We hope that WA wildflower society members will attend the ANPSA Biennial Conference to be held in Melbourne, Victoria from 30th September to 4th October 2024. Titled “Gardens for Life”, the conference will feature such topics as gardening for wildlife, cultivation to save rare and threatened flora and gardening for well-being. We will be visiting a superb new Australian Botanic Garden in the Dandenong ranges and looking behind the scenes at the Melbourne and Cranbourne botanic gardens program “Raising Rarity” among many other topics. There will be 5- night pre and post conference tours offering an opportunity to see some of Victoria’s best native gardens and some hottest wildflower areas. If you register here now obligation free you will receive the newsletters, the latest of which is here.

Details of the conference can be found here. By registering you will receive newsletters, updates and first advice of the opening of tour preferences, early bird bookings and excursion choices.

The Spring edition of Australian Plants is dedicated to the pre- and post-conference tour destinations. The Autumn edition will cover presenters, topics and day excursions.

The early bird price has been set at $585 for the five days including lunches and morning teas. The conference will comprise three days of presentations and two days of excursions.

Please consider participation in this conference which addresses a number of current topical subjects including urban rewilding, wetlands restoration and revegetation, verge and grassland restoration, and care of rare plants.

The Society’s “parent” group, ANPSA, holds biennial national conferences and the next will be held in Kiama, New South Wales from Saturday 10  to Friday 16 September 2022, with the theme ‘Australian Flora – Past Present Future’. The Conference will be hosted by members of the Australian Plants Society (NSW) with registrations now open (as per the attached).

Winners are Grinners!

Armadale Branch representatives – Roger Harington, Sue Radford, Debbie Walker and Kim Fletcher (Photo: Kim Sarti)

At a ceremony hosted by the City of Armadale on Australia Day 2022, the Armadale Branch was amongst the finalists (and Winners) for the Active Citizenship (Group or Event) Award of the Year for 2021.

The branch’s active citizenship involvement and outstanding contribution to community was recognised through it being awarded the Active Citizenship (Group or Event) Award for the Year. Branch president, Roger Harington, accepted the award on behalf of the branch, which was presented by the Armadale Mayor, Cr Ruth Butterfield.

Formed some 60 years ago, the Armadale Branch operates under the Wildflower Society of WA’s four ideals of Knowing, Growing, Conserving and Enjoying our Western Australian flora.

Armadale Branch is well known for promoting the value of our natural bushland and associated conservation issues, and for conducting events that are well organised. Community engagement in displays at shopping centres, local community markets, exhibitions and local schools enable branch members to share their knowledge and passion for WA’s wildflowers and raise environmental awareness.

Branch members have demonstrated active citizenship through their participation with like-minded community groups in the revegetation and protection of the natural environment within Armadale city. Many members serve on these community-based environmental groups or are Reserve Custodians of a small neighbourhood bush reserve to assist the City of Armadale’s bush crew.

On 28th March 2021, 60 years to the day of the branch’s formation, a celebratory tree planting took place at the Armadale Environmental Centre. Six trees of local species were planted, one for each decade. Armadale Mayor Cr Butterfield, planted the first tree. The second tree was jointly planted by family members of inaugural president Rev. Ewan Watts. The third tree was planted by inaugural members Irene and Michael Morcombe and the fourth tree was planted by Roger Harington, current branch president. The fifth and sixth trees were planted by student representatives from Armadale Primary School and Pioneer Village Primary School.  In September the 60th Anniversary exhibition of wildflower art, photography and other artworks was held in the Armadale District Hall. To complete the experience for those attending, other events and activities such as bushwalks, talks and entertainment were included over the weekend.

The effects of exposure to nature are well documented – from increasing happiness and physical health to lowering stress. The public bushwalks conducted by the branch provide participants with opportunities to get out and enjoy the wonderful beauty of Western Australia’s unique wildflowers. These outdoor activities benefit a range of areas affecting public health and social wellbeing and by making people feel better emotionally, it enhances the community life of Armadale.

Branch activities and events continue to raise the awareness of the importance of the conservation and good management of our remaining unique bushland heritage. 

At a ceremony hosted by the City of Armadale on Australia Day 2022, Roger Harington was amongst the finalists for the Community Citizen of the Year for 2021 for Armadale.

Whilst Roger did not win the award, both he and fellow Armadale Branch members were really pleased that he had been nominated for his active citizenship and outstanding contribution to community throughout 2021.

Roger has demonstrated active commitment and involvement in local bushcare and environmental groups including:

:: Armadale Branch, Wildflower Society of WA – from being a branch member, Roger was elected President in 2017 – a position he currently holds.

:: Armadale Settlers’ Common Working Group – which involves the management and protection of this large reserve (approx. 383 hectares) in Bedfordale.

:: Armadale Environmental Centre Management Committee – the Environmental Centre is the home of all community-based environmental groups and reserve custodians in the City of Armadale that use the buildings at the centre for meetings, displays and conduct training sessions.

:: Armadale Bushcare and Environmental Working Group – which is an umbrella group of environmental and bushcare groups within the City of Armadale. Roger provides a link between the groups he represents relating to environmental awareness and the protection and rehabilitation of the natural environment within the city.

:: Landcare SJ – Roger is an active board member of this Serpentine-Jarrahdale group that conducts field days, workshops and training for sustainable agriculture as well as conservation and restoration of habitats for native flora and fauna.

Roger has shown initiative over the years in a wide range of volunteer pursuits with a positive approach and actions. He is always ready to be involved in any area that he believes needs support. Totally committed to whatever organisation he belongs, Roger has gained well-deserved respect in the community. Roger’s leadership and passion has had a profound impact in his endeavours, in particular to our unique and precious bushland environment and Armadale Branch members congratulate him on his achievement.

Looking for a wildflower-themed gift for yourself or a friend?

The Armadale Branch has produced a Tote bag which will make an ideal gift.

The Tote bag is environmentally-conscious and reusable; these bags are ideal for light grocery shopping or carrying basics around.

• Motif of Robin Redbreast Bush Melaleuca lateritia.
• 100% cotton canvas.
• Double carry handles.
• The bag measures 47 cm from top to bottom, is 38 cm wide, and has a 12 cm gusset.
• Cost $25 + postage

CLICK HERE to purchase on-line

At an event held 31 July 2021, was the presentation of the 2021 ‘Wildflower Society Award’ by Dr Kevin Thiele (Society’s president) to Judith Harvey.  Until recently, Judith was the Plant Survey Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Society, but has had to relinquish this role due to health problems.

Both Kevin and Bronwen Keighery gave a summary of Judith’s work within the society over the past 35 years before Judith gave a short speech in reply.  Four generations of Judith’s family were in attendance for the presentation. Congratulations!

The Award citation reads ….. for her long time contribution to the Society and advancing its aims through her work with the Plant Survey Program and other numerous botanical involvements.