THERE has never been a better time to visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens, especially if you are a visitor to Canberra and have been taking in the gaudy delights of Floriade.

To balance that scene, the Botanic Gardens are the answer with just one example pictured here of the waratah Telopea “Canberry Gem”.

Just look at the exquisite make-up of the stunning flower of this shrub. I think NSW got the best end of the stick choosing the waratah as its State emblem out of all the State flora emblems. There are numerous varieties of waratahs growing in the gardens such as Telopea “Braidwood Brilliant” and T. speciossima x oreades.

AT the other end of the scale to the bold and brassy waratahs is the delicate soft, white-tinged pink flowers of the Wax Flower, Philotheca, formerly known as Eriostemon, the most common being Eriostemon myoporoides.

In our former nursery in Yass, we had this plant bordering the main path to the rose garden. I used to purposely brush my hand through the foliage

when escorting customers through the garden. Invariably the instant comment was: “What is that remarkable fragrance?”

The next question that immediately followed was: “Have you got any of this plant in stock?”

It was one great Aussie plant that we just had to have in stock at all times for the fragrance of the foliage as well as the flowers.

Here is illustrated Philotheca “Bournda Beauty” bred by Bournda Plants, of Merimbula. Other wax flowers bred by this nursery, which incidentally supplies plants to most local garden centres, include Philotheca myoporoides “Winter Rouge”, P.m. “Moon Shadow” and P.m. “Flower Girl”. All these are rated as full sun, frost and salt tolerant, particularly important for those contemplating growing this super plant at the coast.

All grow to about 1.5m tall with a similar spread, although can be kept smaller if growing in a container with pruning immediately after flowering.

TO start your walk through the Botanic Gardens, call into the visitors’ centre to collect the “What is in flower this week” leaflet – it’s a must if you are looking to photograph particular plants in flower.

At the same time, see the Friends’ School Photographic Competition and view the gardens through a different perspective with outstanding photography from high school and college students.

ON Saturday, October 15, it is the 40th anniversary of the Black Mountain Wildflower Ramble.

Started by Nancy Burbidge, of ACT Flora fame, continued by botanist and eucalyptus specialist George Chippendale and now organised by the inimitable Jean Geue, the ramble starts at 9.30am to about noon from the Belconnen Way entrance, just off Caswell Drive turnoff (look for the balloons). Sunhats, stout shoes and water are the order of the day to reveal the many native plants growing on Black Mountain.

AND the 15th Bundanoon Village Ramble will be held on the weekend of October 22-23, 9.30am to 4.30pm on both days. This features nine beautiful, private gardens in the Southern Highlands plus numerous other activities in the village. Tickets are available in the Soldiers Memorial Hall. More details from Brenda Venton on 0412 762600 or www. bundanoongardenramble.org.au