Hey everyone! I’m Sienna and I have recently joined the council nursery as an apprentice. I am thoroughly enjoying the work and am looking forward to learning more over the next few years.

Growing up in the Blue Mountains developed my interest in plants from a young age. I took that with me into university, where I completed a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science with a major in plant science at the University of Sydney. The degree helped develop my understanding of plants, and inspired my passion for the survival of plants in city settings, sustainability and how we use plants in cities. In turn, I undertook a Master of Urban and Regional Planning to better understand cities, the logistics behind them and where plants f it in.

The Randwick Council Communnity Nursery now provides the opportunity for me to interact with a variety of plants at a hands-on and technical level. The team is an incredible source of knowledge and though it hasn’t been long, I have already learnt so much.

Aside from plants, I also like horror movies, hikes and cakes.

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ME

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INTRODUCING:

Sienna Lawrence

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL PAGE 3PAGE 2PAGE 2 PAGE 3

Welcome to 2018!

We are in for a wet La Nina summer according to the Bureau of Meteorology which means the weeds will be thriving! So keep up the hard work as we need all hands on deck to continue to improve our sites. Remember to keep sun savvy this summer with sun-safe clothing, sunscreen and plenty of water. Keep reading to find out how to help wildlife beat the heat, features on our local swamps and wetlands as well as clumping plants for your garden or Bushcare site.

Finally a big thank you to Cian for all her hard work and dedication as Council’s Bushcare Officer over the last 8 years. From all of us within the Bushland team we wish her all the best with her future endeavours. Her bushland management knowledge and experience will certainly be missed.

With the weather starting to warm up it’s a great time to consider our local wildlife. During extended dry periods natural water sources are intermittent at a time when many native animals require water for both drinking and bathing. Providing water in your yard, especially over summer, is a great way to help them out.

The easiest way to provide this is by installing a bird bath. A bird bath does not need to be elaborate or expensive and can be made with material found around the house. Alternatively you could purchase a terracotta dish (unglazed) which is usually placed beneath a pot plant. This can then be placed on top of a log, boulder or bricks to raise it off the ground.

Bird baths require only a small amount of care and maintenance and will attract not only birds but other animals as well.

Dan Randwick City Council Bushcare Officer

with Danon the go

PLACEMENTAn important consideration is the placement of your bird bath, as wildlife can be extremely vulnerable whilst drinking/bathing. By placing the water source close to nearby shrubbery we provide them with an escape route should they need it. However, don’t place it so close that the wildlife could be ambushed by a cat. A pedestal birdbath (approximately 950mm high) is a good protection against cats. To attract a greater variety of wildlife, consider placing a smaller secondary dish on the ground near rocks, grasses and groundcovers. See the photo below from our recent encounter with a Jackie Lizard at Maroubra Dunes Bushcare. Whilst planting and watering some native groundcovers it decided to come along for a drink!

FRINGE LILY:THYSANOTUS TUBEROSUSIt’s very easy to walk straight past this stunning little plant given that they only grow to 50cm high, but when flowering they are an absolute showstopper. During spring and early summer they burst into life with bright displays of purple fringed flowers. Interestingly each flower is short-lived, opening only after rain and lasting for just one day. Luckily for us the plant produces flowers over several months, giving us a greater window to appreciate their beauty. Fringe Lilies are found in moist heath and woodland, usually amongst dense undergrowth. They have slender, cylindrical grass-like leaves and the crisp tuberous root is edible. Keep an eye out when you go on your next bushwalk!

COOL

summer

Keeping

this

MAINTENANCEMake sure to change the water and clean out any debris regularly as a dirty bath can spread disease (and mosquitos), especially when numerous species and individuals are congregated. Revert to a good scrubbing brush and some elbow grease rather than chemical cleaners if it requires a more thorough clean. Remember to be patient as it may take a few weeks or even months before animals become aware of your birdbath but if it is reliable, wildlife will remember it and continue to use it!

DESIGNA wide, shallow bowl is excellent as many animals dislike deep water. Varying the depth of water will also cater to a greater variety of animals. This can be done by placing pebbles to form a shallow ‘shore’ or by placing a large rock, slightly submerged, in the centre. Sticks and branches can also be used as safe perching platforms. When choosing a suitable birdbath pick one with a roughened bottom, allowing wildlife to get a firm grip without slipping.

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL PAGE 5PAGE 4

new at the nursery

SWAMPS & WETLANDS IN RANDWICK CITY COUNCILRandwick City is lucky to be home to a range of swamps and wetlands which are important environmental features in the landscape. The most prominent are located at Trenerry Reserve in Coogee, Malabar Wetland in Maroubra and at Randwick Environment Park.

Trenerry Reserve contains an old dam constructed on the edge of a natural peat bog in Coogee. It consists of a natural peat deposit, one of only a few remaining in the eastern suburbs and contains interesting paleo-botanical information used as a teaching resource by the University of NSW. Core samples taken from the peat bog have been used to examine the history of air pollution in the region where the concentration of heavy metals has been found to correlate to the different phases of industrialisation.

The vegetation is a wet heath, with the dominant sedge Baumea juncea scattered throughout. Species such as Baeckea imbricata, Hakea teretifolia and

Westringia fruticose form the dense shrub layer. The exposed peat face supports a number of small herbs and graminoids, including Centrolepis strigosa, Drosera spp, Eriocaulon scariosum, Isolepis cernua and Triglochin spp. Although very small, this site is important as habitat for locally uncommon species and for the historic record it provides. Similar basins occur elsewhere along Sydney’s sea cliff line where topography and drainage permit, while others have been lost to development.

The wetland in Randwick Environment Park was once likely a reedy swamp, but after extensive sand mining and changes to its depth and structure it now has the ability to hold a larger quantity of water. It is now considered an ephemeral wetland, meaning it is only temporarily inundated with water. Water enters the wetland during rain periods and heavy modifications to the flow of water in the suburbs to the east of the park mean that much of the stormwater in these areas

is artificially directed into the wetland through drains. Constant seepage of the wetland occurs through the sandy substrate, percolating into the water table and replenishing the Botany aquifer. The wetland has been dry on many occasions, and for long periods of time, often resembling a grassy paddock rather than a wetland.

Despite being ephemeral, the wetland here is an important location for migratory and wading bird species. The Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula) which would not normally reside in Randwick City has been seen utilising the wetland whilst on their annual migrations to and from Papua New Guinea. The wetland has also seen the successful hatching of Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) cygnets and the surrounding dense vegetation is habitat to some sixty plus other species of birds.

The wetland in REP is also the only wetland to exist within an inland patch of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) giving this particular remnant an assemblage of species seen nowhere else in the world.

Malabar Wetland is another hidden gem within Randwick City Council that many would pass without even realising it exists. Tucked in between St Spyridon School and Pioneers Park, the wetland was once an expansive swamp before development reclaimed the land to build houses and the school. The small wetland that is left is home to reed species such as bullrush Typha orientalis and common reed Phragmites australis. The thick reeds mean plenty of habitat for frogs, and in turn this is a favourite site for red belly-black snakes to reside. The site is also considered as a Sydney Freshwater Wetland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, an Endangered Ecological Community.

Trenerry peat bog

REP wetland full after rainCommon reeds and Casuarinas in Malabar Wetland

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL PAGE 7PAGE 6

Native grasses and other clumping and strappy-leaved plants can be used as the building blocks of a successful native garden, both for beauty and function. Whatever your garden space and local growing conditions, there is a grass or clumping plant to suit.

In coastal gardens salt and erosion may be a challenge. Lomandra longifolia (Mat Rush) and Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club-rush) are hardy, salt tolerant and will help to bind the soil as they grow.

In shady gardens or under large trees Dianella congesta (Coastal Flax Lily) and other dianellas work a treat. They thrive in these conditions, have dark green foliage and look great when planted en masse. As a feature plant for the shade try Crinum pedunculatum (Swamp Lily) with its elegant white orchid-like flowers.

Increasingly, home gardeners are digging up lawns and planting sustainable lawn alternatives. Meadow gardens with a mix of grasses are a great option – the grasses are graceful,

adding softness to the landscape, and provide a sensory delight when they sway and rustle in the wind. Native grasses to try include Dichelachne crinita (Long-hair Plume Grass), Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), and Poa labillardieri (Common Tussock Grass).

Grasses and clumping plants look great when mass planted in blocks, swathes, around trees and shrubs and as a border. To add colour in the garden you can go for the striking Anigozanthos cultivars (Kangaroo Paws). There are tall and short kangaroo paws in vibrant colours including red, orange, yellow and pink which can be layered or mass planted in the garden. They’re great for pots, too. If you’re looking for a large feature plant Doryanthes excelsa (Gymea Lily) fits the bill with a rosette of strappy leaves and a vibrant red inflorescence on a tall stem.

Grasses and clumping plants are a wonderful addition to a habitat garden. Coupled with rocks, logs and mulch you can provide a great habitat for wildlife including lizards, butterflies

and other insects. In turn you can attract insect-eating birds such as the fairy wren, while the kangaroo paw, with its nectar-filled flowers, attracts birds such as the Rainbow Lorikeet, Wattle Bird and Honey Eaters.

The list below gives a summary of the range of native grasses and clumping plants that are grown at Randwick Council Nursery. Lomandra longifolia – Spiny Headed Mat-rush An indigenous clumping plant to 1m tall. Full sun to part-shade. It is very hardy, has spiky leaves and is well suited to exposed locations and coastal conditions and is a great soil binder to prevent erosion. Lomandra ‘Tanika’ – Tanika Lomandra A native clumping plant to 60cm tall with narrow mid-green leaves. Full sun to part-shade. This species blends well with most garden and planting styles and looks great when mass planted or used for borders. Dianella congesta – Coastal Flax Lily An indigenous clumping plant to 80cm tall with delicate purple flowers held on slender stems that sit above the foliage, followed by bright purple berries. Works well in both sun and shade and is great for understorey planting. Tolerates coastal conditions too. Poa labillardieri – Common Tussock Grass A native grass to 80cm tall with feathery inflorescences. Full sun to part-shade. Looks magnificent when mass planted and can be cut back in late winter when the foliage browns, to be replenished with fresh green foliage in spring. Dichelachne crinita – Long-hair Plume Grass An indigenous grass to 70cm tall with graceful and showy plume-like seed heads. Full sun to part-shade. Great for mass planting and in meadow-style gardens. Mixes well with other grasses as the foliage is low and compact. Themeda australis – Kangaroo Grass An indigenous grass to 50cm tall with fine leaves that are a blend of grey-green and purple. Full sun to part-shade. Great for mass planting and in meadow-style gardens. Ficinia nodosa – Knobby Club-rush An indigenous clumping plant to 70cm tall with reddish-brown globular inflorescences held on narrow, spiky leaves. Full sun to part-shade. Versatile plant that can grow in a range of soils and in dry or moist conditions. Great for coastal areas and for mass planting. Anigozanthos species – Kangaroo Paws Native clumping plant which varies in height, with mid-green foliage and spectacular flowers held above the leaves in colours including red, orange, yellow and pink. Great planted in blocks, in pots and as a border.

MASTERCLASS IN GRASS

Dianella congesta planted in the understory

Crinum pedunculatum – Swamp Lily A native clumping plant to 70cm tall with wide and fleshy leaves and attractive bright white orchid-like flowers that are held on the stems above the foliage. Great for sun and shade as well as dry and moist soils. Grow as a feature planting amongst other grasses and shrubs. Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily An architectural native plant to 2m tall with a tall flowering stem that bears a large red inflorescence at its tip. Great for sun and shade. A great feature plant that can also be mass planted in large spaces. Xanthorrhoea resinosa – Grass Tree An indigenous clumping grass tree to 1m tall with brown flower spikes on a tall stem. Full sun to part shade. Slow growing, may develop a short trunk over time. Great as a feature plant, in pots and can be mass planted.

Garden bed featuring Common Tussock Grass, Lomandra Tanika

Bushland Management Unit192 Storey StreetMaroubra NSW 2035

Supervisor-Bushland 9093 6683 Bushland Officer 9093 6687 Bushcare Officer 9093 6708

Randwick City Council Community Nursery2B Barker StKingsford NSW 2031Phone: 9093 6250

Opening hours:Monday to Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL30 Frances StreetRandwick NSW 2031Phone 9093 6000Email bushcare@randwick.nsw.gov.au

bushcareGROUP LOCATION DAY TIME FEB MARCH APRILBundock Park Car park on Donnellan Circuit, Clovelly Fri 9.00am – 11.00am 9 9 13

Fred Hollows Reserve Bligh Place entrance, Randwick Wed 9.00am – 1.00pm 14 14 11

Gordon’s Bay Access via UNSW Cliffbrook Campus Grounds, 45 Beach St, Coogee

Sun 9.00am – 1.00pm 11 11 8

Grant Reserve Vehicular entry to Coogee Surf Life Saving Club

Wed 8.00am – 10.00am 21 21 18

Ladies’ Pool McIvers Rock Baths, Grant Reserve, Coogee Sun & Wed

9.00am – 11:00am 4 & 21 4 & 21 18 only

Lake Malabar End of Manwaring Avenue, Maroubra Wed 1.00pm – 4.00pm 21 21 18

Long Bay Foreshore Corner of Howe Street and Bay Parade, Malabar

Sat 9.00am – 1.00pm 3 3 7

Maroubra Dunes South Maroubra SLSC car park Thurs 9.00am – 1.00pm 1 1 5

Prince Henry Alternate between opposite 2 Millard Dr, & the corner of Jennifer & Harvey St, Little Bay

Sat 9:00am – 1:00pm 10 10 14

Randwick Environment Park

Corner of Dooligah Avenue and Burragulung Street, Randwick

Wed & Sat

9.00am – 12 noon 7 & 17 7 & 17 4 & 21

Wylies Baths At the picnic tables above Wylies Baths, Neptune Street, Coogee

Tues 9.30am – 11.30pm 13 & 27 13 & 27 10 & 24

* Little Bay Landcare Between 119 and 121 Bilga Cresent, Malabar.Contact Kerry Gordon on (02) 9311 7647 for more information.

Sat 8.00am – 12 noon 10 10 14

* Magic Point (Malabar Headland)

Contact Claire Bettington on (02) 9344 8589 for the meeting place.

Thurs 9.00am – 1.00pm 8, 15, 22 8, 15, 22 12, 19, 26

* Malabar Headland West

Contact Don Kerr on (02) 9311 2665 for the meeting place.

Sun 9.00am – 1.00pm 4, 11, 18, 25 4, 11, 18, 25

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

* Denotes non-Council run groups. Please contact organisers directly.

parkcareGROUP LOCATION DAY TIME FEB MARCH APRILAlison Rd Corner of Alison Road and Beach Street,

CoogeeWed 8.00am – 10.00am 28 28 n/a

Clyde Street Clyde Street Reserve, Randwick Sat 1.00pm – 3.00pm 17 17 21

Old Tramline Dudley Street entrance, Randwick Thurs 8.00am –10.00am 8 8 12