12th April Working Bee

We worked under the Cherry Belarts this Working Bee, removing Panic Veldt Grass and yes it makes one panic seeing how much they seed and spread, ?hence the name. This weedy grass was removed from the Green Hood Orchid patch along the main path of Upper Sweetwater Reserve, this reduces competition for the Orchids and ensures no spraying of the grassy weeds and accidental poisoning of the Green Hoods.
Thanks to all who attended!

Clover Glycine: Glycine Iatrobeana

Is a small perennial herb with leaves that look similar to the common Clover.

It`s low growing and initially spreads horizontally then the ends grow erect/ upwards. The leaves are round and group into 3 leaflets (similar to clover). 

The flowers are purple to pink, pea like and up to 6mm long. 

The seed pods are 15-25 mm long, covered in short hairs. The pods contain 3-5 ovoid seeds. 

 Flowers: Sept to Nov/Dec.

Habitat: Found across South Eastern Australia in Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands. Vulnerable in Upper Sweetwater Reserve.

Threats:

·       Weed invasion

·       Clover Glycine is palatable to native and introduced grazing animals

·       Regular burning in Late Spring/ Early Summer

National Tree Planting Day

Friends Of Upper Sweetwater will not be holding a National Tree Planting Day this year, however Frankston City Council will be holding an event at Lloyd Park, Langwarrin. See flyer below for details.

Sunday 1st June Working Bee

It seemed we removed more rubbish from the Reserve today than weeds, however we did remove the usual culprit, Sallow wattle (see previous posts on why we remove this tree), blackberries and weedy grasses from the orchid patches. Yes!, the Nodding Greenhood Orchids and Mosquito Orchids are back and we were lucky enough to see them in flower.
The Sweet Wattle is also currently in flower which makes them stand out in Upper Sweetwater Reserve so a post on the Sweet Wattle seemed timely.

Sweet Wattle:   Acacia Suaveolens

Sweet Wattle draws its name from the small clumps of flowers that occur during Autumn and early Spring, that produce a sweet scent. The flowers and seed pods provide a food source for a variety of birds.  In Upper Sweetwater the shrubs are easily identifiable at the moment as they are currently in flower and are dotted throughout the Reserve.

Sweet Wattle can be planted in the home garden in groups or as an accent plant, (seedlings can be purchased from Frankston Indigenous Nursery). Grown in Full sun or Partial shade and can tolerate moderately salty winds. It reaches a Height of 1-2 m. Maintenance is relatively easy, if required selective pruning encourages more vigorous leaf growth. Plant some to attract birds to your garden and to delight in their sweet fragrance.



Reference: `Indigenous Plants Of The Sandbelt' by R.Scott et al, 2002

 

4th May Working Bee

Weed: Sallow Wattle (Acacia Longifolia)

Photo credit: Sydney Golden Wattle / John Tann / CC BY 2.0


As we removed loads of Sallow Wattles from the reserve last working bee, I thought a post about these woody weeds would be apt!

Sallow Wattle is indigenous in forest and woodlands of East Gippsland and NSW, however populations around Melbourne, central and Northern Vic show invasive attributes.

Habitat: Grows in partial shade to full sun, tolerating a wide range of soil types, flowers in late
winter - spring.

Invasive Traits: Sallow Wattle increases soil fertility which can affect the growth of some indigenous species, they shade out groundflora species, crowd out shrubs and severly impede overstorey regeneration.

Reproduces by seed, which are dispersed by birds and ants.

Control: Seedlings and smaller plants can be hand pulled, be sure to remove the roots as they can reshoot. Older mature plants do not usually reshoot, so they can be ringbarked or cut down, remove and bag any semi ripe or ripe fruit first.
There are many wattles broadly similar to Acacia Longifolia varieties, becoming familiar with the leaves, flowers and pods is crucial before removing.

Reference: Bushland Invaders of South East Australia by Adam Muyt 2001

6th April Working Bee

There was a terrific turnout to last Sundays Working Bee. The Coreas were in flower and the orchids were starting to come up, the weather perfect. We welcomed some new volunteers to our group and found honeycomb from an old beehive (no Bees!) which enthralled the kids.The men removed Sallow Wattle saplings from the area near the Sycamore Rd entrance to the Reserve, whilst the rest of us removed Pittosprum and Sallow Wattle seedlings along the paths.

Thanks to all that attended.