The first trip to check out the wildflower scene in the foothill forest, and the first impression was the large number of waxlip orchids, Glossodia major flowering.

A lot of understory growth had also occurred in the twelve months since the last visit, with many shrubs of Pultenaea daphnoides over a metre high thanks to abundant rainfall. Pink Fingers, Caladenia fuscata were also numerous with colours from white to deep pink.

Last season bearded orchids were abundant at this location later in the month, but the only other orchid seen was a Thelymitra ixioides in bud, so the focus shifted to other wildflowers. Guinea flowers are a bright splash of colour in the bush, and two species were photographed, Hibbertia obtusifolia and Hibbertia calycina.

Always nice to see, Pigea monopetala, Slender Violet-bush.

Just one Milkmaid to be seen, Burchardia umbellata.

Nodding Blue Lily, Stypandra glauca is a very familiar plant in these forests.

And back to yellow, one of the Parrot Peas, Dillwynia glaberrima.

In the field of native plant propagation, cultivation, and preservation, the late Bill Cane was a towering presence, a brief history of Bill’s life can be accessed here. For some time now, preparations have been under way to establish in the Sale Botanic Gardens, a large bed featuring a collection of plants associated with Bill, and on the fourteenth of September 2022, on a sunny day, Bill’s family and a large gathering of native plant enthusiasts attended the public presentation of the garden and the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.

Following addresses by the Manager of Natural Environment and Parks, Tim Rowe,

and the Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye,

Son Bill Cane junior gave the gathering an entertaining picture of his father’s many skills and exploits from a life devoted to native plants, their propagation, and preservation.

Son David then spoke about the making of the garden, the collection of the plants, propagation problems, and the successful completion of a garden bed that will feature flowering plants throughout the year.

Click garden pictures to enlarge.

The plaque was then unveiled by Bill’s children, Bill, David, Anne, and John, and following a presentation to the family, everyone present was treated to lunch and the gift of a native plant with which to remember the occasion.

A notable life remembered in a manner with which Bill would have thoroughly approved.