Sprig

Passionate about education and a self-confessed tech aficionado, I've immersed myself in the evolving world of digital learning for over a decade with Cambridge University Press and Assessment. It's not just work for me; it's a pursuit of crafting tools that ignite curiosity in learners and support educators. I've been fortunate to lead brilliant teams, producing digital courses and collaborating with global education bodies. Outside of my main role, I'm excitedly exploring projects like 'Diji', a digital platform offering courses in African languages, and delving into the potential of artificial intelligence in education. For me, learning isn't just a task—it's a thrilling adventure.

Wilds of Westville – taking back the suburbs

June 20, 2009May 1, 2009 by Sprig

A friend of mine lives in central Westville, fairly close to the freeway and the Pavillion but has the good fortune of a house that is built near a river valley, which means that the land has not been developed. We went exploring downstream and found a clearing that is a world away from the Pav (see pics). We couldn’t hear any cars or see any buildings. The river is a thin stream at the moment but apparently rages after heavy rains. The river bed is covered in what I assume must be indigenous lilies. They are very fragrant (smell amazing), are white with a touch of pale yellow while in bloom and have just flowered – I caught the last completely white flowers. Does anyone know what these are? What is their proper name? And p.s, isn’t this is a great little spot in the middle of suburbia? It must support a load of animals. Take back the burbs!

Succulent mystery, part two

June 11, 2009April 27, 2009 by Sprig

A couple of months back, Sonya posted a photograph of a succulent with an interesting flower. I have a succulent with a similar leaf structure to Sonya’s and with an equally interesting, but different flower. Any suggestions as to what it is?

Feed me to the worms

April 25, 2009 by Sprig

Every Clivia Miniata I have planted in our garden has been slowly but surely eaten alive by worms. It is the most distressing thing to see such a lush green plant being slowly destroyed. I have not gone the poison root for obvious reasons and so have had to say farewell, one by one, to … Read more

Scented Grass Bulbine

June 11, 2009April 25, 2009 by Sprig

In an earlier post, I wrote about the Bulbine latifolia. I also have another species of bulbine, the Scented Grass or Narrow-leaved Bulbine, in my garden and it has just started flowering. It has tiny, delicate, starry-yellow flowers which shoot out on stalks, about 50cm high. It is very easy to propagate – by dividing … Read more

Red flower – good or bad?

April 24, 2009 by Sprig

This creeper has taken over a whole section of my garden, even growing up a paw-paw tree. It has a very beautiful flower but I’m suspicious that it may be an invader – does anyone recognise it?