The Busselton Wildflower Exhibition is set to welcome hundreds of visitors when it opens it’s doors for the 93rd time this spring to showcase the best wildflowers from the region. The exhibition is organised each year by Busselton Uniting Church.
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.
The Busselton Wildflower Exhibition gives those unable to ‘go bush’ an opportunity to see a great variety of specimens. Wildflower enthusiasts can learn more about the local varieties with advice from botanists on site or visitors can just enjoy the sights and smells of the exhibition as they wander through the exhibition.
Barry Oates, Exhibition Chairman, said it was an opportunity to see 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.
The exhibition’s almost century-long success can be attributed to it’s ability to grow and adapt to the changing environment. Wildflowers on display are chosen by people who hold a one day ‘Pickers License’ issued by the Department of Parks and Wildlife. All pickers are conscious of the need to preserve native flora and pick responsibly. Rare and endangered species are not picked.
“The exhibition provides a connection between the natural bush wildflowers and the community and whether people come to look or have a conversation with one of the experts on site, they go home thinking about the importance of preserving our wildflowers,” Barry said.
The City of Busselton is a proud long-time supporter of the exhibition. Mayor Grant Henley said the exhibition highlights a wonderful array of native flora, rich and diverse in this South West corner.
“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,” Grant said. ” I applaud all the passionate volunteers that, for the past 93 years, have put together some fantastic exhibitions and look forward to the experience again this year.”
Lily Yeang, Australia’s South West Marketing Co-ordinator, said the region’s wildflowers are ecologically significant, with more than 8 000 species of wildflowers blooming in the region between August and November, many of which can be found nowhere else in the world.
“We encourage wildflower enthusiasts – as well as first time WA visitors – to visit the region and witness the explosion of colour set against the stunning natural scenery of the South West in spring, when the dazzling displays are at their best,” Lily said.
Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association chief executive officer Claire Savage said the region is “a nature enthusiast’s haven.”
“The beauty is that you can experience the wildflowers up close and personal with local tour guides, at the Busselton Wildflower Exhibition and by getting out and about in the region,” she said.
The exhibition also includes a photography display, local landcare nursery sales and advice and a Waterwise garden display.
The Busselton Wildflower Exhibition will be held Thursday 4 and Friday 5 October, 9.00am to 4.00pm, at Busselton Uniting Church, Kent St Busselton.
Above photo: Barry Oates, Busselton Wildflower Exhibition Chairman, inspects a Banksia specimen with fellow enthusiasts Martha Maisey (13) and brothers Josh (14) and Zach (8).