Hidden in the Hills: Bushwalking
Bushwalking means different things to different people. Some are quite dedicated to the challenge of a long and varied walk, whilst others may engage in just a short walk along their favourite track on a regular basis. Others may only enter bushland reserves on a casual basis. Some prefer to attend guided bushwalks. Nevertheless, all […]
Wonga Wonga Vine
Throughout bushland and forest areas there are numerous plants that rely on a host shrub or small tree for support. These vine type plants are generally referred to as scramblers or climbers due to their growth habit. One such plant is the Wonga Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana). Whilst it is more prominent in tropical regions […]
Hidden in the Hills: Native Currant
Growing in the more open sections of dry sclerophyl forest the Native Currant (Leptomeria acida) has an unusual characteristic in that it can be parasitic off the roots of other shrubs and trees. It has no leaves as such, but rather there are short to lengthy green protrusions that extend from somewhat thicker branchlets. These […]
Roxborough Park Rose Garden Celebrates Golden Jubilee
First established as a local park for residents by Council in 1972, Roxborough Park Rose Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The garden is a cherished landmark within the Hills community. The land the garden resides on was originally bought in 1799 by Scottish immigrants Andrew and Elizabeth McDougall. They named it Roxburgh Place, presumably […]
Hills Gardeners Recognised for Great Spring Gardens
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition was run again in 2022 as part of the Orange Blossom Festival. Steeped in history and intricately linked to the Hills Shire, the first competition ran in 1959 as the brainchild of Councillor Eric Mobbs. It became the forerunner of the Orange Blossom Festival, so has a significant place in […]
Galston District Garden Club
Last weekend The Galston District Garden Club held the Open Garden Weekend, opening seven gardens for the public to ramble through as their leisure. The weather was very kind to us as we had three fine days, apart from a shower first thing on Friday morning. All the money raised will go to charity; the […]
Hidden in the Hills – Hakea Gibbosa
This rather scraggly shrub can be located in many forest locations bordering walking tracks in local bushland. It flowers from late June to early September. The plant appears to survive on somewhat depleted sandstone soils but as a consequence may not produce an abundance of loosely clustered flowers. However, where the conditions are more favourable […]
Showcase of the Hills District’s Finest Gardens
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition is on again in 2022. Steeped in history and intricately linked to the Hills Shire, the first competition ran in 1959 as the brainchild of Councillor Eric Mobbs. It became the forerunner of the Orange Blossom Festival, so has a significant place in the cultural history of “The Garden Shire”. […]
Construct a new walking track in Pennant Hills Park
YOUR SAY | Council is planning to construct a new walking track in Pennant Hills Park as part of the Pennant Hills Park Masterplan works. Currently, there are existing walking tracks and fire trails in this area including the well-known Mambarra Track. Combining a formalised 800m long track between the existing Mambarra Track and the Archery Range will: Create new […]
Discovering the Bromeliad Billbergia
The Bromeliad Society of Australia’s next meeting will be held on Saturday, 9th July in the Federation Pavilion, Castle Hill Showground off Showground Road, Castle Hill. Sales to members, guest and the general public from 10am with the meeting commencing at 12 noon. Ian Hook, President, BSA will discuss the many varieties of the Billbergia […]
