Cut-leaf Goodenia (Goodenia pinnatifida) is a perennial herb which grows to around 40cm. The basal leaves are up to 8cm long and with narrow to deep lobes. It is often herbaceous and can be found in drifts of 1m or more in open woodlands and grasslands. This dry-tolerant native produces bright yellow flowers on long stems during spring and autumn.
The leaves of some Goodenia species were used for medicinal purposes by Aboriginal people.
ACT Tree Register party
Residents of Dawson Street in Curtin recently held a party to celebrate the registration of a beautiful red spotted gum tree in an open space near their homes. The group spent a lovely spring afternoon celebrating, including sharing anecdotes about the tree such as stories of generations of children climbing in its branches and playing beneath its shady canopy. One of the residents, Pat, reminisced about when it was first planted and that she would come out and water it as a young tree. There was a toast to the tree and an official cutting of the cake. A magpie mother and its baby perched in the branches of the tree providing a soundtrack to the afternoon celebrations.
Sam Ning, Tree Protection Officer for Urban Treescapes, said “the party wasn’t just a celebration for a beautiful tree and its being recognised as significant, but also about a community coming together and connecting. That’s something nature does – it brings people together”.
This superb red spotted gum, botanically known as Eucalyptus mannifera, has been described as having a symmetrical canopy and an exceptional weeping habit. It is sound and healthy and contributes greatly to the surrounding landscape. Having never been pruned, it represents an outstanding example of the species in its natural form. Red spotted gum is endemic to the Canberra region and this particular individual is treasured by the surrounding residents. It is a worthy addition to the ACT Tree Register.
Information about the tree register can be found at tccs.act.gov.au/city-living/trees
Marymead’s Urban Land Community Harvest
Marymead’s Urban Land Community Harvest (MULCH) is a social enterprise in Stirling ACT, enabling young adults with disabilities to develop skills and build community connections through work in the horticultural enterprise. Participants are engaged in a paddock-to-plate ethos – growing food from scratch and selling plants and produce to local organisations and individuals. The program is designed to foster and develop independence, social and practical work skills and inclusiveness of its participants.
Marymead is grateful to invaluable supporters of MULCH including Rotary Club of Hall, King and Wood Mallesons and many others. Supportive volunteers are also integral to the success of this exciting enterprise.
For more information about MULCH, email [email protected]
Seed sowing and story time with Tracey Bool
Join me for a free plant-themed story time and seed sowing session, where children get to sow their very own seeds to take home. I will also be talking about spring gardening and answering any questions you may have.
When: Saturday 17 November 2-3pm
Where: Tuggeranong Library, Cowlishaw Street
For bookings and more information, visit library.act.gov.au/programs-and-events/whats_on
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