Disasters always bring out the best and the worst in people. Supermarkets and other larger stores have employed security guards to prevent looting, which is probably inevitable although we haven't heard of any. On the other side of the coin however, is the story of how a neighbour rescued somebody's pet galah (bird) - the only thing to have been salavaged from the wreck of their home. Or the story of the business owner who sacked all his workers because he couldn't afford to pay them, and they all, to a man, refused to accept - and have promised to stay on and work for free for a month to help out. Then there's the woman who has accommodated a young man unable to get across the river to his wife and family. She also has a family of 4 Vietnamese people who arrived in Australia less than a month ago, do not speak English and didn't know what to do or where to go when the water entered their home. There are many such stories, very heartening indeed. I have mentioned to a few people that I've posted this thread, and they have all been united in their gratitude for all the kind thoughts and the donations that have been made. They have asked me specifically to say Thank You on their behalf. Even a kind thought gives an enormous amount of comfort. I guess from so far away, the best kind of help that can be given is to give money as a donation. The cost of rebuilding entire towns and cities is estimated to be in the multiples of billions $$$, and every little helps. It isn't just the cost of repairs to damage - but with such widespread floods, there is already a shortage of essentials like bread, milk, fruit and vegetables, and prices for those have skyrocketed. Before the Brisbane floods hit, I did my fortnightly shopping last Friday, and decided against paying $8 for a single lettuce. Prices like that are downright scary, and while supplies can't be relied upon from interstate, also affected by floods, we can only expect things to be very expensive for the foreseeable future. But - we are a resilient people, and no matter how long it takes, we'll get through it. We're an unquenchable bunch. Still, your kind words are spreading far and are deeply appreciated by us all.

Took me a while to find this posting as well as bneing able to log in. Now almost 12 months later and I am in the suburbs of Far East Gippsland. Gradually making progress in what was a non gaRDEN. been here two years. Love those natives,but will take a few years to build up the stock. Always sticking cuttings in, some successes. Errinunda Rain forest = ferns, waratahs, not far away. Marvellous coastal heathland, lots of flowers in bloom and ground orchids in surrounding forests. LOve it.

Hi Anna, I was wondering which part of Australia you are planning to start out in, it might be worthwhile posting this so that people in that area could give you some ideas about places to check out. Other than the botanic gardens in canberra, the other botanic gardens I have visited here have dissappointed me with their limited displays of natives. I prefer to just get out in the bush, that way you can see things unique to the area you are in, and get the opportunity to see birds, animals, butterflies and insects as well. Good Luck wwoofing too. I had a great time wwoofing in Denmark. BTW, for others interested in experiencing wwoofing, you don't need to be an overseas visitor to go wwoofing, anyone can do it, pretty much anywhere. cheers, mudlark

Hi Gordon, As I'm on the "wrong" side of the country, you'd still be better with local advice on this. I would say, though, that heat alone is not a problem, as they grow fine on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, with reasonably hot (and humid) summers. But out wet season is summer and you are wetter in winter? which might not matter if you have good drainage. Though they like full sun, the spot you mention, of course, is going to be very much exposed, so whatever goes in there could need a lot of mulching and be possibly subject to more extreme heat off that paving. So with a bit of research and prep you may well decide to go for this. My only other comment is that, seedling grown plants can be very variable in colour, and if you are looking for a stunning colour you may need to hunt around nurseries to actually find a shrub of the shape and intensity of colour, that you want for your feature.