ISBN 1-921008-82-2
This is a book that will be welcomed by all who share a passion for wildflowers and inspire others to search them out.
South Australia's native forests, woodlands, shrublands and grasslands contain a colourful diversity of wildflowers. The open understoreys and clearings harbour delicate orchids, fringe-lilies, fan-flowers and sundews while the more robust shrubs of emu-bushes, grevillea, and wattle sport striking flowers.
Jan Woodman presents a personal view of the South Australian bushland across much of the State. Her text recounts first encounters, passions for particular plants and places, and concerns for the diminishing and increasingly spoiled natural vegetation. Her fine brushwork portrays in detail the beauty and diversity of its wildflowers. Plants that grow naturally together and flower at the same time are often painted together. A chapter is devoted to collages of orchids and mushrooms, her favourite groups.
Jan's work has a valuable scientific aspect resulting from interaction with botanists at the State Herbarium of South Australia. Not only has this supported the accuracy of her paintings, but she has also deposited plant specimens in the Herbarium which makes her work useful for ongoing taxonomic research and also keeps her plant identifications up to date.
This book is aimed at those who seek South Australia's less obvious wildflowers in their bush setting. It also aims to inspire others to engage in this same experience. Where they occur the Sturt pea and wattle are clearly evident to all. But the rich diversity of form and colour of much of the less conspicuous flora is lost to many It is hoped that this book will turn the eye from that impervious facade, the bush, to a delight in the diversity of the plants within.