This article was originally published in the NOWRA NEWSLETTER September 2025 edition
Seems Spring is in the air and the Wirreecoo Garden is feeling its lure with surprise flowerings. The Maritime Museum is holding a special Spring markets on September (6th), visitors will be invited to the Wirreecoo garden to see what’s happening and ask any questions. Our idea is to take them around to see the flowering plants that delight and interest us. Just to name a few of mine:
1. Doryanthus palmerii (Spear lily) I had said ‘watch this space’ in April this year with its first flowering in 25 years noted. Here it is late August and we are still waiting but expecting something ‘magnificent’. Hopefully out by 6th September and l something to show off.Its arousing a lot of interest, so much so I have a mobile number of a person I have named ’Spear Lily Brenda’ who wants me to contact her when it’s in flower so she can rush down to Huskisson from North Nowra to see it.
2) Pterastylus erecta These small orchids pop up each year in the top walled garden and so numerous it’s delightful.
I had forgotten the name told me by Alan Stephenson so was pleased when my new phone App told me they are the Upright maroonhood orchids.
Since this photo I’ve noticed they are outside the walled garden as well.
3. Pterastylus curta Lovely surprise near the pond in The Glen I found another addition to the garden, an unknown orchid growing from rosettes, now identified as the Blunt orchid or Pterastylus curta. Great to see this new species and possible for one to grow from the other rosette in photo.
4. Xanthorrhoea
The Xanthorrhoea species at the bottom of the stairs had 3 scapes over 4 years ago and was a wonderful majestic asset to the garden. Since that time it hasn’t set any scapes and is suffering an attack of scale on its leaves.
Norm has cut back and was to/will spray the leaves to try to rid it of the disease but…….. GUESS WHAT? A scape is peeping through and ready to go. Since the photo was taken on our August Working Bee it’s grown heaps.
Grass tree scapes don’t mess around and should be almost or fully out on the Spring Market Day.
