Storms and showers had been a challenge for organisers, but Saturday February 15th dawned fine and sunny. The NICA tent was erected near the picnic shelter in Heritage Park, morning tea was set out and nearly 20 people turned up with their chairs and enjoyed meeting and chatting .
Our guest of honour was Joan Heavey, co-author of Noosa’s now famous Weeds book published by Noosa Integrated Catchment Association Inc.
Joan is a local resident and is famous for the extraordinary contribution she and her helpers have made to the beauty of this local park running through the Noosa Parklands estate. They have battled to save and plant local species over 20 years, removing weeds as they went. The result is a stunning park, well used by locals, their children and their dogs.
Landcare Manager Phil Moran joined us and helped Joan and Michelle answer questions and show off the park where they had all worked over the years. None were deterred by an unexpected shower.
The highlight of the day for UWG members was the opportunity to visit Joan’s own garden that backs onto the park. Here they saw beautifully grown local native plants, a garden pond, bee box, lots of birds, butterflies and insects visiting this haven for local wildlife.
“Weeds of the Sunshine Coast” by Joan Heavey and Sonia MacDonald is available from local booksellers, or on line from the NICA website.
Workshops to look forward to include:
- Bees on Saturday 7th March at the Environment Centre, Wallace Park, Noosaville from 9 am. The workshop is free for members and you will need to book.
- Propagation with Robert Price and an opportunity to visit his garden. Saturday 18th April. Free for members. Numbers are limited.
- Insects that visit Noosa gardens.
- A visit to Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens. A guided walk with landscaping advice.