New Rhythms: Earth, Air, Water—Neptune

Abstract

The two South Neptune Islands provide little shelter for the windswept vegetation clinging to its limestone capping. After living here for a while, every part of the rockscape becomes familiar. Each spring the islands wear magnificent crowns of yellow and white wildflowers, of Australian hollyhocks and Coastal Daisy-bush. In amongst the granite boulders with their patches of ochre lichen, a rockery flourishes with compact silver cushion bush, blue flax lilies and clumps of Australian pelargonium. Sweet smelling tangles of musk daisies climb up the garden walls and hum with the visits of native bees. With the changing seasons we learn to distinguish the different plants as they flower and fruit: Ruby Saltbush, Sea berry Saltbush and Coastal Bonefruit.