A blue day

A recent excursion into some coastal woodland at Lang Lang resulted in noticing several blue species of wildflowers.

Blue Dampiera, Dampiera stricta is a widespread shrub found, in Victoria, principally east of Melbourne. It is also present in parts of Q’land, NSW and Tas.

Blue Dampiera likes to grow in heathland and open forest habitats on sandy-gravelly soil. In good conditions, Blue Dampiera will grow to 50 to 60cms tall. It is readily available in nurseries and makes a good ‘scrambling’ garden plant. Gardening experts say Blue Dampiera will grow well in a pot.

Love Creeper, Comesperma volubile, was eye-catching in several places.

Love Creeper is distributed throughout NSW, Vic, Tas, SA and WA. It is a slender climber that can reach 2-3m. The blue flowers are at their best when they ‘open’ on warm, sunny days.

The Wax-lip Orchid, Glossodia major, is one of the most common terrestrial orchids in our district (perhaps a close second to Nodding Greenhoods?). Wax-lips seem to be one of the first orchids to show in spring. Often, they are quite abundant in open, drier heathlands and woodlands.

Victoria appears to be the stronghold for this attractive orchid but they are recorded in parts of NSW, Tas and around St Vincent Gulf in SA.

It was a delight to come across a single white flower.

Often being watched…