Wattle

Returning in winter does have its advantages. So another winter is not a great thought- how many in a row can one cope with? But it does mean I get out of New York when it is stinking hot, although going back in August is not the smartest time to be there. But then needing to be back in time for the new school year is something beyond my control.
In spite of all that there are still advantages to being home at this time, one of which is..... the wattle is out!

When we bought this house there was a small "stick" growing near the front door which we knew was a wattle but it has shot up in the past twelve months having done very little for quite q while. Perhaps the drought had affected it and the rain during this year has given it a bit of encouragement whatever it is it is now almost as tall as the house and in full bloom.


As we drove from Melbourne to here the wattle was out all along the highway and the streets and roads.

The wattle provided a contrast to all the other native trees along the cliff walk. It is such a "happy" tree perhaps it is its yellowness or the little fluffy balls of yellow that are its flower. There are so many variations of wattle. Maddy has said that there is always one in flower somewhere in Australia but it seems that the ones here flower now. Perhaps the plant flowers when it is cooler and damp.

The wattle (Acacia is the largest genus in the family Mimosaceae, the Mimosa family, which is mainly tropical and sub-tropical in distribution) is Australia's floral emblem and is on the Australian coat of arms as well as the colours green and gold often being used for national teams in sporting events.