Bush Crew diaries September 2025

Published on 19 August 2025

In Wurundjeri tradition, late winter to early spring is known as Guling, a season that signifies when the land begins to wake after the cold of previous months. During this time, the bushland of Dalvida Reserve in Eltham North comes alive with a remarkable display of terrestrial orchids.

Among the species present, blunt greenhoods (Pterostylis curta) form upright dense colonies, while slaty helmet-orchids (Corybas incurvus) hide among the leaf litter. The vibrant purple blooms of waxlip orchids (Glossodia major) add a burst of colour to the understory, while wallflower orchids (Diuris orientis) stand tall with their distinctive yellow-orange flowers, often appearing along the edges of grassy clearings.

Ongoing weed management, habitat restoration and enrichment plantings are critical to preserving and enhancing the ecological values of this reserve. The Bush Crew's work controlling invasive species and encouraging the growth of native plants helps to ensure that orchids and other native flora continue to flourish each year.

Although Dalvida Reserve is modest in size and bordered by residential housing, it supports an impressive diversity of indigenous plant species. The variety of orchids found here reflects the health of the reserve’s ecosystems and highlights the importance of maintaining these remnant pockets of bushland within suburban landscapes.

Dalvida Reserve stands as a small but significant example of urban conservation and is one of the orchid hotspots of our bushland reserves.