Hi All,
The meeting was chaired by Jessica Biddlecombe. A good turnout to hear Greg Bourke’s talk on his trip to Darwin and the carnivorous plants in that part of the top end of Australia.
John Neilson gave a short talk on internet forums, problems with securities and how to manage a Blog.
This was a timely talk as our web site has become inundated with what I call spam. Terry Watts (webmaster) has had to take the step of having to approve new registrations on our web. This may not stop all the spam but may filter it down. Thanks to John’s talk we may have a pleasant time on the website.
John’s Blog is a good example for all to see.

The Koi Show went very well and thanks to those that attended for the Society we are getting more regulars coming back as well as new people interested in carnivorous plants. Well done every one and thank you all.

DOOR PRIZE: Won by Greg Bourke.

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Won by Greg Bourke with a magnificent erythrorhiza subs; squamosa.

Greg’s talk on his trip to Darwin and the surrounding areas was interesting not only for the carnivorous plants there but the devastation in a short time on what the cane toads and the African grasses have done to the area.
On previous trips to the area Greg and those that went with him noted the abundance of snakes, various reptiles and frogs. This trip they noticed the absence of these animals. The cane toad has devastated the life in these areas and they are moving south at an alarming rate. Before the powers that be bring in another species they should remember the devastation the foxes, rabbits and now the cane toad have reeked on Australia!!!!!
The African grasses are also taking over the habitat of our native vegetation, changing the food sources to our native species!!!!
Greg’s talk on the plants in that area was so interesting. Utricularia are not everyone’s favourite plant but when Greg shows his slides of those beautiful flowers with their vivid colours and shapes it brings in a whole new thought to what we can grow. Greg’s talks are interesting not only for the plant side but we are shown how the photos are taken and the areas they have to go to get the shots. Only Greg would have laid in crocodile infested waters to get that great shot of the plants. Greg will add more on the web about the utrics and other plants on Face book and the web. This was a really interesting talk and thanks Greg.

Do not forget Greg Bourke and Richard Nunn’s book is available It is a “coffee table” edition and a must to have. From the front cover to the back you will find yourself looking at the spectacular photos they have taken. Though most of the plants are small in reality you will see them in vivid detail. A very special book that has taken many months (years??) to complete. We are eagerly awaiting their next book. CONGRATULATIONS.