Daisy Day at Wirraminna
Daisy Day at Wirraminna
Paying it forward between community groups
Collaborations -
LP018-004
The issue
Australian native daisies are perfect additions to native gardens, woodlands and landcare revegetation sites. There is a wide range of vibrant colours, annuals or perennials and plant heights to choose from. They also have long flowering periods, will self-sow, propagate from seed or cuttings without pre-treatment, attract pollinators, are great for dried flower art and are excellent ground covers. They also look glorious, especially in mass plantings. There are approximately 980 Australian species although not many are available through commercial nurseries.
The solution
The Australian Plants Society Victoria runs events known as ‘APS Great Plant Out’. They collect and distribute seed from a species across their affiliated groups. Members then grow the seed, plant out, collect the seed and pay it forward. In 2018 Xerochrysum bracteatum was the chosen species.
A few Australian Plant Society Albury-Wodonga members are also Volunteers at Wirraminna and play an active role in the development of the gardens assisting with weekly pruning, weeding, watering, bed planning, mulching, and running events.
Wirraminna is a 4-hectare restored native woodland and demonstration garden open to the public all year round at Burrumbuttock just north of Albury. (See www.wirraminna.org.au for virtual garden tours or come visit).
The impact
On a sunny August morning in 2020, 200 seedlings of Xerochrysum bracteatum grown from seed from plants grown from the 2018 ‘APS Great Plant Out’ were planted within 2 hours at Wirraminna on what was dubbed ‘Daisy Day’. It was a fun activity that brought volunteers from four different community groups together, followed by a discussion about the benefits of flowering plants and a sumptuous morning tea.
The plants were flowering within a few weeks and added to the sense of achievement, satisfaction and visual splendour of Wirraminna.
Download a free copy of Australian Daisies for gardens and floral art from Australian Native Plant Society http://anpsa.org.au/daisySG/Australian%20Daisies.pdf
Key facts
- Daisy, daisy, all for the love of you
- Xerochrysum bracteatum, formerly known as Helichrysum bracteatum
- Strawflower, Everlasting, Paper Daisy, Immortelle
- A hardy annual, flowering the same year. Prefers a sunny position
- Plant Spring and Autumn