Purple plus in Parramatta Park!

 

Every jacaranda season seems like the best ever, but this one actually is the best ever.

And one of the best collections of them is in Parramatta park, towering above the not-yet-opened new cafe.

Mt Wondabyne and Kariong Brook Falls

I was in Brisbane Water National Park yesterday, checking out the way between Patonga and Wondabyne. I'll be there leading a bushwalking group next week. It's embarrassing if you get lost, I find. Shouldn't happen now.

And I was able to remind myself just how scenic the Kariong Brook Falls are, and to admire those views of Mt Wondabyne from its approach.

Red and purple

 

Jacarandas (the purples) and Illawarra flame trees (the reds) often got planted side by side, as they traditionally flowered at the same time - November in Sydney. 

I've noticed that in recent years the jacarandas were peaking a week or two earlier. This year though the two have synced rather well, and November it is again for them both.

These ones are in Westleigh.

Purple

 

We're at peak jacaranda season now in Sydney. Here's a fine Pennant Hills specimen.

More red

 

It's a good year for the Illawarra flame tree. They traditionally dazzle with their bright red flowers at the same time as the jacarandas do their purple thing. Often they've been planted side by side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Castle Hill's historic Heritage Park they've planted a whole lot of them. I was half hoping for a dazzling show today, but it looks like they'll need a few more years yet. Watch this space.

Another stinky!

 

This sting bug dropped in on me yesterday. He must have been on his best behaviour as I didn't smell a thing. He's a Bronze-Orange Stink Bug (Musgraveia sulciventris).

A while ago I reported on one of his relatives, a  Toad Stink Bug: earlier stinky post

Slightly red

 

The Red Wattlebird isn't as red as you might think. Here's one in the front yard today, making merry with the grevillea flowers.

Its only red bits  are its 'wattles', the dangly bits below its cheeks. They tend to be invisible unless you can get up pretty close.