Celebrating: Sublime Point

I can't suggest Sublime Point as inspiration for gardens in the Illawarra, unless you happen to live on sandstone-based soils that are rare east of the escarpment cliffline, because most of the plants at Sublime Point really don't grow that well on clay. That said, Sublime Point is the most amazing place to visit, with its wonderful views up and down the coast, and the walking tracks that run north and south from the carpark run through amazing vegetation. Shorter and longer walks are available, depending on your fitness level and how much time you have; they're all fairly flat. 

You can see lots of low heathy plants, dozens of different species of them, as well as eucalypts, wattles and the odd rainforest tree like a Coachwood. There are areas of exposed rock, with plants growing in the crevices between them. And you have regular views of the ocean and escarpment aplenty as you walk. Here are a few pictures to give a sense of the place. 

The tracks are generally flat and wander through heath and woodland. Image by Emma Rooksby.

Town and ocean views from just south of Sublime Point. Image by Emma Rooksby.

Looking south from Sublime Point. Image by Emma Rooksby. 

These shots are all taken on the southward path. You'll see similar vegetation if you head north. 

Dog Rose (Bauera rubiodes) grows anywhere between prostrate and leggy shrub in this area. These plants are in between. Image by Emma Rooksby.

The flowers of Dog Rose give it its name. Apologies for phone photo fail! Image by Emma Rooksby.

One of the amazing Mallees that grow in the area, this is Blue Mountains Mallee Ash (Eucalyptus stricta). It will grow in town, but tends not to do well unless it's in very well-drained soils.  Image by Emma Rooksby.

A garden favourite in many areas, Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia) has a preference for sandstone-derived soils. It and its cultivars are fairly tolerant of clay soils, but don't like waterlogging. Image by Emma Rooksby.

Pouched Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa) is a fabulous-looking fern but sadly very hard to cultivate. If you have the secret, let me know! Image by Emma Rooksby.

One of the classic trees in this area is Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi). Its grey-green leaves are just beautiful, and its gets its common name from the pale silvery bark of its upper branches. The trunk and lower branches are covered in rough bark as seen in this picture. Image by Emma Rooksby.

And the Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea) are in flower at the moment! I'm not sure what species this is, but it was certainly looking fabulous. Image by Emma Rooksby. 

Do you have any of these plants in your garden? How well are they doing? I'm always keen to hear good news stories!