Spring – Western Queensland Style


Forget the usual spring flowers of sweet peas, jasmine, azaleas and camellias. Here in Western Queensland, we have our own special spring flowers that appear. This year we have had unseasonally warm weather in August, and the magnificent outback wildflowers have popped their happy faces up already. And how spectacular it all is at the moment………as far as the eye can see! Don’t you just love this image taken between Quilpie and Windorah?

There is one stark reminder in this photo of the many years of drought. Can you guess what it is?

Notice how the Mulga trees are all lacking foliage? Did they die in the drought?

It is too early to answer this yet, as these native trees are have adapted superbly to our arid country side. During dry periods, the Mulga tree drops most of its foliage to the ground in order to provide an extra layer of mulch and nutrients. How wonderful is that?

However, closer examination of these trees shows that there are no leaves left, so chances are the drought of the 2000’s has been a little too harsh and too long for these trees. This area where this photo was taken is still declared an exceptional circumstances area. The survival story of these trees will be revealed in the fullness of time and the return to good seasons. Will the foliage return?

I trust you are enjoying your Spring days, wherever you may be!