Main picture: Janet Stephens and David Williams inspect wildflowers at Anglesea. Insets: Some of the flowers now blooming on the Surf Coast.
ERIN PEARSON
WARM weather has sent the Surf Coast’s wildflowers into full bloom ahead of an annual flower festival at Anglesea this weekend, according to experts.
Anglesea author and wildflower specialist Margaret MacDonald said the drier weather suited many species.
“The daisies in particular are flowering well, as are many of the pea flowers,” she said.
“The red flowers of the running postman and the blue flowers of the love creeper are just brilliant at the present time.”
Ms MacDonald said the coast’s wildflowers were struggling to contend with threats including clearing of vegetation, weeds and damage from recreational activities such as trail bike riding.
Fire, on the other hand, remained both friend and foe, she said.
“There’s usually good regeneration of heathland plants following fire, in particular ground orchids, but the timing and intensity of planned burns is critical. Too-frequent burns see a great loss of our indigenous plants.”
Show organiser Chris Morrissey said many residents were unaware they lived next to one of Australia’s richest sites for plant diversity.
“One local businessman was recently amazed when a group of German tourists pulled out a copy of Orchids of the Anglesea District,” Ms Morrissey said.
“They knew a lot more about our local flowers than most, which is what makes the annual Anglesea show so important.”
ANGAIR Wildflower and Art Show runs 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday at Anglesea Memorial Hall, McMillan St.
