If you’ve never seen a flower that smells like chocolate or has a trigger to be set off maybe you should join the friendly people during this Spring’s monthly Wildflower series.

Local wildflower expert and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Discovery Ranger Ruth Trémont said, “This Wildflower Series is a great chance for people to take a look at some of the true natural treasures of a region that has a huge range of native flora. We’ll visit the drier woodlands of the western slopes of the Northern Tablelands, the spectacularly diverse plant communities of the granite country on the eastern side of the Tablelands and delve into the subtle beauties of our grassy woodlands”.

“There’ll be plenty of possibilities - chocolate lilies, buttercups, the stunning Waratahs at Gibraltar Range, all sorts of ground orchids, a huge array of heaths, boronias, grevilleas and tea trees in the montane country of Cathedral Rock National Park,” Ruth Trémont said.

This year’s Wildflower Series will visit three National Parks and a Nature Reserve, from Goonoowigall near Inverell to Gibraltar Range east of Glen Innes and Cathedral Rocks National Park near Ebor. Ruth said, “Not only are the wildflowers diverse and beautiful but the scenery is stunning, especially with the gorges on the eastern side, and the boulders, rock fields and swamps of the granite country”.

“The itinerary includes four events, each offering a separate and unique experience,” said Bec Smith, NPWS Discovery Co-ordinator. “People are welcome to join in for every activity, or just one or two trips”.

The first outing will be on Sunday 14th September, to Goonoowigall Nature Reserve near Inverell. “It will be a chance to see what makes up the western flora and get some idea of how tricky some of our wildflowers can be to ensure they have offspring,” said Ruth. “And there will be plenty of opportunity to wander, photograph, look and ask questions – about the flowers and birds, or just have a nice morning out in the bush”.

Subsequent outings will take place in October, November and December.

Places are limited, to maximise the quality of each event. To find out more, or to book please contact Bec Smith at NPWS Armidale on 67760000 (Monday to Tuesday) 6776 0024 (Wednesday to Friday).