Wildflowers delight locals and visitors

Jenny Greentree, Joy and Dot Martin, Dave and Nicole Atkins, Janice Norman, Bruce Botterill, Anne Maree Riches,Brenda Botterill and Leilani Masters. Photo TWH

Story and pictures Darren Masters, The Western Herald

Email dmasters@outbackradio.com.au

Last Sunday, the remote and rugged landscape of the NSW outback came alive with colour and life, thanks to a perfect combination of recent rainfall, warmer spring temperatures, and the last-minute reopening of loc l roads.

The result? A stunning display of wildflowers that drew nature enthusiasts, artists, and curious visitors from near and afar to the Ledknapper Nature Reserve north of Bourke.

Located in the heart of the outback, established in 2002 and covering approximately 47,864 hectares, Ledknapper Nature Reserve is a true gem for those seeking untouched natural beauty.

Characterised by red sand dunes and hardy spinifex grasses, this expansive area offers a unique environment that supports a diverse array of wildflowers. The remoteness of Ledknapper is part of its charm. Visitors must be prepared for rugged terrain and limited facilities, but the reward is an unforgettable experience immersed in nature’s vibrant palette.

One of the highlights of this season’s wildflower spectacle was the participation in Jenny Greentree’s renowned Wildflower-Tag-Along tour. Now in its fourth year, Jenny, a talented local artist based at the Back O’Bourke Gallery, shared her lifelong passion for wildflowers with over twenty-five eager participants present in twelve vehicles.

Guests were present from Bourke, Brewarrina and further afield with some visiting from the ACT.

Her tour provided an intimate glimpse into the region’s botanical treasures while offering insight into her artistic inspiration drawn from these native plants.

Jenny’s love affair with wildflowers began in her childhood on her grandparents’ property near Gilgandra.

“Having grown up in Gilgandra my grandparents had a property just outside of town which they cleared and developed in the 1940’s. At the back of their property were all these amazing wildflowers. I used to draw some of the wildflowers and sell them at the Gilgandra information centre. My grandparents decided to donate 20 acres of their land for the wildflowers and to this day it is called the Gilgandra Flora Reserve”, she recalls fondly. […]

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