Wildflower Seeds
In your hands you hold seasonal wildflower varieties collected on Taungurung Country by wawa biik partners the Euroa Arboretum – ‘the Arb’. The Arb work together with Taungurung, learning from and caring for Taungurung Country.
We recommend sprinkling your seed over good quality Australian native soil in gardens or pots during recommended seasons. Keep in a sheltered, warm and light area as seeds germinate. As they grow, they offer nectar for butterflies, attract insects and invite birds to Country.
Growing your seeds
Sticky Everlasting
Xerochrysum viscosum
Sow: Late Summer
Upright multi-branched herb 20-60cm high with sticky green foliage and yellow papery flowers mostly in spring. A hardy wildflower found locally in dry woodlands and forests. An important species providing nectar for native butterflies and moths, and readily colonises after disturbances such as fire. Plants will reshoot yearly from the base and respond well to light pruning which encourages bushiness and extends longevity. Continually moist soils will decrease the plant’s longevity.
To germinate:
lightly sprinkle seed over a good quality potting mix designed for Australian native plants. Lightly cover with potting mix. Keep in a sheltered, warm and light area as light promotes germination. Keep soil moist and well drained. Allow 7-20 days for germination. Best sown in late summer.
Common Everlasting
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Sow: Autumn or Spring
Low growing clumping herb of woolly silvery foliage and small golden-yellow papery flowers mostly in spring. Found locally in grasslands and woodlands on well drained soils. Plant may die back in dry conditions but re-shoots after rain. Flowers provide an important nectar source for butterflies and attract insect-eating birds.
To germinate:
lightly sprinkle seed over a good quality potting mix designed for Australian native plants. Keep in a sheltered, warm and light area as light promotes germination. Keep soil moist and well drained. Allow 7-21 days for germination. Best sown in autumn but spring is also successful.
Clustered Everlasting
Chrysocephalum semipapposum
Sow: Autumn
Upright multibranched herb to 60cm high, with aromatic grey foliage and large clusters of small yellow papery flowers mainly in spring. Locally found on drier sites in grasslands, woodlands and foothills. Plant may die back in dry conditions but re-shoots after rain. Flowers provide an important nectar source for butterflies and attract insect-eating birds.
To germinate:
lightly sprinkle seed over a good quality potting mix designed for Australian native plants. Keep in a sheltered, warm and light area as light promotes germination. Keep soil moist and well drained. Allow 10-30 days for germination. Best sown in autumn.
Hoary Sunray
Leucochrysum albicans
Sow: Autumn
Tufted herb with woolly grey foliage and upright stalks of yellow paper daisy flowers to 40cm high mainly in spring. Found locally on Taungurung Country in woodlands and foothills commonly on shallow, rocky soils. An important pollinator species providing nectar for native butterflies and moths, and readily colonises after disturbances such as fire. Plants are annual but may reshoot from the base for up to two to three years. Continually moist soils will decrease the plant’s longevity.
To germinate:
sprinkle seed over a good quality potting mix designed for Australian native plants. Keep in a sheltered, warm and light area as light promotes germination. Keep soil moist and well drained. Best sown in autumn with protection from winter rain required. Allow 1-3 weeks for germination.
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Just like the pride and purpose our Elders feel when wrapped in their possum skin cloak, we want wawa biik to be a warm and inspiring space that brings people together to celebrate and learn about our traditional and contemporary aspects of Culture.
wawa dharrang (hello tree) – a new Taungurung artist-led experience
wawa biik is pleased to announce a new experience designed and led in collaboration with Taungurung artist and Elder Uncle Mick Harding.
Teaming up for turtles on Taungurung Country
When Taungrurung Baan Ganalina (Guardians of Water) expressed interest in creating a turtle yilam (home), Horseshoe Lagoon immediately came to mind.
Wading elbow deep in the wetlands
Seed picking season is one of my favourite times of the year. The sun is shining, you’re outside and as close to the natural world as you can be – elbow deep in a shrub, nose down in a grassland, gently harvesting seed into your bag or bucket.
My favourite collection day this year was with Tony Fitzgerald and the Biik team harvesting Water Ribbons. Water ribbons are the best bush tucker. I think they’re Uncle Shane’s favourite too. The tubers are crisp and crunchy, the closest likely flavour is the water chestnu,t I think. Even the green, swirly seeds are a nice salad garnish and oh so easy to pop in your mouth and snack on while you pick.
Wading into a billabong to harvest can be a bit intimidating. First you push through the common reed – well above your head height and situated on the water’s edge in the boggy mud. It rustles as you push through, eyes peeled for snakes.
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We acknowledge and pay respects to Taungurung Ancestors and Elders, past present and emerging. We continue to remain strong in culture, traditions and memories of those who have paved the way for Taungurung People and Country. We move forward proudly and thank our Ancestors for their guidance and protection throughout our journey.
