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Join the wild carpet ride in the Mid West

Peter SweeneyGeraldton Guardian
Wildflowers in full bloom at Coalseam Conservation Park near Mingenew and Mullewa.
Camera IconWildflowers in full bloom at Coalseam Conservation Park near Mingenew and Mullewa. Credit: Mogens Johansen

It’s time to pack the picnic basket and head bush — into wildflower country.

Recent rain is about to send the flowers wild, according to a couple dubbed Geraldton’s wildflower experts.

Glenda and Murray Blyth are often at the Geraldton Visitor Centre, sending tourists off in the right direction to find flowers.

“The 20mm or so we had last week was just the drink the flowers needed; they will be popping out in the next couple of weeks,” Mr Blyth said.

“The (wildflower) season could even go into October if we get some more rain in September.

“There had been a little bit (of rain) but the latest fall was just what we wanted.”

Mr Blyth said folk searching for the wreath flowers at Pindar should wait a couple of weeks to see them in full bloom.

Geraldton’s wildflower experts Murray and Glenda Blyth.
Camera IconGeraldton’s wildflower experts Murray and Glenda Blyth. Credit: Francesca Mann, The Geraldton Guardian

However, plenty of other varieties and colour are on display.

“Thryptomene, the bushes with the small pink and white flowers, are on landscapes everywhere, up to Kalbarri, down to Dongara and out to Pindar,” Mr Blyth said.

“Coalseam (near Mingenew) has come out in pink and white and yellow. There’s also orchids, wattles and grevilleas there.

“Nearby at Depot Hill, there are orchids, pink everlastings, wattles and other shrubs.

“At Mullewa, there’s yellow and white pompoms on the north side of town. Along the sides of the roads going to Mullewa and Mingenew, there are banksias, egg and bacon flowers, and smokebush in the sandplains.

“There’s plenty of colour about — and it’s going to get better.”

The Blyths get out and about at least monthly to see what’s growing. During the wildflower season, it’s every fortnight.

“Hearsay’s a good thing but there’s nothing like seeing it for yourself,” Mr Blyth said.

“We like to get out and see and might do up to 500km a trip. We like to see where things are ... we’re nearing the middle of it now and I recommend for people to take a trip.”

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