Now its 94th year, the Busselton Wildflower Exhibition is gearing up to welcome local enthusiasts as well as visitors from further afield this September. The South West corner of Western Australia is renowned for having one of the richest and most diverse flora in the world and attracts visitors from around the State, Australia and overseas.
Exhibition chairman Barry Oates said it was an opportunity to see spectacular wildflowers you couldn’t see anywhere else in the world.
“It is a truly unique experience and a great way for people to connect with part of Busselton’s community and history,” he said.
In addition, Geographe Community Landcare Nursery’s Co-ordinator, Rod Cary, will be onsite to assist wildflower enthusiasts to learn more about the local varieties. Orchid specialist, Bill Dear, will also be available to answer queries at the exhibition.
The City of Busselton has been a long-time supporter of the exhibition. Mayor Grant Henley said the exhibition highlights a wonderful array of native flora, rich and diverse in the South West.
“Much of the flora on display would not be experienced by any one person at any one site, so it’s a rare and fantastic opportunity to do so,” he said.
Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association’s Joint CEO/GM Marketing, Sharna Kearney said, “The South West region provides a rare opportunity to experience exceptional concentrations of endemic wildflower species. You can get a close look at a wide range of these wildflowers at the Busselton Wildflower Exhibition as well as by getting out and about in the region.”
The exhibition is loved by locals as well as visitors.
“One doesn’t have to be a gardening or wildflower expert to be amazed at the beauty and variety of specimens on display,” says Busselton resident, Deirdre Chell. “I come back year after year and always find something new to view or photograph.”
Wildflowers on display are chosen by people who have obtained licences from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Dept BCA) to pick wildflowers in the week of the Wildflower Exhibition.
All pickers are conscious of the need to preserve native flora and pick responsibly. Rare and endangered species are not picked. The Busselton Wildflower Exhibition gives those unable to ‘go bush’ an opportunity to see a great variety of specimens.
Australia’s South West, Chief Executive Officer Catrin Allsop said that “Almost 80% of Australia’s South West’s plant species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In August through to November, more than 8 000 species of wildflowers and 300 species of delicate orchids are in bloom, making it a popular and beautiful time to visit the region.”
Organised by the Uniting Church of Busselton, the Wildflower Exhibition also includes the following:
- Photography display (Busselton Camera Club)
- Geographe Community Landcare Nursery sales and advice
- Waterwise garden display (Geocatch)
- Light refreshments will be available throughout the day
- Variety of stalls displaying local produce and crafts for purchase
Bring your camera along to test your skill at capturing the rare beauty of the flowers on show.
The Busselton Wildflower Exhibition will be held from Thursday 26 September and Friday 27 September, 9.00am to 4.00pm, at Busselton Uniting Church.
