[John J]

I returned to find my Lagunaria in full bloom. This tough Aussie gets little or no supplementary irrigation yet never shows any sign of distress, pest or disease damage. Also known as the Cow Itch Tree due to the seed pods containing masses of irritating little 'hairs' it should not be placed near to sitting areas or where it can be brushed against.
One of our members here says he remembers its name by linking it to Les Patterson!! Maybe I should leave it to one of our Australian friends to explain the Dame Edna, Barry Humphries connection?

[MikeHardman]

That's nice, John.

[Trevor Australis]

Deference where deferenced is due. It is Sir Les Paterson, if you don't mind. He is well known in Oz for his beery, slobbering, drooling, boorish. lecherous behaviour; and for his being a stauch Royalist and card carrying members of the RSL - Returned Servicemen's League. Oh, and hsi trouser fly is frequently un-buttoned, though whether deliberalety so I dare not say. Let's keep things nice - please

[John J]

Summer time again and even Sir Les Paterson has spruced himself up and is looking quite smart.

[Trevor Australis]

  The SIR LES connection is that he is one of Barry Humphries more irritating characters and so has a strong link to the ITCHY COW tree.

[John J]

The view from the window as I sit at my computer.