Join members of the North Shore Group of the Australian Plants Society for a fascinating talk followed by a guided walk through the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden. Discover the beauty and diversity of our native flora as it comes into bloom. Walks are mostly easy to medium in difficulty, and no prior knowledge is required.
All sessions are free, and information sheets will be provided. Please wear a hat, suitable footwear, and appropriate clothing. Bring water, a snack, and lunch for longer walks. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended.
No booking necessary.
Enquiries: Wendy – wendyagrimm@gmail.com
Walks & Talks handouts are provided here
Meet at 9:45 AM at Caley’s Pavilion or Caley’s Patio in KWG. Sessions run until 12 noon (or 2 PM for hard walks).
2025 Event Listings
March 17 – Walk Only: Caley’s Garden
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Caley’s Garden, exploring a variety of native plants in this well-maintained section of the garden.
Presenter: Wendy | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Patio
April 28 – Walk Only: Senses Track & Flower Display
Experience the Senses Track, a specially designed trail that engages sight, touch, and smell, followed by a showcase of seasonal wildflowers.
Presenter: Gillian | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Patio
May 12 – Spiders of KWG and Beyond
Discover the fascinating world of spiders, from web-weaving orb-weavers to the elusive funnel-web. Learn about their ecological role and identifying features.
Presenter: Helen S | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Pavilion
May 19 – Banksias
Explore the diverse and striking Banksia genus, known for its unique flower spikes and importance in the ecosystem.
Presenter: Norah | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
May 26 – Propagation Lecture & Practical Session
Learn the science of propagating native plants in this hands-on workshop. A talk will be followed by a practical session in the NSG Shade House.
Presenter: Tania | Assist: Helen R | Grade: Medium (standing) | Meet at: Pavilion
June 2 – Orchids of KWG
Uncover the hidden beauty of native orchids and their fascinating survival strategies in different habitats.
Presenter: Wendy | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
June 16 – Pollination
Learn how plants attract pollinators, from bees and butterflies to birds and bats, and their role in sustaining biodiversity.
Presenter: Jan | Assist: Gary | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Pavilion
June 23 – Introduction to Plant Families
A beginner-friendly session on identifying key Australian plant families and understanding their characteristics.
Presenter: Robert | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Pavilion
June 30 – Walk Only: St Ives Showground (Bring lunch)
A longer walk through St Ives Showground, exploring its diverse bushland and seasonal wildflowers.
Presenter: John | Grade: Hard | Meet at: Patio
July 21 – Ferns and Fern House Tour
Discover the diversity of ferns in KWG, including a tour of the Fern House to see rare and delicate species up close.
Presenter: John | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Patio
July 28 – Grevillea & Hakea
A look at these spectacular flowering plants, their adaptations, and how they support local wildlife.
Presenter: Jan | Assist: Wendy | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
August 4 – Heath Plants
Explore the unique flora of the heathland ecosystem, which bursts into color in late winter and early spring.
Presenter: TBA | Assist: Wendy | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
August 11 – Acacia
Learn about Acacias (Wattles) and their role as nitrogen fixers, habitat providers, and food sources in Australian ecosystems.
Presenter: John | Assist: Robert | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Pavilion
August 18 – Sedges & Rushes
These often-overlooked plant groups play vital roles in wetlands and bushland ecosystems—learn how to identify them.
Presenter: Phillip C | Assist: Eva | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Pavilion
August 25 – Pea Shrubs & Vines
Discover the vibrant and diverse pea flowers, a key feature of Australian bushland.
Presenter: Wendy | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
September 1 – Rutaceae
An introduction to the Rutaceae family, including native citrus and fragrant shrubs.
Presenter: Norah | Assist: Sue Mc | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
September 8 – Leptospermum, Baeckea, Kunzea
Explore these tea trees and their relatives, known for their delicate flowers and medicinal properties.
Presenter: Wendy | Assist: Phillip G | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
September 15 – Waratahs
Delve into the history and cultivation of the iconic Waratah (Telopea speciosissima).
Presenter: Jeannie | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
September 22 – Walk Only: Mueller Track East (Bring lunch)
A scenic and challenging walk along Mueller Track East, known for its rich variety of flora.
Presenter: Gillian | Assist: John | Grade: Hard | Meet at: Patio
October 13 – Walk Only: Mueller Track West (Bring lunch)
Continue exploring Mueller Track, this time heading west to uncover more native plant species.
Presenter: John | Assist: Gillian | Grade: Hard | Meet at: Patio
October 20 – Walk Only: Callistemon & Melaleuca
A walk focusing on Callistemon (Bottlebrushes) and Melaleuca (Paperbarks), which thrive in various environments.
Presenter: Wendy | Assist: Phillip G | Grade: Easy | Meet at: Patio
October 27 – Gum Trees & Mistletoes
Learn about the importance of Eucalypts (Gum Trees) and their often-misunderstood companion, Mistletoe.
Presenter: John | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
November 3 – Grasses
A deep dive into native grasses, their ecological benefits, and how to identify different species.
Presenter: Barry | Assist: Beverley | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
November 10 – Plant Families: Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Goodeniaceae
Discover the shared traits and diversity of these important plant families.
Presenter: Robert | Grade: Medium | Meet at: Pavilion
