Summer
The Chinese Gardens come alive with stunning pink Waterlilies, Frangipanis, Strelitzias, Ixora's and the delicate fragrance of the purple Thyme Leaf Honey Myrtle. The fruits of the native Black Bean are large seed pods containing chestnut shaped seeds and can be found under the tree in the Friendship Grove.
Summer is when you will find sprays of yellow flowers on our botanical emblem, the Golden Penda, Xanthostemon chrysanthus. Look for the delicate colours of the Native Ginger. The Crepe-myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, puts on a wonderful show in the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. Throughout the gardens you will also find delicate flowers of the Native Cordylines and a striking display from the Bloodwood, Corymbia ptychocarpa. Take the time to sample the purple Chinese Star Apple, which is ready to harvest at this time of year.
Dragonflies and Damselflies can be seen around the ponds and lakes, while baby Eastern Water Dragons lazily bask on the rocks. Turtles, Darters, Cormorants, Hardheads and Dusky Moorhens are active and you may be lucky to spot some visiting Black Winged Stilts.