On ancient land, cracked and fissured by the ages and draped with just a veil of nutrient-poor soil, our Australian wildflowers demonstrate just how resilient, unique and extraordinary they are.
Springtime at the Muogamarra Nature Reserve, north of Sydney, is truly special. The native bush is bejewelled with flowers in dazzling colours and shapes not seen anywhere else in the world.
There are waratahs, angophoras, banksias, pink boronias and native orchids in abundance. Muogamarra also protects precious Aboriginal rock engravings and is home to echidnas, lyrebirds and other curious creatures. Wild things.- they make your heart sing!
A visit to Muogamarra Nature Reserve, just north of Sydney, will have you marvelling at how our native vegetation can grow and thrive on so little soil.
It is closed most of the year to protect the fragile ecosystem and Indigenous cultural heritage. This nature reserve opens in spring annually for just six weeks. It has several walks, ranging from 1km to 10km, guided or unguided. Bookings are essential, and it can cost from $10-$55. For more information, head to National Parks NSW.
Visit Muogomarra Nature Reserve
8 native wildflowers you’ll see in Muogamarra Nature Reserve
01
Mountain devil
Lambertia formosa
You’ll attract pollinators and wildlife to your garden with the little mountain devil (Lambertia formosa). The flowers are brimful of nectar and the slightly spiky leaves provide cover for wildlife fleeing cats. It gets its unflattering moniker from the woody seed pods that look like a devil’s face.
02
NSW waratah
Telopea speciosissima
Think of the worst conditions to grow a flowering tree – shade and low-nutrient soil – and the spectacular NSW waratah will rise to the occasion.
03
Wax flower
Eriostemon australasius
Plant the pretty wax flower (Eriostemon australasius), with its profuse sprays of pink blooms, in a cottage garden, on the coast, or in a pot on a slightly shady balcony.
04
Pink spider
Grevillea sericea
You’ll see pink spider flowers (Grevillea sericea) in spring and they stay well into summer.
05
Hairpin banksia
B. spinulosa
One of the easiest native flowering plants to grow, the hairpin banksia (B. spinulosa) tolerates frost and seaspray. Its psychedelic lemon and orange blooms emerge in winter and last until spring.
06
Boronia
Boronia
The tiny flowers of the boronia bush pack a punch of colour, and their leaves produce an exquisite, citrusy perfume. Plant it near an open door or window.
07
Drumsticks
Isopogon anethifolius
A brilliant example of Australia’s weird and wonderful wildflowers is drumsticks (Isopogon anethifolius). Try mass planting them.
08
Juniper wattle
Acacia ulicifolia
The prickly foliage of juniper wattle (Acacia ulicifolia) gives cover to wildlife.
