An enthusiastic group of Urban Wildlife gardeners fronted up for the Botany for Beginners Workshop.
Hilary Pearl, a very well qualified Botanist from Maleny, gave us a brief background on plant history through the ages. She then led us through flower structure identification which was very interesting to all, especially the uninitiated.
The workshop focused on four plant families: Proteaceae (hakeas, banksias and grevilleas), Myrtaceae (gums, lillypillys and bottlebrush), Asteraceae (daisies) and Poaceae (grasses).
She showed us how to dissect a flower from the petals to the ovary and spoke about plant pollination. The participants then enjoyed a ‘hands on’ experience as they examined and pulled apart plant samples and got the chance to press some flowers to take home. Hillary commented that the group was remarkably engaged and could have continued for much longer.
Thanks to Hilary for an enlightening workshop, Sarah for organising the event and Michelle for her assistance on the day.
Kay Southam
