I’ve learnt a great deal about Western Australia’s natural environment by wandering through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, a unique space in Perth city compromising of a Botanic Garden, park lands with views and a protected native bushland reserve. It’s a privilege to have this natural space in an urban area, also a quiet retreat where the attraction is the plant life, something perhaps we all take for granted. The thing is, unless you seek out the tiny details, you’re missing out on the best park of Kings Park. The Donkey Orchids that pop up in spring or the Cranbrook Bell that naturally occurs in the Stirling Range National Park six hours south of Perth but can be appreciated in the park. The local giant tree species, the tuart tree. The Banksia woodlands. The Boab tree. The Swan coast blackbutt tree.

During the course of the year it was interesting to see the changes in the park over the seasons and also discover that although spring brings the colourful wildflowers, during other months of the year, colours can still be found in the native flora of WA.

January

Under the tall lemon-scented Gum trees on a hot summer’s day.

February

Views from the top of the DNA Tower over the trees, bushland and Botanic Garden.

March

Sunset walk along Zamia path in the bushland area, surrounded by plants and the sounds of birds.

April

The beautiful weeping silver princess eucalyptus (Eucalyptus caesia) tree in flower.

May

Earlier sunsets as winter approaches, shadows appear along Lovekin Drive where trees have been planted for individuals who gave their lives during war. The best view is up.

June

Always reminded of the adventures created by May Gibbs when I see a eucalyptus. This one which the bees favour is a eucalyptus preissiana or commonly called Bell-fruited Mallee.

July

Beautiful wattle flowering yellow colours in the bush during winter.

August

Winter sunrise on a cold frosty morning.

September

Spring begins and tiny orchids pop up throughout the bushland area, this one a donkey orchid.

October

Each year the Floral Clock magnificently showcases a collection of the state’s wildflowers.

November

The yellow starflower (Calytrix angulata), a very tiny magical looking flower in the Kings Park bushland garden which seeds the idea of having this style of garden at home.

December

The acorn Banksia flowering (Banksia prionotes) against the city backdrop. The Banksia a fascinating plant.