OPINION: Celebrating nature’s wildflower glory

Spring is just around the corner and coming up in Lovers Lane, Mullewa. The white pom poms of paper daisies form a blanket of cover in this bush setting. Emma Chambers from the visitor centre took us for a walk along the lane, pointing out the attraction of the area. The purpose of our trip to Mullewa was to report back to you on the state of the wildflowers. The drive from Geraldton took us past breathtaking scenes of colour. The countryside was covered in greens of every variety, except for the paddocks of brilliant yellow canola. A hint of what was to come could be seen along the road, with strips of pink and white and mauve. “On this walk we have the beautiful fringe lilies which are bright purple,” Emma said. “They are all climbing up into the trees. We have had some great rain recently, so people coming here can see lots of everlastings. The flowering shrubs are coming out, the crops are looking fantastic and we have happy farmers. Even our waterfalls are flowing. The wreath flowers are coming along, they are not yet fully in flower, just needing a few more weeks and some heat.” Downtown Mullewa that day we could see the beginning of the annual visits from caravanners to catch the floral bounty of the Mid West. Not as many though as in other years, due to COVID-19. But the word is out: to escape the city and the cold, head north and see the spectacular display that Mother Nature faithfully provides free of charge each year. Geraldton itself has lots to offer the traveller and the locals, with the new Beresford foreshore development, charter tours to catch crayfish and see whales, air flights to the famous Houtman Abrolhos islands and then on to the pink lake up Kalbarri way. There are many restaurants and coffee shops around town, a modern art gallery and museum, theatre and local events to cater for your excitement. It’s good to share with you a bright note in a year that has seen massive bushfires, drought and now COVID-19. There is something about a trip to the country to see that nature can paint us a wonderful picture and heal our soul. * To share your Geraldton garden with readers, call Stan Maley on 0428 230 029.