The Swainson-peas are beautiful plants, difficult to propagate and mostly threatened in Victoria. In the Mallee we have several species, including: Small-leaf Swainson-pea (Swainsona microphylla); Silky Swainson-pea (Swainsona sericea); Dwarf Swainson Pea (Swainsona phacoides); and Hairy Darling-pea (Swainsona greyana).

It’s that time of year when Gazanias start flowering and we notice them creeping their way into bushland areas. These plants may be colourful but they are a real menace. It frustrates me that they are not listed as a weed in Victoria so they can still be sold in nurseries. Luckily, I’m not the only one concerned.

We have invited a few emus to live on Raakajlim. Job description: “Eat, walk and poo”. And now we have giant Quandong-filled poo all over the place!

Mysterious cuckoo spit at the base of plants - what is it, where does it come from?

A 67 year-old mystery has been solved by citizen science and social media, and a lost Jewel Beetle has been rediscovered on Raakajilm.

We dug this Pobblebonk (or Banjo Frog) out of our vegie patch today. He posed for some photos to show off the identifying features.

Good Autumn and Winter rainfall means fields of swaying Spear Grass (Austrostipa spp.). These clever grass have self-planting seeds.

Spring is the perfect time for lizards. Identification and color variation in Stumpytails and Bearded Dragons.

Episode 2 of “They’re not all the same skink!”. This glossy, sand-swimming skink was in our vegie patch.

The Murnong (Yam Daisies) are flowering in the Mallee. Read more about identification, cultural uses for food and how to grow this beautiful plant.

The deep green of an emu egg is a beautiful find in the bush. Stripey chicks, black-headed young ones and “running bushes” make the Emu one of my favourite Raakjilm residents.

Year after year, the Wattle have their own, consistent rhythm for flowering … and seed collection.