Noongar seasons at Government House: Kambarang

Every second month we will showcase the wonderful array of flora and fauna in our heritage listed gardens, through the lens of the Nooongar seasonal calendar.

The Grounds of Government House are open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 12 noon and 2pm.

Visitors are invited to take a stroll around the beautiful heritage gardens, or sit back and enjoy a picnic lunch. Occasionally we may be unable to open the Grounds. If you are making a special trip, please contact the Office to check that they will be open.

About the Noongar seasonal calendar

Extract below from the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology:

“In the south west of Australia, the Nyoongar seasonal calendar includes six different seasons in a yearly cycle. These are Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang.

Each of the six seasons represents and explains the seasonal changes we see annually. The flowering of many different plants, the hibernation of reptiles and the moulting of swans are all helpful indicators that the seasons are changing.

The current season is Kambarang

Extract below from the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology:

“During the Kambarang season, we see an abundance of colours and flowers exploding all around us. The yellows of many of the Acacias continue to abound, along with some of the Banksias and many other smaller delicate flowering plants including the Kangaroo Paw and Orchids. Also during this time the Balgas will also start to flower, especially if they’ve been burnt in the past year or closely shaved.

One of the most striking displays of flowers to be seen during this season will be the “Mooja”, or Australian Christmas Tree (Nuytsia). The bright orange/yellow flowers serve to signal the heat is on its way.

For the animals, October is also the most likely time of the year that you’ll encounter a snake as the reptiles start to awaken from their hibernation and look to make the most of the warm to assist them in getting enough energy to look for food. It’s also a time that many young families of birds will be singing out for their parents to feed them. Koolbardies (Magpies) will also be out protecting their nests and their babies.

Many things are undergoing transformation with the warm change in the weather.

Longer dry periods accompany a definite warming trend.”

Photo gallery

A selection of images from our garden this month, featuring Peruvian Lilies, Orange, Yellow and White Clivia, Red Hibiscus, Bird of Paradise, Echiums, Roses, Kangaroo Paws, Banksias, Bottlebrush and the growing duck family.