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April is our region ’ s time of year for chestnuts and walnuts . While the trip to pick them might seem daunting because the farms are at Mt Irvine , the reward of visiting the area and spending a marvellous day out with family or friends is truly priceless .
There are two growers open for nut picking , Kookootonga Chestnut and Walnut Farm , and Nutwood Farm . Both are set in beautiful surroundings and the nuts are as fresh as they get . Buckets and bags are provided so all you have to do is pick !
If you ’ re up that way on a Saturday morning , make sure you time your travels to make the Bilpin Community market each Saturday from 10:00am to early afternoon in the Bilpin Hall . There you ’ ll find fresh local produce and artisan wares , as well as the chance to grab a cuppa and something yummy to eat ; a nice way to fortify you in anticipation of your nut-gathering fun .
On your way back down the Bells Line of Road , stop off in Bilpin for some beautiful , sweet apples and the ciders that they produce . It ’ s also peak season for the apple orchards too , so a busy
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time , and as usual , it pays to call ahead of your visit to make sure the farms are open and have fruit available .
Harvest ’ s Castle Hill Showground market days are the 9 and 23 of this month , so pencil in a date with family and friends for a great kick-off to a foodie weekend . You can take fido along as well , our market is pet-friendly , so lots of fun for all the family .
For more info go to www . harvesttrailsandmarkets . com . au .
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by Lachlan Turner
This month ’ s featured plant , the Hairpin Banksia ( Banksia spinulosa ) can be found in flower from March to September . This plant is a common banksia , not only in bushland areas but also in many suburban gardens .
It can be found growing in coastal bushland areas along much of the south eastern coast of Australia . It prefers a sunny but protected open location , with its flowers being used extensively in cut flower floral arrangements .
It is possible to propagate from seed taken from mature seed capsules at the end of the flowering period . However , seed can remain viable for several years in older cones .
This banksia , along with other banksias and other flowering native plants , is featured at the Community Environment Centre at Annangrove in their demonstration , Waterwise Garden .
On display is an all-year-round variety of native plants and shrubs with differing water requirements . Volunteers at the centre have developed a Seasonal Wildflower Walk , which winds through the bushland behind the centre and the Hairpin Banksia is widespread at this time of year .
This particular banksia is noticeable for its variation in colours . Depending upon its location and available nutrients , colours may range from a pale creamy yellow to a rich orange . As the flower spikes mature , they tend to take on a darker colour towards the end of the flowering period .
There are several recognised botanical varieties of the Hairpin Banksia which also may
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produce a difference in the colour of the flower spike .
Further information about the Community Environment Centre is available on The Hills Shire website at www . thehills . nsw . gov . au under the Environment link or by phoning 9843 3571 on Thursdays or The Hills Shire Council on 9843 0555 at other times .
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