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Down to earth down-under

I returned from Europe nearly two weeks ago but it is doubtful
that my mind has caught up with the rest of me yet. Found the
rest of the family - and, it seems, the rest of Oz - had been
devastated by a 'flu epidemic during my absence. Lucky me.

As expected I did not manage to visit the Chelsea Physic
Garden but hope to receive a report from a friend to whom I
passed the information. However I did enjoy my visit to England,
with the countryside and the gardens looking their most colourful
after heavy rains followed by summer heat. At last I know what
"willow-herb" is - quite spectacular in some places. I did see
some interesting gardens and aboreta; many thanks Colette for
the guided tour of the lovely Ness gardens of the University of
Liverpool. It was great to meet you and your sister. Our son's
wedding in Chester went off very well and we had the best
weather of the week, for which we were all thankful.

In Budapest I was shown the arboretum of the University, and was
also taken to the lovely gardens at V cr t¢t - a marvellous
achievement in view of the low rainfall and terrible soil.

I was lucky to pick up in England a copy of a most useful book, a
Photographic Field Guide, "Trees of Britain and Europe", which
covers not only native European trees but also the
commonly-planted trees from North and South America, Asia and
Australasia - it is thus very usable anywhere in the world. I
identified something interesting which I had wondered about ever
since seeing it in Indiana in the winter (Sumach - I did not 
connect it with the Rhus which I did know). Noted that Nick 
Turland was responsible for some of the excellent photographs. 
My regret is that I did not buy several copies, as it does 
not seem to be generally available - my copy, which I bought 
at a tourist information centre, appears to have been remaindered.
Do you know of any source, Nick?

The wildflower season is upon us and Kings Park is revving up
for its annual Wildflower Festival. The flowers seem to be good
this year, and the Kangaroo Paws in the Park bushland are better
than they have been for years. The timing of the rains this year
seems to have suited them. Otherwise, we would appear to be
facing a drought, I am afraid. 

Well, on with the daily grind, with a few more nice memories to
fall back on when things are extra-boring.

Best wishes to all,

Beverly
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