Recent Events

John Turnbull, former CSIRO scientist and currently a volunteer guide at ANBG, will discuss the biology and utilisation of Australia's iconic grass trees (Xanthorrhoea species).

(This talk replaces the Lee Burgess talk previously scheduled).

Planning for the establishment of the Old Parliament House Gardens began in the late 1920s when Federal Parliament moved to Canberra from Melbourne.  The gardens, which have a rich and important history and presence in the Parliamentary Triangle, were renovated and re-opened to the public in 2004. 

Graeme Barrow will talk about the origins of the lake, why its waters disappear, Aboriginal life around it, and its discovery by Joseph Wild. He will discuss European occupation of the lake, grandiose schemes to use its waters, and the terrible loss of life that has occurred when people have ignored the dangers it presents for the unwary.
 

Most flowering plants employ animals to carry out the essential service of pollination. The majority of these plants persuade their pollinators through rewards such as nectar or pollen, the presence of which is signalled through bright petals and sweet scents. There are, however, many plant species whose false advertisements draw pollinators to rewardless flowers. Chief among them are the orchids who masterfully deceive pollinators through false promises of sex and food. Michael will discuss his research on pollination in rewardless flowers, with a special focus on the sexually deceptive orchids of Eastern Australia.