Australian Daisy Study Group

This group has closed for the time being.

There are over 20 study groups within the Society whose aims are to further knowledge about the cultivation, propagation and conservation of specific Australian plants. Members of all study groups are mainly keen amateurs with no formal horticultural or botanical knowledge, although a number of professionals in those fields also participate. The members' work is carried out in their own homes and gardens and in their own spare time.

The main achievements of the group during its period of operation were the publication of three excellent books:

• Australian Daisies for Gardens and Floral Art, was published by Lothian in 1987. It describes and illustrates over 150 plants, with notes on their flowering periods, propagation, cultivation, uses and habitat.
• Australian Brachyscomes, was published in 1995 and documents 74 species, a number of varieties, distinctive forms and cultivars of brachyscomes. It also details the habit, propagation and cultivation requirements of each species and features over 100 precise and beautifully executed line drawings by botanical artist Gloria Thomlinson. Some of these drawings, which illustrate the fruit of each species, are invaluable for correct identification. The book is an excellent reference for the keen native plant grower, for horticulturists, naturalists, conservationists and land managers.
• The Group's final publication was Everlasting Daisies of Australia. This book aims to encourage the appreciation of these Australian daisies and to develop techniques for germinating and growing them. The book, which was published in June 2002, has chapters on growing, propagation, floral arrangements, floriculture, reproduction and hybridization. Detailed species' descriptions are written in easy-to-understand language and illustrated with beautiful colour photographs. For each individual species there are sections on flowering period, propagation, cultivation and uses, distribution and habitat, and similar species. It is a comprehensive guide that will assist home gardeners, commercial growers, students of horticulture, amateur naturalists and visitors to wildflower areas throughout the continent. The book is published by C.H. Jerram & Associates and retails for $49.95.

Left: Brachyscome angustifolia. Right: Lawrencella rosea. Photos: Australian Daisy Study Group

The Australian Daisy Study Group was one of ANPSA's most active and productive Study Groups. In addition to the three books described above, during its period of operation it published three detailed and informative newsletters per year documenting reports from members about all aspects of growing daisies and including other articles of botanical, horticultural or conservation interest. In addition it held ten general meetings per year, and at least two group excursions. Its members often made private trips far and wide across Australia for the purpose of collecting (with permission), photographing, observing and recording daisies.