General News
26 April, 2024
For plant enthusiasts
PLANT enthusiasts across the district are now enjoying the fourth edition of the ‘Plants of the Great South West.’
The book was launched in Warrnambool last Friday by author Kevin Sparrow, who is a long-time member of the Society for Growing Australian Plants (Warrnambool and District Group).
In front of an audience of more than 60 enthusiasts, Mr Sparrow (who was joined by chief executive officer of the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Adam Bester) gave an insight into his journey as an author.
“When I began this journey some 20 years ago, I could never have imagined that by now I would be completing the fourth edition of what has been a very popular book,” he said.
“That first book consisted of 160 pages, featuring 185 species. This fourth edition has 528 pages featuring 725 species.”
In the mid-2000s Kevin discovered digital photography and set out to photograph as many plants as he could find.
His wife Joyce assisted him as a ‘spotter’ – finding all the plants she could for him to photograph.
Together they enjoy travelling the countryside on the hunt for plants, especially orchids.
The second edition was published in 2013 (with Jodie Honan as editor) and comprised 368 pages featuring 490 species.
Six years later the third edition was released – with 448 pages and 608 species.
“I have always wanted to include more indigenous content in the new editions and I’ve been conscious of the fact that our traditional owners have been looking after country for thousands of years, nurturing and caring for the plants and animals and I wanted to find ways of recognising this aspect in this new edition,” Kevin said.
“The inclusion of indigenous knowledge and artwork in this new edition is not only respectful but enriches the book’s value by honouring the deep connection between the land and its traditional custodians.
“The artwork featured on the front cover (Murnong – yam daisies) was painted by Lee-Anne Clarke.”
