Many members enjoyed the APS NSW get together hosted by Newcastle Group on 17–18 August 2019 with a program of highlights of the area. Thanks to Newcastle Group including President Mark Abell and Secretary Maree McCarthy and all the volunteers who made the weekend so successful. Photos by Kevin Stokes, Newcastle Group (unless noted).
Dr Stephen Bell from University of Newcastle gave a presentation on endemic flora of the Hunter region based on his new book Flora of the Hunter Region.
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Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae
Port Stephens walks
To explore the coastal wildflowers and scenery of the Port Stephens area further, there are many more walks documented in the Bushwalks around Port Stephens brochure: emag.bushwalk.com/bushwalkingportstephens.pdf
We then had guided walks of the volunteer-run gardens which have many theme areas from acacias to rainforest. It’s a great place to stop while travelling through Newcastle, with a cafe. More information: www.huntergardens.org.au/visit and www.huntergardens.org.au/theme-gardens
Port Stephens walks
To explore the coastal wildflowers and scenery of the Port Stephens area further, there are many more walks documented in the Bushwalks around Port Stephens brochure: emag.bushwalk.com/bushwalkingportstephens.pdf
Amongst the spectacular coastal scenery were several species of orchids. Lyperanthus suaveolens
Glenrock Scout camp, Glenrock
We visited Glenrock Scout camp with a guided tour of the garden created on a very difficult site, at the entrance to an old mine, by 2018 ABC Gardener of the year John Le Messurier.
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John Le Messurier showing the gardens to the group |
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Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland
The weekend finished with a guided walk at Hunter Wetlands Centre and plant sales from the Newcastle Group nursery.
APS Newcastle Group has a long association with the Hunter Wetlands Centre which is where the group holds its meetings and runs a nursery and propagation area. Many of the plantings in the wetlands have been done by the group.
It’s another great place to drop in for a walk and cafe stop while travelling through Newcastle.
More information: http://wetlands.org.au/visit-us