Afternoon tea was taken at 3 pm, followed by a visit from Father Christmas, who with his two helpers, handed out a small gift to those attending. Thank you to Tom Treloggen for entertaining members. KW

27th–29th December—Conservation Volunteers at Skemps John Elliott, Grant Hanson and Noel Manning assisted 5 volunteers and their supervisor Rod during the 3 days. Work carried out included removal of problem plants, weeding, track clearing and signage, and reclaiming part of a track obliterated by a tree fall. Steps were also added to a steep section of the BottomFalls track. Four members of the CVA group stayed overnight at the Centre on Thursday and during an evening walk they noticed an echidna in the forest and a platypus swimming in Campbell’s Corner. NM

Geoff Martin’s report on general observations on the Federation Corridor plantings after almost 5 years.

“Assessment of results from seeding in scarified rows – thirty eucalypts were located with the most advanced registering 0.5 metres in height.

Nine non-eucalypt seedlings probably representing three different species were noted but the identities require further confirmation.

All recordings were made in the lower ¼⅓ of the Corridor. Eucalypt seedlings observed further up in 2005 could not be found.

Weed Control – the weeding of plants seriously suppressed by excess weed growth during the 2005/06 season was completed in June. This year 110 sites were involved compared with about 200 last year.

There is a scattering of spear thistle seedlings which will require attention in late spring when they become more visible.

Missing Plants – during the course of the weeding project, 85 planting sites were identified as vacant. A section midway up the Corridor registered a relatively high proportion of casualties, particularly Nothofagus cunninghamii. Prolonged water logging on the western side is probably the cause.

Another observation which could be worth noting for future planning is the relatively poor performance and casualty rate of eucalypts in the south eastern corner. About half of the lost specimens initially grew to 1 metre or more, before breaking off at ground level without recovery. This happened intermittently over an extended period ruling out physical forces as the main cause of destruction.

General and other observations – the small rise, consisting of remnant basaltic soil, which occurs at the Corridor gate and extends shortly along the western fence clearly demonstrates the benefits of a well drained more fertile soil. All planted species are relatively well grown and have experienced minimal losses. In nearly 5 years this has provided a low canopy that could offer protection to wildlife.

This is in sharp contrast to the scattered cover provided on the leached, poorly drained, sedimentary soils which comprise much of the Corridor. Further plantings will be necessary on this area based on the knowledge and experience gained over 5 years.

Browsing by native animals significantly impeded the growth of most species in the early stages despite the protection provided. Exceptions were Banksia marginata, Callistemon pallidus, some Eucalypts, Leptospermum lanigerum and, in particular, Telopea truncata.

Nothofagus cunninghamii was very vulnerable initially because of its slow growth. Acacia melanoxylon, other Eucalypts, Cassinia aculeata and Pomaderris apetala were vulnerable earlier but have not virtually outgrown the problem.Pittosporum bicolor, Hymenanthera dentata and Coprosma quadrifida are still held very much in check by browsing.”

Tables on the progressive growth of the plants are available.

21 January 2007—Open Day and barbecue for Queensland Field Naturalists Club

There was heavy rain in Launceston which probably restricted the number of members and the public that attended the Open Day. Nevertheless, those who attended enjoyed the guided walks under the leadership of Alison Green and John Elliott. Thanks to Alison and John.

During the afternoon hardworking members under the guidance of Geraldine set the tables and prepared the salads for the evening barbecue.

Jeff Campbell and Roy Skabo led the Queensland Field Naturalists Group’s tour of Ben Lomond and arrived at Skemps at about 5 pm weary and hungry. The barbecue was quickly organised by Tom and Ray. The sausages and rissoles were expertly cooked and the Queenslanders thoroughly enjoyed the meal. They were a very friendly group and we enjoyed their company.

After the meal our President Noel Manning welcomed our visitors and Bob Montgomery and Jeff Campbell gave a short history of the Club and the Skemp property. The Queensland Field Naturalists thanked the Club for their hospitality and left for Launceston at about 8.30 pm. EM & GC

Queensland Field Naturalist’s visit.

A less than favourable weather forecast for the day was not what was hoped for the Queensland Naturalists Club visit to Ben Lomond and Skemps on Sunday 21 January. Nevertheless, 29 of the 31 members plus Dick Burns as local Tasmanian leader, and Club members Roy Skabo and Jeff Campbell set off from the Penny Royal accommodation aboard two buses at about 8.30 am.

The first stop was at Carr Villa, the old point of entry to the Ben Lomond snow fields, shanks pony being the mode of transport. A rough road via Jacobs Ladder was built about 1937. It was very cool with a lot of mist, the mountain obscured for most of the time. After about half an hour looking at the plants in the vicinity it was back on the buses and on to Jacobs Ladder and the ski village, the former not such a thrilling experience for the visitors, particularly on the return journey with a virtual white out in place. Luckily, we did not meet any oncoming vehicles on either traverse. The road has been improved in recent times and is a lot better than it once was, with a few passing spots and slightly wider roadway.

On arrival at the ski village options were sorted out resulting in Roy to lead a group back down to Carr Villa, Dick to lead a group on to the flat area below the village to look at the Cushion Plants etcetera and yours truly to lead the third group down the road and off to the waterfall. The mist had thickened by this time and a real white out was in progress, so it was decided to have lunch and see what happens.

The mist lifted enough after lunch for the Carr Villa group to set off. A strong, cool wind had blown up and this made it very unpleasant for those with insufficient warm clothing. The other two groups set off to explore and look at the plants and watch the many wallabies around the place. We travelled down the road a short way, my group dwindling as we went due to the cold wind, so that when a few drops of rain started falling we decided to abort the walk and return to the village. Dick's group was of similar mind and we met up with them on our way back. Dick led us up into the village to look at plants. We decided that it was time for a coffee so it was off to the Creek Inn for a warmer upper before getting back on the bus to proceed down to Carr Villa to pick up the other group.

We then set off via Tayene for Skemps where the Club had a great BBQ tea waiting for us and very welcome it was. The visitors were pleased with their day on the mountain despite the conditions, although we did not get the rain that other parts of Tasmania received on the day.

Some of the plants seen included Gaultheria lanceolata, a Snow Berry, Leptospermum rupestre in flower, Senecio ssp, Podocarpus lawrencei, Prasophyllum alpinum, Richea scoparia, R. sprengelioides, Brachyscome sp. JC

Monday 19 February — Club Evening Meal at Village Motel, Westbury Road Launceston.

Two course meal for $25.00. If you have not already advised that you would like to attend the meal, please contact Geraldine Cameron on 6344 4373 before Friday 9th February.

Friday 2nd—Sunday 4 March. Federation of Field Naturalists Club weekend at Deviot Guide Hall, Deviot.

Tom May from Fungimap will give a talk during the weekend about the fungi research trip to the Tarkine last year. If you are interested in attending the weekend or being involved in some of the activities organised, please contact Jeff Campbell on 6331 7269.

Thursday 31st May—Tuesday 5th June. Fungimap Conference at Natural Bridge, south-east Queensland.

Further details and registration form for this conference can be found at