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The uniqueness of Australia's
vegetation is a world-wide phenomenon. Nowhere is more
spectacular than Western Australia. Here, in the
Southwest corner, the rich variety of landforms -
mountainous granite outcrops, flat sand plains, rolling
woodlands and forests and coastal swamps - has ensured a
rich diversity. Over 9,000 unique plant species have
developed in this ancient landscape, isolated by deserts
to the East and oceans to the North, West and South. This
has brought about a region known as one of the four major
'hot spots' on planet earth.
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Charnigup
Farm is ideally placed as a base from which to view these
wonders of nature. The transformation in spring of the predominantly
grey-green vegetation into a glorious garden of colour is miraculous
to behold. We grow several species of native flora in the garden as
well as naturally in fenced off remnants of bushland on the farm. Over the years we have
explored the surrounding region's roadsides and
reserves, developing an inventory of favourite
'spots' to view a range of different plants. We
have our own family rating term for exceptional
areas - 'ooh-aah! country'! We even have our
resident botanical expert. Our daughter, Ellen,
is a well established botanist and botanical
illustrator. She lives locally, and is a fund of
enthusiastic floral knowledge.
The clearing of land
and the encroachment of human population
over time, coupled with recent
drought-affected years, have all
contributed to the dwindling of flora
habitats. Our natural 'jewel' is being
threatened! By encouraging people to
become involved in - even just by looking
at - our beautiful flowers helps to
validate flora conservation as a top
priority.
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BEST TIME
FOR WILDFLOWERS; July to November are the
best months to view wildflowers in our
area, although the bush is never without
blooms of some sort. (For example, many
Banksia species tend to flower from
January to April.) There are many tours
operating during the peak season, but,
personally, we find that self-exploration
with a good reference book is just as
rewarding and exciting. However, a word
of warning. The picking of wildflowers is
strictly prohibited, and heavy fines
imposed if you are caught. Bring your
camera or your sketch book with you!
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Thanks to Ellen Hickman for
providing some of these photographs
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