Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Conservation Parks Incorporated

Wildflower Garden

A Brief History

In 1963 the Paynes sold the garden to the Corporation of the City of Campbelltown. Council adopted its new role and with the expert managements of Mr Ray Holiday the Wildflower Garden Nursery flourished. Countless locals and visitors wandered through the garden and were able to purchase a wide variety of native plants at very reasonable prices. The garden was later increased when Council accepted adjoining land when section 813 was subdivided. Soon after, when the Department of Environment & were consolidating the 900 hectare Black Hill Flora Park, Council was pressed to sell the Wildflower Garden. One of the conditions of sale was that the plants should continue to be made available to the public.

Fresh glossy trunk of an introduced eucalypt.

Due to continued reductions of funding and staff, the National Parks and Wildlife Service found itself unable to continue with the maintenance and upkeep of the Wildflower Garden.

In 1990 the Friends of Black Hill & Morialta Inc. agreed to rehabilitate the garden and a 5 year plan was agreed upon. Revegetation work, along with educational activities, continues to be carried out be the Friends Group and its supporters.

In 2000 National Parks and Wildlife SA commenced a program to upgrade the walking trails in the Wildflower Garden.

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Wildflower Garden Rehabilitation Project

5 May 2002 at the end of one of the
driest summers on record.

Having completed the 5 year program we are now continuing to upgrade the area and improve habitat, making the are more appealing for visitors.

Our five year plan and beyond

• The garden area has been divided up into zones which have been given priority ratings to remove various exotic and non endemic native species which have a potential to hybridise or have spread and colonised into the Black Hill Conservation Park, thereby displacing desirable native species.
• Rare species have been identified in various zones and every care is being taken to ensure their protection and increase.
• Replanting of all zones with the appropriate indigenous plant species which have been propagated by the Friends from seed collected from within the park. These plants will not be reliant on artificial watering after they have become established.
• National Parks and Wildlife SA have carried out major track work and the general amenity of the area will be enhanced for the general public to enjoy.

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Wild Flower Garden Annual Report 2007

Kangaroos, which have moved in since the fire track gate has been opened, have done a good job of pruning - even killing - some of our plants.

The never ending battle with weeds continues - Bridal Creeper, wild Gladiolus, Freesias and the usual garden varieties - and keeps us busy.

The rust virus which has been introduced to attack Bridal Creeper had found its way into the vicinity, this may prove a blessing in time to come.

Our group members continue to support the project, as do our helpers from the Kiwanis, thanks to Bob and Phil and the other members.

Liaison ranger, Tammy has also been supportive and we thank her for her efforts.

We anticipate another year of sore knees, aching backs and dirty hands. What else would we do?

Lola - Project Coordinator.

2005 Wildflower Garden Report

First Aid Demonstration.
20 May 2006

The area around the building is showing improvement, and several people familiar with native plants have commented favourable. On the other hand, we still get comments to the contrary.

The recent storm in October accounted for several of our large native pines, which is a great pity. These trees were quite a few years old and well grown and it will take some years before their replacements will grow to a similar size.

The creek ran again this winter and the ponds were full for some time. Severak brown ducks took advantage of the water. Run-off from the rain continues to be a problem along the main path from the back of the Garden to the street.

What to do in case of snake bite.
20 May 2006

Bridal Creeper removal continues to be a focus at our working bees, and our efforts are showing results. The rust virus, which attacks bridal creeper, has been introduced into the surrounding areas, and we are anxiously waiting for the results. Sollya heterophylla is pounced on whenever we come across it and the problem is under control. Eradication will not occur while residents, whose property abut the park boundary, continue to grow it in their gardens. The biggest problems we have with weeds is the sour sobs, annual grasses and an interloper call Gladiolus undulatus, but what would we do if we did not have something to contend with?

Attendance at the working bees has been good, with out regulars being Ann, Judy, Pam, Colin, John and myself, and out two regular workers from the Athelstone Kiwanis, Bob and Phil. We appreciate the help we have received from Graham when we have needed a bit more muscle. I would also like to thank Colin for the extra help he has given me in the park during the week (at least once a week throughout this year) and his assistance with growing seedlings for plantings. Last but not least, our Liaison Ranger, Eric for his advice, help and cooperation during the period he has been with us.

All in all it has been a successful year, and hopefully next year will be the same.

Lola - Project Coordinator.

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2004 Wildflower Garden Report

The eternal struggle with alien species continues.

• African daisy,
• Solly heterophylla,
• Gladiolus undulatus,
• millet,
• thistles,
• foreign grasses and
• the never-ending bridal creeper

On the plus side, we have planted a number of rates species that are doing well, e.g.:

• Goodenia albiflora
• Dianella longifolia,
• Myoporum viscosum
• Lavatera plebia,
• Austrostipa breviglumis,
• Euc. leptophylla,
• Melaleuca lanceolata,
• Rubus parvifolius
• Senecio hypoleucus
• Vittadinia blackii and
• Acacia acenacea

I have received excellent support from the Group. Colin has worked an extra day almost every week and also raised quite a number of seedlings and cuttings to add to the area. Ann is a regular contributor as are Pam and Arthur. Judy gets here kicks from digging up bridal creeper and John not only helps with the general tasks around the area but also takes magnificent photos of the flowers, plants and animals. Graham also lends a hand whenever it is needed. Thanks to Bryn and Eric for their assistance in the position of Liaison Rangers.

Lola - Project Coordinator.

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2003 Wildflower Garden Report

5 May 2002 Arthur carting water
to the plants put in
during the winter of 2001.

This year the Group has added 1120 plants to the area - a great effort. We have extended our planting to the creek banks and hope this will further enhance the appearance of the area and help to subdue the ever present weeds. The extra time given by Colin and Ann during the week made the effort possible. We have succeeded in introducing several of the more uncommon species to the area and hopefully, will be able to add others in the future.

Since planting finished, we have concentrated our efforts on weed control, mainly bridal creeper and gladiolus undulatus. By removing the cladodes and the bulbs, we hope to gain some measure of elimination of these intruders. Someone once said that a chihuaha, given time, could eat an elephant - and this is how we see the bridal creeper problem, but we keep chewing.

The use of the brush cutter has been a great help in dealing with the grassy weeds and the cut grass makes mulch for the plants.

During a working bee, one of the Group discovered two geckos, possibly a mating pair. These have been identified as 'Underwoodisauris milii' or the Thick Tailed Gecko. They are sometimes called 'barking geckos' because they emit a coughing sound when disturbed. They are one of the only three species of gecko found in the Adelaide Hills. We watched these strangely marked little creatures for a few moments and then left them to go about their business. Hopefully they will continue to live happily and productively in the Garden.

Also recently seen were two Beadred dragons and a Boobook owl, a flock of about twenty Yellow-tailed black cockatoos and on grey cat with a red collar.

I would like to thank the Friend's Group for their support during the year, also Bryn for liaison with Parks and especially by band of helpers, Ann, Judy, Colin, John and Arthur and look forward to another productive year in 2004.

Lola
Project Coordinator.

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Wildflower Garden Report - 2002

The group has worked hard again this year on both planting and weed control. A succulent species, which had been planted here previously and which had taken over several areas, can now said to be under control, with only occasional specimens found. Clematis vitalba, which was growing west of the building when the group began, and which had smothered any shrubs that were there, is now found in single specimens here and there in the area. When these "interlopers" are found they are dealt with immediately. Likewise Sollya heterophylla plants appear only occasionally in the Garden.

Our next target species is bridal creeper, and we are working on this in several ways. Where suitable, we dig the bulbs out; if the plant is flowering, we pull the stems from the ground to prevent seed set this year, and where practicable, we spray the plants. In this way, we hope to check the spread of seed and thus reduce the number of plants next year. Any regrowth will be treated appropriately as it appears.

Grassy weeds continue to thrive, but with the increase in native plant species, it is hoped they will gradually be reduced. Rice millet seems to be under control, and we have reduced the number of Gladiolus undulatus considerably. Unfortunately, Monadenia bracteata has become a very big problem outside the Garden and we may not be able to eradicate this pest plant.

The orchid population did not respond to the late, sparse rains and did not flower in their usual profusion. Flowers on plants such as Hardenbergia violacea, Astroloma conostephioides and Pultenaea largiflorens produced flowers with a greater depth of colour then usual. This, I have been told, can be due to very cold temperatures, which we had during winter.

Planting began as soon as the rains permitted and was finished by the end of June, to take advantage of all rainfall that became available. The difficult part will be keeping seedlings alive throughout the predicted long, dry summer. Hand watering will be a large part of our summer and autumn activities.

The Group has added 730 (round figure) plants this year, bringing our total to almost 4,500 since planting began in 1992. Not all have survived, but each one that has is a small victory. We are now seeing reproduction from some of our plantings, which is very satisfying.

I would like to thank all those who have supported the project this year, members of the Group, Athelstone Kiwanis and our Liaison Ranger, Bryn.

Lola
Project Co-ordinator

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Wildflower Garden Report - 2000

The new millennium has sen continued activity in the Wildflower Garden and beyond NPWS have remved some old trees and begun work on the paths.

Filling tubes ready for propagating work.
March 2000

Planting began in March with approximately 750 plants being put out in the garden, quarry and lake areas, making a total of 2,750 since we began work in the site. After very good rain plants look healthy and flowering has been good.

Recently, we received three compliments about the garden. One walker thanked us for keeping the garden alive! Two others said they found the area more interesting that an open garden they had paid to visit and another congratulated us on replanting the native vegetation.

Benches fitted with frames for shade cloth and watering have made plant propagation much easier this year. I would like to thank NPWS, Kingsley and Graham for their part in providing and setting up the benches. Next year, hopefully, more plants will be added to the area.

In February we welcomed Andy Warner as our Liaison Ranger but he will be moving on soon to new pastures. Thank you for your efforts on our behalf.

We have two new volunteers, Judy and Jean, who are helping us battle with the never ending weeds. Our Kiwani friends continue to support us in the war against Bridal Creeper and other pest plants as well as revegetation. Members continue to support the cause and I would like to thanks them all, along with members of NPWS.

Lola
Project Co-ordinator

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Wildflower Garden Report - 1999

Filling tubes for plant propagation.
March 1999

Exotic species are gradually removed as others take their place. Pest plants are still keeping us busy and while most are dwindling in number, some seem to continue to thrive.

Regeneration from previous plantings is a reward in itself and the absence of rabbits, I'm sure has boosted plant survival.

Two new volunteers have joined our group, John and Arthur, and we are pleased to have them assist with the area. The Kiwanis have given their time again this year, for which we are very grateful. They are able to help with heavier work such as track maintenance. Members of the group have also given assistance, foremost being Graham and Ann. Thanks also to Ron Saers, Ranger Liaison Officer, and Lofty District for their support.

Lola
Project Co-ordinator

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Wildflower Garden Report - 1997

We are now in the seventh year of the "Five Year" Management Plant and will continue for some years yet.

Filling tubes ready for propagating work.
March 1997

Some 270 plants have been added since April 1997 and hopefully there will be a good showing of flowers in spring.

Plant propagation is done by two of our members and this is a big job in itself.

Members of the group, and our regular volunteers from the Athelstone Kiwanis, have replaced some sections of the sleeper track edging and commenced some track rationalisation along with storm water control to reduce the velocity and volume of run off water which is causing surface erosion in many areas of the track system.

With the help of the Kiwanis, more plant posts have been placed along the walking trails and this will enable visitors to the area to identify plants by their botanical and common names.

We are endevouring to replant the indigenous vegetation that was removed when the garden was planted with non-endemic natives, 40 odd years ago.

Kiwanis replacing track edging.
September 1997

Introduced plants such as Bridal Creeper, Gladiolus undulatus, Freesias, Cape Tulip, Clematis albida, Boneseed, Olives, African daisy, Sollya heterophylla (now Billardiera heterohylla), Modadenia bracteata and an introduced succulent need regular monitoring and control. DENR (now DEH) has agreed to install a drinking fountain for use by visitors and hopefully, this will be operational by summer and storm water erosion problems have been attended to.

Thanks to our liaison ranger Ron Saers, members of the Friends Group, and the Athelstone Kiwanis for their support during the year.

Lola
Project Co-ordinator

If you would like to contribute to our efforts or wish to obtain further information about this are please contact the project coordinator:-
Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Inc.

We hope you enjoy your visit to the Wildflower Garden.

Page last updated 4 August 2008
* 2007 work report added