Many Australians voluntarily gave up alcohol during July to help raise money for adult cancer. The movement is called ‘Dry July’, a phrase which this year applied to more than just alcohol consumption – July 2012 was the driest on record for Perth (i.e. in 132 years), and the driest for Bunbury since 1918. In fact, July 2012 was Bunbury’s second driest on record, with a total of 55.4 mms; well under the average expected rainfall of 166.5 mms. No rain means no clouds, which in turn means colder minimum temperatures – Bunbury shivered through 15 nights of less than one degree Celsius. Average daytime temperatures were higher than normal though, with many more glorious sunny days that we’re used to in winter.
What does the lack of rain mean for us, here at Ecoedge? Unless things change between now and the end of August, we’re likely to have a short spring season, meaning that the flowering season of many plants wont last as long as it would after an average winter season. We’ll be undertaking many flora surveys throughout the southwest this spring. If the season is short, our biggest challenge will be scheduling the fieldwork so we can fit all the surveys in before the flowers disappear… it doesn’t look like there’ll be much room to move this year!
Of course, spring isn’t the only time flowers appear in the bush. Now is the time for Hovea, wattles and the native wisteria. With their vibrant purples and yellows, these plants look just beautiful together – nature sure knows how to turn on a show.
The bright purple of the climbing Hardenbergia comptoniana, or Native Wisteria, is a beacon in the bush at this time of year.
And contrasts wonderfully with the vibrant yellow of Acacia pulchella (‘Prickly Moses’)
Hoveas are adding to the show – here you can see the intense purple of Hovea chorizemifolia, commonly known as the Holly-leaved Hovea
Of course, winter is also the season for fungi. I have no knowledge of fungi whatsoever but I do appreciate the magic they add to a winter bushwalk or field day – each one is interesting in its own way, and the variety of species in our southwest forests is really something. Here’s a small taste from two field trips last month, just two of about 25 different varieties we saw.
Fungi along the Bibbulmun Track near Southhampton Bridge (south of Balingup)
Fungi along the Bibbulmun Track, Mungalup Rd south (near Collie)
Well, that’s a wrap. Until next time…
