The Spring highlights in the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens continue to impress.
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And one plant that is starting shine in all its glory if the gardens' collection of dogwoods.
SHBG committee member Chris Blaxland is eager for the rest of the community to drop into the grounds and have a look.
He also urges people to take the time to stroll through the grounds so that they can develop a true appreciation of the many stunning plants.
"The red-stemmed dogwoods, grow along the south side of the bird reserve and near a planting of yellow stemed dogwoods," he said.
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"Come in the gate and follow the gravel path past the nursery towards the picnic shelter.
"Both these coloured stem types will grow to shrubs of about 2-3m tall. And both show their coloured stems through the colder months."
Chris said the Spring weather had brought on the new leaves, and the flower buds.
The question he has pondered "is it happening because of warmer weather, or is it caused by longer days?"
"Just inside the entrance, we see Cornus florida alba - the white flowering dogwood that is native to most of eastern United States," he said.
"It's a forest tree and often seen along roadsides where it flourishes in sunlight.
"At the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens the flowers are now emerging from green bracts, which usually turn white.
"Near the SHBG nursery we have the pink form of this Cornus florida."
Chris said the flowers of dogwoods lasted a long time.
Why is that? Charlotte Webb, SHBG CEO explains that the most visible parts are not petals but bracts - leaves that protect the tiny flower buds.
"The flower buds are the little berry-like segments in the middle and will emerge as rather insignificant green-yellow flowers," she said.
"The bracts draw the attention of pollinators (and gardeners)."
The SHBG extends across 33 acres on the corner of Old South and Kangaloon Roads, Bowral.
Officially opened in 2013 the public facility boasts several themes gardens, a nursery, picnic areas and seating, an all-abilities playground, a Labrynthe etched into the ground and more.
Meanwhile, an education centre, visitors' centre, amphitheatre, boardwalks and more are high on the works program for the gardens.
The gardens are open 7 days from 9am to 5pm while the nursery is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday each week, weather permitting.
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