Mistletoe experiment continues Habitat for Bronzewings Our Gardens: Our Refuge - spring 2017
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spring 2017 Mistletoe experiment continues Habitat for Bronzewings Our Gardens: Our Refuge
From the Mayor
Welcome to Spring, Bayside. of all four Bayside libraries, and there
It is a great time for planting and is still time to catch an information
putting some time and energy into session at Brighton Library on 26
our gardens. September.
Recently, I had the pleasure of I’d like to acknowledge the efforts
opening a unique exhibition that of Pauline Reynolds who initiated
celebrates many of the wonderful this project. Pauline is an avid
home gardens of Bayside. photographer whose work appears in
Our Gardens: Our Refuge has been Banksia Bulletin regularly. She is also
a fantastic exhibition showcasing our a tireless volunteer. I would also like
leafy streetscapes and neighbourhood to thank John Barrett and Jo Bisset
character featuring thriving gardens. who made up the three-person project
Photographs of 58 private gardens committee that made this exhibition
from across our municipality a great success.
included large open spaces and small I am delighted that Council was their wonderful, vibrant images.
sanctuaries. able to support the project with To see some of the photos and
While different in size, they are one of our Community Grants hear more about this exhibition,
all places where we can connect as well as assistance from our turn to page 14.
with nature to enhance our sense Environmental Sustainability
of wellbeing. and Arts and Culture areas. Cr Alex del Porto
After its showing in the ARTrium, Thank you to all of the Mayor
the exhibition commenced a tour photographers who contributed Bayside City Council
Manufactured with Manufactured using
100% FSC® post process chlorine free Cover image: Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana)
consumer waste. (PCF) pulps. at George Street Reserve by Pauline Reynolds.
In this issue
Special features Other articles
BRASCA PRESIDENT RESIGNS 4
PLANTS OF BAYSIDE 4
7
CHELTENHAM PARK
BIRD WALK 5
ABEL’S FUN FACTS 6
BUILDING A
BRONZEWING HABITAT WINTER MANNA GUMS 6
MISTLETOE EXPERIMENT
CONTINUES8
10
WORKING BEE ON NEW SITE 9
MICROBAT BOXES IN
PARKS AND GARDENS 12
CRANES, STORKS, CREATE A GARDEN
EGRETS AND HERONS FOR WILDLIFE 13
LIVERWORT FROM
CHELTENHAM13
14
KIDS’ CORNER 16
VOLUNTEER GROUPS 18
OUR GARDENS:
OUR REFUGE
BRASCA President resigns
By Pat Salkin and Jim Richardson There were many highlights during Bob’s
commitment to BRASCA. In 1998, he helped
After four years as President of mount a campaign to fight a Cheltenham
the Black Rock and Sandringham Road development that would clear trees
Conservation Association (BRASCA), and other vegetation to make way for
Bob Whiteway has resigned. concrete paths and roadside drains, and
Bob joined BRASCA in 1976 and was therefore changing its natural ambience.
an executive member for almost 40 Bob worked very hard to save Cheltenham
years including the position of Secretary, Road from this type of development.
which he held before succeeding long Bob was also passionate about
term President Janet Ablitt in 2013. creating a Marine Sanctuary at Ricketts
BRASCA stemmed from the Black Point. In 1986, he developed and
Rock Foreshore Protection Committee promoted the concept of a Marine
to oppose the construction of a car park Park and campaigned tirelessly until group removes hundreds of weed
south of Half Moon Bay. its creation in 2002. He received the species and replaces them with
This group formed on 21 November Victorian Coastal Award - Excellence Life thousands of endemic plants.
1969, and it achieved its objective three Time Achievement Award later that year Bob also worked at Bayside
weeks later on 3 December 1969. in recognition of this and many other Community Nursery propagating plants
On 8 December 1969, a bulldozer achievements in coastal conservation. and sharing his knowledge.
dumped an ugly mass of rubbish over BRASCA’s aim was to conserve the He was responsible for purchasing and
the edge of the cliff near Harold Street in foreshore by clearing Boneseed plants maintaining gardening tools for BRASCA
Sandringham down a small valley, then in and other weeds, and to extensively for more than 30 years. He also applied
its natural state, to form a rubbish dump. replant the area with endemic for and obtained grants, built signs,
Concerned about these matters a new species. It also opposed inappropriate selected and delivered plants to various
group, to be called BRASCA, was formed developments. sites along the foreshore, oversaw
on 25 March 1970 with Keith Tarrant Through his membership of BRASCA, working bees and trained volunteers
as President and Dr Valerie Tarrant Bob worked tirelessly on the foreshore from the local community.
as Secretary. with other volunteers. Each year, the We wish Bob well in his retirement.
Plants of Coast Daisy-bush
Bayside Coast Daisy-bush (Olearia axillaris) is found along the
foreshore and can be seen when walking along the
With Aaron Hurrell of coastal path in Bayside.
Citywide Parks and Gardens With a distinctive dark green leaf that is silvery white
underneath, this attractive dense and erect shrub
grows between one and two metres tall and is the
same diameter in width.
The new growth on the tips of the branches is silver
in colour that changes to dark green as it matures.
The Coast Daisy-bush flowers from December to
May with up to seven yellow disc florets found along
its upper branches, making it an attractive addition to
any garden.
This coastal plant prefers sandy, well-drained soil
with full sun. It has a resistance to salt spray, roots that
are effective at erosion control, and a high potential for
hedging.
The Coast Daisy-bush can be propagated from both
seed and by cuttings, and can be purchased from the
Bayside Community Nursery.
Source: Bull, Marilyn (1991) Flora of Melbourne: A guide to the
indigenous plants of the greater Melbourne area Carlton Vic: Hyland
House Publishing
4 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017
Photo by Elizabeth Walsh
Cheltenham
Park bird walk
Common Bronzewing
By Denis Young Numerous Little Ravens and Pied Photo by Denis Young
Bayside Friends of Native Wildlife Inc. Currawongs were already checking
potential food sites as they noted the
More than 20 people participated in an signs displayed by Rainbow Lorikeets who remained some distance away
early Sunday morning bird walk recently, examining tree hollows and Noisy watching us. Everyone with a camera
organised by the Bayside Friends of Miners carrying nesting material. began snapping images of the male, while
Native Wildlife Inc.. Haunting calls from a pair of Grey others gazed in admiration at the striking
Pre-activity discussion at the Butcherbirds drifted across our path iridescent plumage of this beautiful bird.
playground car park anticipated a occasionally, but the birds themselves The Common Bronzewing sighting
sighting of Common Bronzewings as remained unseen until the group was a fitting highlight to a successful
a pair was known to be frequenting returned to the playground. activity and justifies the Bronzewing
the area. Near the end of the walk, the keen bird planting program our group maintains
Anne Jessel used her local knowledge spotting skills of Lewis Hiller confirmed at the nearby golf driving range.
of the area to lead the group along a pair of Common Bronzewings across While only 12 separate species were
numerous tracks passing through a the far side of a small dam. identified during the walk, numbers
variety of vegetation communities. Excitedly, the group spread out along of birds were high and the antics of
Cold winds and dominant Noisy Miner the fence trying to pinpoint the spot Rainbow Lorikeets up close were
and Rainbow Lorikeet numbers resulted these birds were huddled in. Suddenly especially enjoyable.
in a lack of little birds such as Brown the male flew over the dam alighting on Participants new to the location
Thornbills and Scrub Wrens that are the ground a few metres in front of us. vowed to return, given the wonderful
usually sighted in the thick scrubby He proceeded to walk around seeking experiences that wandering local tracks
sections of the park. food and was soon followed by the female and topography can bring.
Red Bluff to Half Moon Bay Masterplan
We are now seeking your feedback on how to best plan for the area.
Bayside City Council is developing a masterplan to protect and enhance Half Moon Bay.
The draft masterplan covers the beach and foreshore area between Potter Street and
Arkaringa Crescent in Black Rock, including Half Moon Bay and Red Bluff cliffs.
It will inform Council’s works program and priorities for the site for the next 10 years.
Consultation closes 1 October 2017. For more information and to have your say, please visit
www.yoursay.bayside.vic.gov.au/half-moon-bay
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 5
Abel’s fun facts
By Abel Dickinson weed. To remove it, pull the whole
Citywide Bushland Coastal Crew plant out with its tap root, then place in
a bag or the closest bin. This weed has a
Sea spurge white sap that can cause skin irritations,
Sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) is a so wear gloves, clothing and eye
coastal weed, introduced to Australia protection.
70 years ago from Europe. Alternatively,
It first started to spread from Western if you find Sea
Australia and is now found across most spurge, contact
of the south east coast of Australia. Bayside City Council
Sea spurge can grow up to 70cm with the location of
tall and spread up to 5,000 seeds the weed. Council
after flowering. will arrange its
removal or control
Removing Sea spurge in collaboration
Removing Sea spurge is easy. First, with local Friends
ensure you have identified the correct groups.
Winter Manna Gums
Story by Dr Valerie Tarrant
Co-convenor Friends of George Street
Photos by Pauline Reynolds
Co-convenor Friends of George Street
The Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana)
is a splendid tree, indigenous to
Bayside and a delight for birds, animals
and humans.
At the July working bee, Friends
of George Street Heathland Reserve
planted three Manna Gums along the
reserve’s boundary. We are looking
forward to watching them settle in
and flourish.
The Manna Gum is described by G.R.
Cochrane, B. A. Fuhrer, E. R. Rotherham
and J. H. Willis – the authors of Flowers
and Plants of Victoria – as a valuable
timber tree. The authors point to the
‘Rather ruthless destruction of these
trees’ in certain forests, but suggest seed and tasted like wafers made with (Leptospermum continentale) – which
that improved milling practices will honey. (Exodus, Ch. 18, v. 31). is smaller than the Coastal Tea tree
bring benefits. At the working bee, volunteers were (L. laevigatum) – and belongs in local
Botanists refer to the white flowers of more concerned in planting than with heath and woodland.
the Manna Gum, the source of its name, origins of words, concentrating on in-fill
which is derived from the Bible story planting within the revegetation area,
of the Israelites’ need for food as they including Correa reflexa, Bossiaea cinerea Friends of George Street
travelled to the Land of Canaan. and a variety of Acacias, which will bring Heathland Reserve meet on
According to the storyteller, there in the colour that we enjoy as these the third Sunday of each month
was dew on the ground and lying there species come into flower. between 10am and 12pm.
was a ‘flake like thing’ which the people For the September planting in the Meet at the entrance on the slip-
gathered up as their bread called reserve, the Bayside Community rail in Tulip Street Sandringham.
‘manna’. It was white like coriander Nursery is propagating Prickly Tea Tree
6 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017
Building a
Bronzewing
habitat
Citywide crew members
Abel and apprentice
Taylor hosted the annual
Bronzewing habitat
program recently with
Friends of Native Wildlife
(FONW) Inc.
The event, held on Saturday 5 August, variety of healthy seed plants, low grasses harbours a pair of Bronzewings, with
was attended by 13 adults and 3 and bushy undergrowth for protection. occasional single or pairs being sighted
children. The Bayside Community Nursery through George Street Heathland
Around 400 plants were dug in and also provided a variety of Acacia bushes Reserve, Long Hollow Heathland and
we are hoping for success considering and trees as the Common Bronzewing Donald MacDonald Reserve.
the damp conditions that followed. pigeons love the nourishing seedpods. It is difficult to compare species
To complete the day’s work, a group of FONW encourages the community when the most obvious pigeons
volunteers also attended to an area of to send in reports of all wildlife throughout Bayside are the introduced
chick weed, which was overgrowing a observations and particularly sightings Spotted Turtle dove, and the previously
few precious plants. of the cryptic Common Bronzewing. inland Crested Pigeon – an Australian
For over a decade, the area behind A small number appear in the native that moved into Bayside during
the Sandringham Golf Driving Range Sandringham and Royal Melbourne golf the mid-90s and stayed after the
has been weeded, mulched and courses. The flourishing corner habitat drought of the early 2000s. They peck
planted by Citywide and FONW with a at the golf driving range regularly grass seeds in open reserves and golf
course fairways.
Predators such as cats and dogs off
leash in bushlands, combined with
loss of habitat, restrict the Common
Bronzewing pigeon population.
With the planting efforts of the Citywide
crew, Council and passionate local
volunteers and associated Friends
groups, wildlife populations can be
encouraged to return.
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 7
Mistletoe experiment continues
By Rob Saunders Mistletoe researcher and biodiversity Following Professor Watson’s advice,
Convenor – Friends of Long Hollow expert Professor Dave Watson strongly in April last year 12 more berries were
Heathland advises placing the berries on vigorous, collected from a Creeping Mistletoe
pencil-thin twigs in good sunlight, and growing on a Black Wattle at Bay
Bayside’s most common, and possibly suggests using the same host tree as the Road, and applied only to other Black
only remaining, mistletoe species – parent mistletoe, although the evidence Wattle trees. The good news is that one
the Creeping Mistletoe (Muellerina for doing this does not seem strong. mistletoe appears to have established.
eucalyptoides) – occurs on a variety of In February 2006, we began collecting It is fantastic to see it thriving after our
indigenous, native and exotic trees. about 100 berries from three large previous disappointing efforts.
As noted in previous editions of Banksia Muellerina eucalyptoides growing on a Although this is a very small sample, putting
Bulletin, research is beginning to change Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) at Bay the seed on the same species as the host plant
people’s attitudes towards mistletoe, Road Heathland Sanctuary in Sandringham. does seem to have helped. Perhaps mistletoe
highlighting its significance in fostering Six months after distributing those seeds seeds contain some kind of biochemical
the diversity of native insect and bird to a variety of potential hosts, only three signal that helps them to establish on the
populations, and emphasising its important had germinated. All three were on thin host plant they ‘know’. We will continue
contribution to overall biodiversity. twigs in good sunlight, on the northern our discussions with Professor Watson
As Michael Norris reported in the or western sides of their potential host and consider doing more experiments.
Spring 2016 edition of Banksia Bulletin, trees. However, in each case that tree was a We are looking to learn from the City
when we started experimenting with Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), not a Snow of Melbourne’s mistletoe trial where
planting mistletoe berries on potential Gum. Eighteen months after planting the one kilo of berries have been wiped on
host trees in Bayside Reserves, we seeds, none of these three mistletoes have to 50 London Plane trees (Platanus x
realised they were disappearing but flourished. Two have already died off and acerifolia), and will be monitoring the
weren’t fully aware of all the relevant the third is failing to thrive, being still at the outcomes in terms of biodiversity and
research and advice available. cotyledon stage. mitigating the urban heat island effect.
8 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017
Working bee
on new site
(L-R) Val Stajsic, Elizabeth Walsh, Julie Valentine,
Dave Rollo, Geoff Carr and Jo Hurse
By Pauline Reynolds
Friends of Highett Grassy Woodland
(L-R) Michael Norris,
On a very foggy early August day, Friends
Geoff Carr and Val Stajsic
of Highett Grassy Woodland joined
Council officers and Citywide Bushland
and Nursery experts, along with two Yellow Box (Eucalyptus
noted botanists – Geoff Carr from Ecology melliodora) in full flower
Australia and Val Stajsic from the National
Herbarium of Victoria – on a visit to the
former CSIRO woodland site.
Accompanying the group were two
CSIRO officers and a representative of the
civil construction company responsible
for the sensitive removal of the buildings.
Every time we visit we remember
how lucky we are that Council has been
able to acquire the four hectares of
land through the dogged determination
of many people.
While it still a few months until Council
takes ownership of the land, we were able to
have our first working bee, which included Mistletoe wit
h its berries
weeding in a patch of Wallaby Grass.
Spring Open Days
Experience some of the most beautiful heathland sanctuaries in Bayside
during this year’s annual Spring Open Days.
Visit a sanctuary on Sundays from 2-4pm: Join a guided tour:
• Gramatan Avenue Heathland Sanctuary • Balcombe Park Reserve, Beaumaris
– Now until the 24 September 10am to 12pm, Sunday 24 September
• Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary on Sundays • Long Hollow Heathland Sanctuary, Beaumaris
– Now until 29 October. 1pm to 3pm, Sunday 24 September
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 9
Black-necked stork by Geoff Whalan
Cranes,
storks, egrets
and herons
Part 1
Sarus crane by Santanu Sen
10 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017Brolga by Ed Dunens White-faced heron by Brian Ralphs
By Lewis Hiller Once seasonally extending The sole representative of around
Bayside Friends of Native Wildlife Inc. regularly into southern Australia, 20 species of storks worldwide that are
it has reduced in population over found in Australia is the Black-necked
Herons and egrets are members of the much of its former southern range Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus),
Ardeidae family and there is no clear- as a result of wetland drainage and a stately denizen of tropical northern
cut differentiation between the two. development; it is now regarded as Australian wetlands like the Brolga.
The latter term is often used to denote being of ‘vulnerable’ status in Victoria This species has been called the
species with white plumage that develop (Birds in Backyards 2017). Jabiru for many decades, and the name
long plumes during the breeding season Another species, the closely related persists in popular parlance, however
(Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2015). Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone), this is actually representing confusion
is a recent coloniser of parts of with a Brazilian stork by that name
north-eastern Australia, originating rather than being an indigenous term
from south and south east Asia, (Birds in Backyards 2017).
particularly India where it is also The current official name is
venerated by some religious groups questionable as the neck plumage is
(International Crane Foundation actually dark iridescent green under
However, there is considerable regional 2017). It is reputedly the tallest most lighting situations (Birds in
variation in terms, for instance in New flying bird species in the world Backyards 2017). This species feeds in
Zealand the white Great Egret (Ardea (International Crane Foundation 2017), a similar manner to Egrets and Herons
alba) is usually referred to as a White and may also be distinguished from by stalking and jabbing, the huge
Heron (Adams 2013). the Brolga on account of the longer bill enabling it to take sizeable prey,
Cranes belong to the Gruidae family red collar extending down the neck including crabs, fish and even birds.
and are represented in Australia by (Pizzey & Knight 2012). Unfortunately, much like the Brolga,
similar species such as the enigmatic Despite technically being unrelated, the Black-necked Stork is now locally
Brolga (Antigone rubicunda), which the common White-faced Heron extinct across much of its former
is associated with crocodile habitat (Egretta novaehollandiae) is sometimes east coast as a result of human-
in northern Australia and heavily called a Blue Crane in some parts of induced changes to the landscape
incorporated into Aboriginal Australia (Pizzey & Knight 2012). (Birds in Backyards 2017).
dreamtime and famed for its elaborate Unlike herons and egrets, cranes and Only members of the heron/egret
courtship dances (International Crane storks generally fly with necks extended family are likely to be encountered in
Foundation 2017). (Slater 2009). the Bayside region of Victoria.
References
• Adams, R, New Zealand Birds Online, White heron, 2013, • International Crane Foundation, Brolga, 2017,
http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/white-heron https://www.savingcranes.org/species-field-guide/brolga/
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds, Great Egret, 2015. • Pizzey, Graham & Knight, Frank, The Field Guide to the Birds of
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/id Australia, 2012, Harper Collins Publishers, Australia.
• Birds in Backyards, Brolga, 2017, http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/ • Birdlife Australia, Black-necked Stork, 2017, http://www.birdlife.org.
species/Grus-rubicunda au/bird-profile/black-necked-stork
• International Crane Foundation, Sarus Crane, 2017, • Slater, Peter, Slater, Pat & Slater, Raoul, 2009 The Slater Field Guide
https://www.savingcranes.org/species-field-guide/sarus-crane/ to Australian Birds, Reed New Holland, Pty. Ltd, Sydney.
• Birds in Backyards, Black-necked Stork, 2017
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 11Microbat boxes in
parks and gardens
By Elizabeth Walsh places for wildlife such as microbats, of use, and monitoring is mostly
Convenor - Bayside Friends of Native possums and parrots to rest and carried out using endoscopes with a
Wildlife Inc. reproduce. Wi-Fi screen monitor to avoid climbing,
Bat boxes are artificial hollows, except on occasions to rectify damage
Many thanks to Bayside City Council and designed with a narrow entrance at the or ant invasion.
arborist Grant Harris for dedicating time bottom to exclude predators. There are approximately 20 bat boxes
to improving wildlife habitat. Arborists There are a number of bat box designs now spread across Bayside in private
recently spent a day attaching the first half on the internet, but Graham Lucas gardens, 23 in parks and heathlands north
of the microbat boxes to selected trees, and Geoffrey Daniel put their heads of Sandringham and as far as Elsternwick
all built by Friends of Native Wildlife together and designed our own local Park. Around 20 more will soon be erected
(FONW) members and friends such as brand-sustainably built with recycled across Sandringham to Beaumaris.
the 1st Brighton Joey Scouts. hardwood fence palings. More volunteers are needed to support
At night, microbats spend time flying The lids and bottoms are removable. the monitoring program and to analyse
around tree tops or around bushes, If ants set up home inside, the lid can microbat calls that have been recorded.
wherever insects frequent. However, be lifted to allow the ants to move on.
during the day they need a safe refuge The bottom can be removed to see
to sleep and keep warm. if there are any bat scats, which can Bat boxes are available to
As Bayside becomes more indicate microbat use. purchase from FONW Inc.
developed, gardens with large trees are As microbats vary their roosting for $10. Email info@bayfonw.
disappearing. Trees take around 100 places to stay healthy and prevent org.au for more information.
years to develop hollows, depending infections from lice, and for safety FONW will monitor the bat
on the species. Older trees containing against predators, they may have used boxes at least twice a year in
hollows are becoming less common and a box without being found during our private gardens.
many have been removed, leaving fewer visits. Scats are a valuable indicator
12 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017Create a garden for wildlife
Gardens for Wildlife is a free program The program is currently being
designed to inspire and encourage piloted until June 2019. At the end of Gardens for Wildlife
Bayside residents to create habitat in the pilot period, the program will be participants receive:
their gardens, patios or balconies that reviewed to determine if it has been • A garden habitat assessment,
supports local native wildlife. successful and should be continued. carried out by a local garden guide
As Bayside’s urban environment To participate in the Bayside • The second edition of Live
continues to grow, so do the Gardens for Wildlife Pilot Program, Bayside, Plant Bayside, which
contains an illustrated guide to
pressures on many fragile native be one of 50 residents to complete the indigenous flora and fauna of
fauna species when seeking out online registration form at bayside.vic. Bayside
suitable habitat, shelter and natural gov.au/gardensforwildlife . • Habitat recipes tailored to the
food sources. Once you are accepted into the types of wildlife you would like
Residents who join Gardens for program, a garden guide will arrange to attract in your garden
• A $20 voucher to purchase
Wildlife will receive practical advice a date and time for your free garden
indigenous plants from the
and tips about how to create a habitat assessment, and you can start planning Bayside Community Nursery
friendly garden that supports the unique your habitat friendly garden. • A letterbox sticker to help promote
native wildlife of Bayside. For more information about the the program
Whether your backyard is large or Our Gardens for Wildlife program, • Opportunities to meet and
small, there are plenty of ways you can please email gardensforwildlife@ connect with other residents
that are interested in preserving
help Bayside’s local wildlife, many of bayside.vic.gov.au or call Bayside’s local biodiversity.
which require no money at all. Jennifer Trucchi on 9599 4339.
Liverwort from
Cheltenham
Riccia ‘law
n’.
Story and photos by John Eichler and the other growing on mud. It will
be interesting to check this wetland for
In the reserve adjoining the the free-floating form when water levels
Sandringham Family Leisure Centre, are higher.
a small pond that attracts a diversity of This healthy colony of Riccia duplex is
insects, aquatic invertebrates, frogs and of regional significance. In metropolitan Scattered tufts.
birds exists. Melbourne and surrounding regional
A visit there in early June, when the areas, Riccia duplex has only been
water level was low, revealed extensive recorded from the Yarra and Plenty
Acknowledgements
mats of a liverwort growing on mud. River valleys. The nearest record is Thanks to Val Stajsic for collecting
I recognised this liverwort as a species a 1997 collection from Heidelberg. specimens and forwarding these
of Riccia. Chris Cargill, an authority on It is understood that a proposed to Chris Cargill for identification.
Riccia, subsequently identified it as extension to the Sandringham Thanks also to Joanne Birch for
Riccia duplex variety megaspora. Family Leisure Centre is being providing details of specimens
Riccia duplex has two growth forms: considered by council which is seeking held at the University of
one floating freely in water where it can independent advice regarding the Melbourne Herbarium.
form large, semi-submerged colonies, proposed extension.
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 13Our Gardens:
Our Refuge
Ken Rendell’s magnificent garden featured in the Our Garden: Our Refuge exhibition
An exhibition showcasing 58 photographs of local gardens is touring Bayside libraries.
The Our Gardens: Our Refuge exhibition, which opened on 12 July at the ARTrium Exhibition Space,
was attended by many of the photographers including Year 12 Environment and Sustainability leaders
of Sandringham College Rory Hall and Katherine Ellison. Read the duo’s opening speech from the
launch event.
“We feel privileged to be here today, and non-fiction, in reality and in fantasy. enchanted area. Claude Monet made
and to have the opportunity to speak Lewis Carroll wrote a garden of Cheshire his garden eternal through his intricate
to you about the importance behind cats and wise caterpillars into his story paintings, and invited the rest of the
private spaces, and the often-cherished of Alice in 1865. Frances Hodgson world to see its beauty and complete
relationship between garden and Burnett created a secret garden, the serenity.
person. epitome of a refuge, for her characters Katherine: However, not only do
Katherine: The Cambridge English to escape to and find peace within an gardens have an impact on the greater
Dictionary defines a garden as “a piece community and society as a whole –
of land next to and belonging to a house, they have an enormous impact on us as
where flowers and other plants are individuals. At home, my parents have
grown, and often containing an area an unspoken ritual of spending almost
of grass”. every Sunday in the garden. We have
Subsequently, it defines refuge as three vegetable gardens from which
“a place that gives protection or shelter we use food from almost every single
from danger, trouble, unhappiness etc.” night, olive trees, pear trees, an orange
And today, we are here to explore, (L-R) Michael Norris, Pauline and a lemon tree, flowers growing
Reynolds and Cr Alex del Porto
appreciate and celebrate the people who under my windowsill, pot plants littered
have managed to make their garden not everywhere. From the time we moved
only a place where flowers and other into this house, I can remember walking
plants are grown, but also a place that around with a shovel in my gloved
gives them protection and shelter from hands, the smell of soil rich in the air,
trouble and unhappiness. and feeling safe and comforted by the
Rory: Gardens have been a part of environment around me.
our culture and life for hundreds of Rory: Gardens provide people with
years. They hold a place in the heart Jo Bisset and Mar a sense of purpose – they allow them
ion Trevellyan
of communities and families, in fiction to create something personal that has
14 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017(L-R) Peter and Ca Pauline Reynolds, Jo Bisset and John
roline Shepard
Barrett initiated the Our Gardens:
Our Refuge photographic exhibition,
pulling in support from friends to form a
committee and bring her project to life.
At the opening event, Pauline spoke
about how the project came about and
paid tribute to Council and a number
of other supporters.
“We must be honest and admit that
(Committee member) Jo Bisset and I saw
an exhibition last year in a neighbouring
municipality about gardens, which
resonated with us both and inspired us
to do something here.
the But we wanted to extend it, to add
Lindy Fagan in her beautiful garden Local children enjoy
exhibition open ing night something else.
Jo and I worked together for many years
helping to organise the Family Life Open
garden days.
We realised that if we were going to
have a go, we’d need more than the two of
us so we enlisted the help of John Barrett
(L-R) Michael Norris,
Simon Finlay, Matt Kelleher who I got to know while selling them
and John Barrett plants at Bayside’s Community Nursery.
The idea, of course, was to draw
attention to the importance of private
open space. (These are) refuges of peace,
beauty and greenery, somewhere to
grow all sorts of plants and trees, to
(L-R) Katherine Ellison and Rory Hall
grow veggies, to play, to provide habitat
for creatures, somewhere to have pets,
an incredibly positive effect on their and, in your front gardens, somewhere
health, wellbeing and mindset. Gardens to meet your neighbours and socialise
are educational, vital for people of all The exhibition is with passersby.
ages, and have a private secluded feeling perfect for a family We understand about increasing
about them that tells the story of their day out population to a degree, but don’t
creators. Lastly, however, and potentially appreciate the apparent need to have
most importantly, gardens are a safe bigger dwellings at the expense of private
haven – a haven that provides rest and Our Gardens: Our open space whether it’s a single house
peace, and tranquility, and a place to Refuge exhibition or more on the block. We hope that this
simply breathe. exhibition will reassure Council that
Katherine: So without further ado, Brighton Library there are still many people who would
we’d like to thank you all for being Address: 14 Wilson St, Brighton like to retain the leafiness of Bayside for
here today and for celebrating the way Dates: 20 Sept - 18 Oct all the reasons previously mentioned
people have decided to show their *Meet the gardeners and share and many more.
relationship with their gardens. We hope stories at an information session I’ve had the absolute pleasure of
you enjoy yourselves and take a moment on 26 September from 6-7.45pm corresponding and meeting with many
to consider the role that gardens Sandringham Library of the entrants and even photographed
have played in your life, and to always Address: 2-8 Waltham St, some of their gardens.
remember the importance of protecting Sandringham Jo and I also visited the three
these spaces as you don’t know what Dates: 25 Oct - 22 Nov schools represented and met some of
you’ve lost until it’s gone. *For more information about the the talented young artists. I feel that
To finish, a quote from Victor Hugo, information session please visit gardeners, generally speaking, are lovely
“A garden to walk in and immensity www.bayside.vic.gov.au/news- people and we’d like very much to thank
to dream in–what more could he ask? events/our-gardens-our-refuge- you, young and not so young, for being
A few flowers at his feet and above him information-session part of this show.”
the stars.”
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 15C
Banksia
K i d s ’ o rner
A-Z of spring
Kids, tap mum or dad on the shoulder and ask them to help you plant
a spring vegetable garden, a pot of herbs, a flowerbed or even a tree!
Here’s an alphabetical guide for you to pick and choose your
Happy
favourites this spring.
planting! Asparagus Basil
Cabbage Disphyma crassifolium Edible flower collection Fennel
Goodenia ovata Hibbertia sericea Italian vegetable Japanese pumpkin
collection
16 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017C
Banksia
K i d s ’ o rner
Kale Lettuce Marigold Native everlasting daisy
Onion Parsley Quince Radish
Sage Tomato Umbrella fern Viola hederacea
Watermelon Xanthorrhoea minor Yukina Savoy Zucchini
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 17Volunteer Groups
Friends Groups
Friends of Balcombe Park Friends of Long Hollow Heathland
Convenor: Ian O’Loughlin Convenor: Rob Saunders
Mobile: 0412 432 618 Email: ianoloughlin@optusnet.com.au Phone: (03) 9515 3383 Email: srednuas@hotmail.com
Melway Ref: 86 C4 Melway Ref: 86 D5
Upcoming working bees: Upcoming working bees:
Dates: 29 Oct, 26 Nov, Time: 10am-12pm Dates: 29 Oct, 26 Nov Time: 1pm-3pm
Friends of Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary Friends of Merindah Park & Urban Forest
Convenor: Michael Norris Convenor: John de Cruz Douglas
Phone: (03) 9521 6879 Email: menorris@ozemail.com.au Phone: 0417 386 408 Email: jdecdouglas@internode.on.net
Melway Ref: 77 B11 Melway Ref: 77 B12
Upcoming working bees: Upcoming working bees:
Dates: 14 Oct, 11 Nov, 9 Dec Time: 10am-12pm Dates: 8 Oct, 12 Nov, 10 Dec Time: 9am-11am
Bayside Environmental Friends Network Friends of Native Wildlife
Convenor: Jill Robinson Convenors: Anne Jessel, Elizabeth Walsh
Phone: 9583 8408 Email: friends@bayside.vic.gov.au Phone: (03) 9585 6788 Phone: (03) 9598 9009
Email: info@bayfonw.org.au
Friends of Brighton Dunes
Convenor: Jenny Talbot Friend of Picnic Point Sandringham
Phone: (03) 9592 2109 Convenor: Terry Reynolds
Melway Ref: 76 C2 Phone: (03) 9598 2978 Email: reynolds_family@hotmail.com
Upcoming working bees:
Dates: Every Tuesday (except Boxing Day) Time: 8am-10am
Friends of Ricketts Point
Convenor: Ross Longden
Friends of Cheltenham Park Phone: (03) 9589 2725
Convenor: Valerie Tyers Melway Ref: 86 D9
Phone: (03) 9588 0107 Email: valerietyers@hotmail.com Upcoming working bees:
Melway Ref: 86 G1 Dates: 25 Oct, 29 Nov, 27 Dec Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Upcoming working bees:
Dates: 1 Oct, 5 Nov, 3 Dec Time: 10am-12pm
Friends of Ricketts Point Landside
Convenor: Sue Raverty
Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve Phone: (03) 9589 2103 Email: sraverty@westnet.com.au
Convenor: Kim Croker Melway Ref: 86 C9
Phone: (03) 9589 2443 Email: kcroker@bigpond.net.au Upcoming working bees:
Melway Ref: 86 B6 Dates: 17 Oct, 21 Nov Time: 1pm-3pm
Upcoming working bees:
Dates: 4 Oct,1 Nov, 6 Dec Time: 10am-12pm
Friends of Table Rock
Convenor: Ken Rendell
Friends of George Street Reserve Phone: (03) 9589 4452
Convenors: Val Tarrant, Pauline Reynolds Melway Ref: 86 E10
Phone: (03) 9598 0554 Email: vtarrant@ozemail.com.au Upcoming working bees:
Phone: (03) 9598 6368 Email: pauline.reynolds.au@gmail.com Dates: 31 Oct, 28 Nov Time: 10am-12pm
Melway Ref: 86 B1
Upcoming working bees:
Friends of Elster Creek
Dates: 15 Oct, 19 Nov Time: 10am-12pm
Convenor: Gio Fitzpatrick
Phone: 0432 045 303 Email: gio@ecocentre.com
Friends of Gramatan Avenue Heathland Meeting point: Elwood Canal, Glen Huntly Road Bridge
Convenor: Ken Rendell Upcoming Event:
Phone: (03) 9589 4452 www.facebook.com/friendsofelstercreek/events
Melway Ref: 86 C6
Upcoming working bees:
Dates: 1 Oct, 5 Nov, 3 Dec Time: 1pm-3pm
18 Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017Celebrating
Save The Date Summer By
The Sea
A Dog’s Breakfast
Saturday 13 January
10am-12pm
Sandown Spit, Brighton
Editorial Policy
The purpose of publishing the Banksia
Bulletin is to circulate information, report on
This event is part of the events, and to profile relevant environmental
annual Summer By The Sea. issues important to our community.
Look out for more details The Bulletin is also published to support the
in the Summer edition of network of people involved in enjoying and
Banksia Bulletin. protecting our local environment.
Bayside City Council encourages people from
our local community groups to submit articles
of interest, share experiences and news
Environment Groups about any upcoming events. All articles are
reviewed prior to publication and Council
Friends of Bayside Roads reserves the right to omit or edit submissions.
Contact: Derek Jones Acknowledgements
Phone: 0417 360 747 Email: derekhjones@gmail.com Thank you to all the people who have
contributed to this issue of Banksia Bulletin.
Bayside Bushwalking Club Disclaimer
(Charman to Cromer Roads, Beaumaris) The views expressed in the Banksia Bulletin
Contact: Jo Hurse are not necessarily those of Bayside City
Phone: (Citywide Park Care) 9283 2052 Council nor its representatives.
Editor
Beaumaris Conservation Society Damien Van Trier
President: Greg Mier Manager Open Space,
Contact: PO Box 7016, Beaumaris 3193 Email: info@bcs.asn.au Recreation and Wellbeing
Content Coordinator
Black Rock and Sandringham Conservation Kristi High
Association 0407 366 466
Convenor: John Neve Copy deadlines
Phone: 0479 196 260 Email: jneve@ozemail.com.au Summer 2017
Upcoming working bees: Friday 3 November 2017 for Summer edition
Dates: 3 & 17 Oct, 7 & 21 Nov, 5 & 19 Dec Banksia Bulletin is published quarterly by
Time: 10am-12pm Bayside City Council to service people
interested in enjoying and protecting the
Marine Care Ricketts Point Inc local environment.
Website: www.marinecare.org.au If you would like to be added to the Banksia
Melway Ref: 86 C9 Bulletin mailing list, please contact Bayside
City Council on 9599 4444 or email:
Sandringham Foreshore Association banksia@bayside.vic.gov.au
Please indicate whether you would
President: Dr Vicki Karalis
prefer to receive your Banksia Bulletin
Contact: PO Box 52, Sandringham, 3191
by email or via post.
Email: sandyforeshore@optusnet.com.au
Corporate Centre
Website: sandringhamforeshore.tumblr.com
PO Box 27 Royal Avenue
Sandringham VIC 3191
Telephone: 9599 4444
School Groups www.bayside.vic.gov.au
banksia@bayside.vic.gov.au
Hours of business
Firbank Girls Grammar 8.30am–5pm
Contact: Mary-Ellen Johnson Monday–Friday
Phone: (03) 9591 5188 Email: mjohnson@firbank.vic.edu.au (except public holidays)
St Leonard’s College Conservation Group
Contact: Simon Daniels
Phone: (03) 9909 9300 Email: simon.daniels@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Banksia Bulletin | Spring 2017 19Do you want to know more
about Bayside and the
Banksia Bulletin?
Please refer to our website
www.bayside.vic.gov.au
Photo: by Pauline ReynoldsYou can also read
