Wildflowers in bloom now

With the arrival of spring, Gippsland in Eastern Victoria is coming alive with wildflowers.

Spring wildlfowers in bloom now! At first the coastal areas and foothills burst into colour, reaching their peak during September – November. Then, as the last of the snow leaves the mountains, the plants on the higher peaks have their “spring”, most being at their best in December and January. Plants in the Alps have to take advantage of a very short opportunity when its warm enough for flowering and seed development, so it all happens at once up there.

Let us introduce you to some of the colourful locals we regularly encounter during spring and summer on various ecotours and walks with Gippsland High Country Tours.

Wildflowers – close to the ground

Close to the ground are orchids and small herbaceous plants. Some in their masses providing a carpet of colour, some very small and delicate, so getting down on your hands and knees for a close look is worth the effort. Looking through a hand lens or magnifier opens up a world of exquisite detail we don’t see with the naked eye.

Wallflower orchid, Croajingolong National Park:

Fringed Lily in foothill forests:

Creamy Candles, Croajingolong:

White Caledenia and Nodding Greenhood are found throughout the foothills of Gippsland:

Brilliant everlasting daisy, Alpine National Park summer:

This bird orchid from Errinundra National Park is so named as it looks like the open mouth of a baby bird waiting to be fed:

Flowering shrubs and small trees

But don’t just look down at the ground for wildflowers! There are plenty of colourful wildflowers on the shrubs and small trees of the forest. Sometimes its too shady for many small flowers on the forest floor. The shrubs make for an overwhelming layer of colour at eye level.

This Correa produces brilliant flowers that shine like lanterns in the forest understory of Croajingolong National Park:

Bush peas like this one can line the roads and walking tracks throughout Gippsland in spring:

Masses of white blooms on the Wedding Bush which is sometimes found growing with Boronias in Croajingolong National Park:

No discussion on East Gippsland’s wildflowers is complete with mentioned the crimson blooms of the Gippsland Waratah. This spectacular wildflower is found only in the tall wet forests of East Gippsland, like Errinundra National Park:

So spring has sprung and what are you waiting for! Its time to get out and about and appreciate nature’s wildflower displays, whether that’s close to home or exploring somewhere new. The local guides at Gippsland High Country Tours know the best places to go and the best time to see wildflowers in Gippsland, so take a look at the range of small group ecotours on the website and book in for a chance to re-connect with nature this spring or summer. Gippsland High Country Tours are ‘advanced ecotourism’ eco-certified by Ecotourism Australia.

IMAGES: courtesy of Gippsland High Country Tours

FOR MORE:

Company name: Gippsland High Country Tours
Email: info@gippslandhighcountrytours.com.au
Phone: +61 3 5157 5556
Website: www.gippslandhighcountrytours.com.au
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