William Morris Reserve
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This is a genuine suburban bushland reserve. It is a heavily timbered area with old and new growth trees and bushes.
The area is flat and the main paths are compacted gravel and would be suitable for wheelchair-bound aspirants. There are narrower paths through some of the areas that would be unsuitable. Most of the bush is inaccessible path wise.
For the first five minutes of my walk, I was subjected to the noisy antics of several Currawongs flying above the treetops, before settling on the branches of a long dead tree. They were the only birds sighted or heard.
Signs at the entrance indicate that it is an on-leash area for dogs, but some websites say it is an off-leash area. Play safe and keep Fido on the lead.
The only wildflower seen was a beautiful stalk of white heath, which really stood out on this dull day. No doubt in spring the bush will come alive with wildflowers, making another visit imperative.
A tall shrub was just starting to blossom with its lemon-coloured blooms. Another tall shrub was displaying several clusters of white blooms.
A very pleasant surprise was several small colonies of Nodding Greenhood orchids. These are easy to miss as they are not tall and being green tend to blend into their surroundings. By getting down to their level, their true beauty is revealed.
Without the distraction of colourful wildflowers, other flora catches the eye. Native grasses are always attractive when closely inspected.
Many long fallen trees are home to a variety of mosses and damp ground areas are also home to these green plants.
What really catches the eye are orange fungi, visible from a distance, adding a real splash of colour on the dullest of days.
Like many suburban parks and reserves, they are surrounded by housing and many of these houses have a gate in their back fence, to enable the inhabitants to enjoy the bush, literally on their doorstep.
Access to the reserve is available from two other streets and at the Garston Court entrance is a small playground.
The main entrance is from Harold Street where there is a dedicated parking lane.
To navigate all the main paths would be less than a kilometre, perhaps not suitable for an exercise workout, but to slow down and observe what is on offer, you will be rewarded.
#disabled_friendly
#outer_east
#parks
#walks
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%wnmelbourne
193171 - 2023-06-16 03:49:54