The Grasstree (Xanthorrhoea preissii) is very much part of the West Australian landscape and uniquely Australian. They fascinated the first European settlers, since they were unlike any other known plant. In fact, they are a living fossil developed early in the evolutionary stakes for flowering plants . Although the grass tree has been of immense value to the aborigines and colonists, its future lies in the hands of the landowners and nature reserve managers, who are blessed with the woodland remnants which support the remaining populations. It is a true icon of the Aussie bush and as such, provides a unique identity to our Australian landscape.

The Boab Tree (Adansonia gregorii) is easily recognised by the swollen base of its trunk which gives the tree a bottle-like appearance. Endemic to Australia, this Boab occurs in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and east into the Northern Terriitory. It is the only boabab to occur in Australia. The Australian Aboriginal Legend of the Boab Tree:--  "When The Tree God created the Boab Tree it was to be the most beautiful of all trees in the universe, with the most beautiful flowers and bearing the juiciest fruit. But as the tree grew to maturity its flowers were mediocre and its fruit had a bad odour and tasted vile. The Tree God became so angry that he yanked the Boab out of the ground and slammed it back in the earth upside down and that is why today, when you see a Boab tree, it looks as if its roots are growing up in the air."

Enjoy a selection of Roses, including named varieties in many different colours, photographed as they grow in my home garden.