A passionate Grenfell land owner is hosting a Wattle Day event on her property, and there will be a bus from Forbes.
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Mikla Lewis will lead guests on a wander through a diverse range of blooming wattle trees and shrubs on Friday August 23.
Ms Lewis says she hopes to encourage more lovers of the national plant in the lead up to September 1, National Wattle Day.
Australia's national floral emblem, the golden wattle, also known as Acacia pycnantha is one species of the large genus of wattle growing across the country.
Wattle seeds have the ability to sit in the soil for more than five years, enabling new trees to grow after natural disasters such as bushfires.
Housing pollen rather than nectar within the blossom, the wattle is also a rich source of protein for insects and birds, and its nutritious seeds make for a feeding bonanza for the Superb Parrot.
In Africa and the Sahara, it is a drought hardy plant, enabling stocks to survive on its leaves and seeds, and in France, they use the seed for perfume and the wood for furniture.
"Another thing that makes wattle such an important part of our environment is its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, utilise it, and make it available for other plants to access through their root nodules.
"A lot of native grasses will also grow freely around wattle as it is able to grow in poor soils, making it an imperative part of any farming landscape," Mikla said.
The plan is to run a free bus running from Forbes, leaving at 8.30am and returning at 4pm.
The 'Blooming Wattles' Tour will be held at 'Rosemont', 287 Holy Camp Road, Grenfell from 9.30am to 3.00pm. Bookings required. To RSVP please contact Mikla Lewis on miklalewis@bigpond.com
Mikla is also hosting an information seminar at 7pm Wednesday August 14 at the Grenfell Community Hub conference room.
She will provide a comprehensive exploration of the many varieties of wattle, and its significance for Indigenous Australians, the early settlers and for contemporary Australia.
There will be a wattle seed-based supper and free wattle plants to take home.
Bookings are not required however for more information visit www.visitgrenfell.org.au
The event is supported by Central West Local Land Services and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
