‘…in spring, the most delicate feathery yellow of plumes and plumes and plumes and trees and bushes of wattle, as if angels had flown right down out of the softest gold regions of heaven to settle here, in the Australian bush.
D.H. Lawrence, Kangaroo
I do love the acacias, or wattles…..our country’s national floral emblem.
This piece is about three of my favourites; Acacia pravissima , Acacia pycnantha, known as the Sydney Golden wattle and the silvery Acacia covenyi.
Where I live high in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, the trees come into bloom very early; in July or August. What a sight to lift the heart in winter.
The photos below were taken on July1.
Winter Wattle
God bless our Lady Wattle
Who knows not doubt nor fear,
But dons her golden blossom
The first of all the year.
How gallantly she ventures,
All careless of the cost,
To snatch a stolen Spring-time,
Or fall beneath the frost!
Gold-capped in gown of silver,
She sets the year apart,
Our Lady of the Winter,
With Spring-time at her heart.
ELLA McFADYEN
The Pravissima changes colour quite dramatically as it get closer to flowering;
Blue sky, gum trees, a kookaburra and acacia. Yes, that’s Australia.
Nothing complements acacia as perfectly as a golden chested Eastern Yellow Robin.

The king parrots are more interested in gorging on seeds. The pods are so beautiful. Maybe I should harvest some and try my hand at wattle seed bread.

The king parrots are so acrobatic…..wonderful to watch as they feed.

AND HERE IS THAT MUCH LOVED SONG BY COUNTRY SINGER JOHN WILLIAMSON