#066 Orchid and fungus hunting at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is my most productive local orchid-hunting ground. I made the most of last weekend's sunshine, and enjoyed my wandering at the Gardens - a much-needed dose of nature.

Much of the Gardens' 140 hectares has been preserved as natural bushland, therefore, the ground orchids I find are native to the area. It is interesting to note the orchids I have recorded from the Gardens (16, and counting):

Bunochilus longifolius - Tall Greenhood (Jun-Sep)

Pterostylis curta - Blunt Greenhood (Jun-Sep)

Pterostylis nutans - Nodding Greenhood (Jun-Sep)

Pterostylis pedunculata - Maroonhood (Aug-Sep)

Taurantha concinna - Trim Greenhood (Jun-Sep)

Acianthus fornicatus - Large Mosquito Orchid (Apr-Jul)

Calochilus paludosus - Red Beard-orchid (Sep-Nov)

Calochilus robertsonii - Purplish Beard-orchid (Sep-Oct)

Chiloglottis reflexa - (OR Chiloglottis diphylla ?) Autum Bird-orchid (Mar-May)

Chiloglottis formicifera - Ant Orchid (Aug-Oct)

Cyanicula caerulea - Blue Caladenia (Aug-Sep)

Diuris sulphurea - Donkey (Tiger) Orchid (Aug-Nov)

Petalochilus carneus - Pink Fingers (Aug-Oct)

Petalochilus catenatus - White Caladenia or White Fingers (Jun-Oct)

Petalochilus pictus - White Fingers (May-Oct)

Caleana major - Large Duck Orchid (Sep-Jan)

A pretty group of Petalochilus pictus 28 June 09

I found four species of terrestrial orchids in the Gardens last weekend, as well as one just finishing that I was not able to identify. Because there is so much natural bushland at the Gardens, and due to the fact that not all orchids flower every year, I am bound to come up with new surprises. I found a clump of orchid leaves that I have not seen flowering there previously, so will revisit the Gardens in a few weeks time - hopefully I will be able to add to my list.

Along with the orchids, fungi were plentiful and varied, which is usual at the Gardens during winter. And the birds were delightful; a male Variegated Fairy Wren in full brilliant breeding plumage alighted so close to me that I could have almost reached out to touch it - what a special experience. And the spectacularly beautiful Eastern Spinebills were flitting around the Grevillea Garden in numbers.

I rarely fail to observe some interesting bugs at the Botanic Gardens - this time I spotted a pair of weevils mating

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens (at Heatherbrae on the Pacific Highway just north of Hexham) is a special place, run primarily by dedicated volunteers. We of the Hunter, and travellers passing through, are indeed fortunate to have this excellent facility.

#65 Stroke rehabilitation

My brother and I waited by the nurses’ station. Mum came into sight; a slightly bent-over little old woman walking slowly and carefully, but unaided, with the stocky physiotherapist towering over her. Her new pink jacket was clean; she must be finding her mouth better at meal times. She glanced up and saw us, and her face lit up with a smile as she waved to us. My heart was gladdened; what a wonderful sight! I smiled and waved back. She gave me a bear hug – there’s nothing wrong with her muscles! And she gathered her youngest son in her embrace and held us both close.

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We sat in the welcome winter sunshine on the veranda, with other patients relaxing in the outdoors, some chatting. What a remarkable improvement in Mum’s condition since she was transferred, for a second time, from the hospital to the Rehabilitation Centre.

She was anxious to skite about her successful exercise routine, and I let her know she had plenty of cause to be proud of her achievements. At least half of her words were clear, but I understood much more than half, with the addition of her hand gestures and intermittent clarity – plus, I am a good listener, which definitely helps in this situation. She wasn’t aware of her garbled speech; following her first stroke, she was aware that she wasn’t making herself understood, but not so now.

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Mum’s most marked legacy from the strokes, along with loss of speech, is her short-term memory loss – she is repetitive, not remembering what she said, or heard, 15 minutes prior.

I am heartened by the extent of Mum’s recovery, and will remain positive that continued physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy will further benefit her progress. She is keen to participate in all her therapy, and shows annoyance if she isn’t allocated sufficient sessions. She wants to get well, fast.

Mum is no longer lapsing into times of imaginary places and events; her uncharacteristic anger and aggression have disappeared; she is totally in the here and now. What a wonderful visit I had with my mother yesterday.

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The travelling was tiring, but as soon as I arrived home, I got stuck into work in the garden, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I pulled masses of weeds and neglected plants from old garden beds. Beneath the thick cover of weeds I discovered the yellow-green tips of bulb leaves begging for their share of sunlight – my garden is providing many surprises as I explore and work.

Now that I am less concerned about Mum’s health, and can see improvement rather than deterioration, I feel able to get on with life with the enthusiasm and interest to which I am accustomed. I am excited at my plans of taking myself off for a walk in the bush tomorrow.

Mystery bulbs push their way through the moistened soil of an old garden bed strewn with the glorious colour of autumn leaves - death and rebirth of nature.

[Note: If any readers can suggest possible names for the trees belonging to the yellow and red autumn leaves, I would be most grateful - thank you.]