A Visit to a Torquay garden – 12 August 2018

Torquay Garden: Following on from Lara, we toured to Torquay. On finding John and Barbara’s property, we were again greeted by a large Banksia praemorsa at the front gate, stunning in full flower. This garden, originally set up for Proteas and Leucodendrons for the flower trade, also has a large collection of Australian plants. After a pleasant lunch and John making us welcome, we launched forth to explore.
Set on 5 acres and alive with birdlife, we gained some idea of the size that some of our plants can attain. Some of the Eucalypts were not too large. Eucalyptus preissiana, 1 to 3.5m (rarely to 7m), Eucalyptus tetraptera 1.5 to 4m, both responding well to pruning. Some of the Grevilleas reaching an impressive full size here – G. intricata, preissii subsp glabrilimba (Seaspray), halmaturina subsp laevis. Other Grevilleas of note were ‘Bush Lemon’, candelabroides and subtiliflora. Acacia acinacea was full of flower, Hardenbergia ‘Happy Wanderer’ and Acacia aphylla together showing off flower, foliage and form. Chamelaucium uncinatum – various forms and a double flowered form of Philotheca were eye catchers. Some of the Eremophilas were glandulifera, mackinlayi and punicea (small, compact 1×0.8m), ‘excellent shrub for a small garden or unit where space is limited’ (Australian Eremophila, Boschen, Goods & Wait). Another plant of note was a Doryanthes palmeri with the unopened spike arching down. We rounded off the day with lovely cuppa with a range of delectable cakes, thanking John and Barbara for a wonderful afternoon.
Report: Peter Smith, Images: Miriam Ford, Jill Lulham, and Joanne Cairns.

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Kevin Hoffman Walk at Lara, Victoria – 12 August 2018

Kevin Hoffman Walk: We all really loved this site and yet hardly anyone from the group knew about it. The Walk is an 800m scenic linear trail running parallel with Hovell’s Creek and easily accessible to locals and visitors for a walk in beautiful and inspiring surrounds. Matt Leach, the gardening supervisor, and Beverley Hoffman (Kevin’s wife) explained the history and generously walked and talked with us as we made our way along, surprised at the wonderful growth and wide range of many favourite plants. We walked in dappled light amongst groundcovers, low grasses and herbs, medium and tall shrubs, many in flower, and a wonderful cover of Eucalypts including River Red Gums planted by Kevin. The 4m Banksias were amazing. Landscaping include sculptures and interesting installations.
It represents over 40 years of landscaping and planting of Australian natives by an inspired and hard working person, Kevin Hoffman. Beverley spoke of how Kevin was out there working away every day, before work, after work and section by section to fulfill his dream.
Now run by the Friends of Hoffman Walk with support from the City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Water, there is enthusiastic community support which ensures that the garden is going to be maintained into the future for all to enjoy. Put this on your list of special places if you haven’t been. It is well worth the effort. Report: Joanne Cairns. Images: Miriam Ford, Joanne Cairns, and Jill Lulham.

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Flower Table August 2018

Another great selection of flowers brought to our August meeting from members’ gardens – in Early Spring. Some of the more unusual ones this month were Calamphoreus inflatus, Acacia farinosa, and Leionema lamprophyllum, with some Correas still flowering this month.

Thanks to Ben Eaton and Mike R. for images.

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