| Mount Vernon Estate & Botanical Park |
| Botanical Park - Orchid Gardens The Orchid Gardens come to life during the winter and spring months (June to October). The idea came about after several orchids were found during site works for the main residence in mid 2005. Just 1 year later, an area of about 3000 sqm is being developed into the Orchid Gardens with about 500m of walk trails. When the orchid gardens are completed, there would be 1km of walking trails to explore with 5 lookout points overlooking the cliff gardens below and the valley. A moderate level of fitness is needed as there are some slopes. The majority of the orchids can be found in the upper section of the gardens, with 2 smaller areas of orchids on the lower walking track. When you visit the gardens, please remember to keep to the walking tracks, to ensure minimal environmental impact as the area is subject to extensive re-habilitation due to dieback. Below are some of what has been found in and around the main Orchid Garden area. More pictures will be added as this years season progresses. |
| Eriochilus (Common Bunny Orchid) is the first to flower generally from April to June, depending on rainfull. There is only a small population of about 4 plants, which are hard to spot because of there small size. |
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| Pterostylis Scabra (Green-veined Shell Orchid) are the next in line, along with Pterostylis Concava (Cupped Banded |
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| Greenhood) which flower from June to August. Pterostylis Vittata (Banded Greenhood) is also present during this time of year. There are several other types yet to be identified within the orchid gardens. |
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| Diuris sp. (Common Donkey Orchid) begin flowering late July and go through until late August. |
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| Caladenia Huegelii (Grand Spider Orchid), and several other Calandenia are present. These flower from late August through until October. The Grand Spider Orchid is also listed as Rare Class "R" |
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| Cyanicula Gemmata (Blue China) with only one plant found in the Wildflower Garden area, this orchid has been re-located to our breeding center in Perth, where we hope to increase its numbers for re-population in the gardens. |
| Thelymitra Merraniae (Sun Orchid) This orchid is quite extensive in the gardens, with a population of 10 plants trans-located about 10 metres from an area planned for a house. |
| Pheladenia Deformis (Blue Fairy, Blue Beard) We have a small population that will be trans-located from the Wildflower Gardens. |
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| Opening Times of the year. The Orchid Gardens is now open every sunday until October 28th 2007. Please ware sensible outdoor footware and clothing. It is advised to bring with you some water, and a camera. Orchid Breeding Center The Mt Vernon Estate and Botanical Park Breeding Center is located within the Perth Metro area, here several types of orchid, and some other natives are being propogated so that populations can be increased due to the many years of kangaroo damage that has been done. The breeding will also ensure extra plants being made avaliable to re-habilitation projects approved by CALM, and also for re-sale at the future Visitors Centre. |