Newsletter Feb 2025

Flower of the Month

Crocosmia

By Bibi

Crocosmia is a genus of flowering plants native to South Africa, celebrated for its vivid, trumpet-shaped blooms in fiery orange, red, and yellow hues. Known for its striking, arching flower spikes and sword-shaped foliage, Crocosmia thrives in sunny climates and is a favorite in gardens and landscapes worldwide. While it has adapted well to Australia’s hot, dry conditions, Crocosmia remains uncommon in the Australian floral industry, highlighting intriguing cultural and climatic nuances.

Care Instructions

• Light: Crocosmia prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is ideal, though it adapts well to sandy or loamy soils.
• Watering: Water regularly during active growth, but once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering.
• Planting: Plant corms in late winter or early spring about 8–10 cm deep and spaced 15–20 cm apart.
• Maintenance: Deadhead flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and cut back foliage in autumn after it dies back. Divide clumps every 3–5 years to prevent overcrowding.

Cultural and Climatic Nuances

In the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe and North America, Crocosmias are valued as cut flowers for their vibrant hues, long-lasting blooms, and elegant stems. Cultivars such as ‘Lucifer’ are often grown specifically for floral arrangements, where they add warmth and energy to bouquets. Their popularity in these regions reflects a strong tradition of using bold, dramatic flowers in both commercial and domestic floristry.

Conversely, in Australia, Crocosmia is more commonly appreciated as a garden plant rather than a commercial cut flower. This distinction likely stems from differences in cultivation practices, market demands, and horticultural traditions. The Australian floral industry often prioritizes native blooms or established market favorites, leaving striking plants like Crocosmia underrepresented.

Fun Facts

1. The name “Crocosmia” comes from Greek words meaning saffron smell, as dried flowers release a saffron-like fragrance when soaked in water.
2. Its fiery blooms attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding biodiversity value to gardens.
3. In some cultures, Crocosmia is known as “falling stars” due to its star-shaped flower clusters.

Crocosmia’s adaptability and vibrant color make it a showstopper in gardens, while its underrepresentation in Australian floristry adds a fascinating layer to its global story.

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a popular cultivar known for its striking, fiery red flowers and robust growth habit. In Australia, particularly in regions like New South Wales, it is valued for its adaptability to various soil types and climates.

For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.

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Plant of the Month

Bunny Tail Grass

by Bibi

Bunny Tail Grass (Lagurus ovatus), also known as hare’s tail grass, is a charming ornamental grass celebrated for its fluffy, soft, tail-like flower heads that resemble a bunny’s tail. It belongs to the Poaceae family and originates from the Mediterranean region, not Australia. However, it has naturalized in various parts of the world, including Australia, where it thrives in sandy soils and coastal areas.

This annual grass typically grows 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) tall, producing narrow, green leaves and distinctive cream-colored seed heads that transition to a soft tan as they mature. The flower heads are popular in dried floral arrangements due to their delicate texture and longevity.

Care Instructions

• Light: Bunny Tail Grass prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: It thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with low to moderate fertility.
• Water: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, needing minimal watering. Overwatering should be avoided as it prefers dry conditions.
• Propagation: Sow seeds directly in spring in well-prepared soil, lightly covering them. Germination occurs within 7–14 days.
• Maintenance: It is low-maintenance, requiring little pruning. Remove dead seed heads if self-seeding is not desired.

Fun Facts

1. The flower heads resemble rabbit tails, making them popular among children and garden enthusiasts alike.
2. Bunny Tail Grass is highly resilient and can withstand coastal winds and saline environments.
3. Its dried seed heads are widely used in crafts, wreaths, and decorative vases.
4. It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

Although not native to Australia, Bunny Tail Grass is a delightful addition to gardens and landscaping projects, offering texture and whimsy with minimal care.

Bunny Tail Grass in Sensory Gardens

Bunny Tail Grass has become increasingly popular in sensory gardens due to its unique texture and visual appeal. Sensory gardens are designed to engage the five senses, offering a therapeutic and interactive experience, particularly beneficial for children, individuals with disabilities, or those seeking a calming space.

Touch

The soft, fluffy seed heads of Bunny Tail Grass invite gentle stroking, making it a tactile delight for garden visitors. The sensation is soothing, offering a connection to nature that can reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. Its non-prickly and lightweight nature makes it safe and enjoyable for people of all ages to interact with.

Sight

The whimsical appearance of Bunny Tail Grass adds visual interest, with its soft, tail-like plumes swaying gently in the breeze. This movement creates a dynamic element that captivates the eye and introduces a sense of calmness and fluidity to the garden. Its neutral tones blend well with vibrant flowers or other grasses, providing a harmonious aesthetic.

Hearing

While not immediately apparent, Bunny Tail Grass contributes to the auditory experience of a sensory garden. When planted in groups, the plumes rustle softly in the wind, adding a delicate, natural soundscape.

Versatility in Design

Bunny Tail Grass fits seamlessly into various sensory garden themes, from coastal and meadow-inspired spaces to urban courtyards. Its compact size and low-maintenance nature make it ideal for container planting, raised garden beds, or pathways where visitors can easily reach out to touch the plumes.

By incorporating Bunny Tail Grass, sensory gardens gain a playful, interactive element that nurtures connection with the environment, making it a thoughtful choice for creating spaces that heal, inspire, and delight.

Recipe of the Month

Originally created by Taila McKinlay – winner of 2009 Samoan Recipe Competition

Salmon in Coconut Milk with Sweet Potato, Avocado, Papaya & Rockmelon Salad

Originally created by Taila McKinlay – winner of 2009 Samoan Recipe Competition

Photo credits: Wing C.

20 mins Preparation + 30 mins Cooking 

Ingredients: 

500g salmon fillets, onion- sliced, 2 cloves garlic – finely chopped, 200g tin of light coconut milk, salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil. 

Salad: 

400g sweet potatoes – cooked and diced, 1 medium papaya – sliced, 1 avocado – sliced,  1/4 rock melon – sliced,  2 cups of mixed green leaves.  

Method: 

Heat oil in a pan  when hot, place fish in pan and fry lightly. Add pepper and salt to taste (can also be baked). Remove fish from pan. Remove oil from pan. Add onion, garlic in and sauté. Add coconut milk. Return fish to pan and cook for a few more minutes.

Salad:  Mix cooled sweet potatoes with sliced avocado, papaya, rock melon and mix with mixed green salad leaves 

Salmon is a good source of omega 3 oils.

Papaya, also known as pawpaw. Oval, thin smooth green or yellow skin, inedible black seeds. Eaten fresh, in fruit salads and platters, savoury salads, chutney and relishes

Book Review

By Dr Bibiana Chan

Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for BIPOC Communities – Decolonizing Mental Health

By Pavna K. Sodhi.

Reading this book by Pavna K. Sodhi has been an enlightening and deeply personal journey. As someone who has navigated the complexities of cultural identity, migration, and systemic discrimination, this book resonates profoundly with my experiences and professional work at the Community Flower Studio.

From the very beginning, Pavna’s introduction captivated me. Her candid storytelling about her motivations for writing this book mirrors the lived realities of many young members of our studio who have faced internalized racism, including the common practice of anglicizing surnames in the Australian diaspora. These narratives are often overlooked, yet Pavna’s work brings them to light with nuance and sensitivity.

A particularly memorable moment occurred while I was reading the book in my psychiatrist’s waiting room. I shared it with Dr. Ong, who immediately expressed interest in acquiring a copy. This led to a meaningful discussion about how subtle forms of racism often require validation from a trusted ally, in my case, my partner, to confirm their existence. These conversations underscore the need for books like Pavna’s to foster awareness and encourage self-reflection.

Attending the 2024 TheMHS Conference in Canberra, I had the opportunity to share Pavna’s work with other mental health professionals, including Dr. Nick Titov, who leads initiatives in digital mental health services. Highlighting the book’s insights, I advocated for more culturally responsive practices in programs targeting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. It was heartening to see these ideas gain traction among influential voices in the field.

The book also illuminated the concept of “fawn” responses, a survival mechanism of people-pleasing often tied to trauma. Reading about this was a revelatory moment, as it connected to my journey of unlearning perfectionism and embracing self-compassion—a process inspired by books like Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion and Gabor Maté’s When the Body Says No. Pavna’s discussion reaffirmed the importance of “breaking cycles” and reclaiming one’s narrative.

The story of Yin in Part 3 was particularly impactful. I found parallels between Yin’s experiences and my own as a migrant who left Hong Kong after the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. The psychological impact of these events, both on myself and other family members, became clearer through Pavna’s exploration of intergenerational trauma and therapeutic recovery.

Beyond personal insights, Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for BIPOC Communities has fueled my commitment to advocacy. Whether addressing racial microaggressions or empowering young people through art and climate action workshops, I’ve embraced the role of a “productive ally”—a term that encapsulates Pavna’s call to action. Her book has emboldened me to not only “call out” racism but also create spaces for healing and transformation.

Pavna’s work underscores the importance of decolonizing mental health. It has inspired me to challenge systemic inequities and amplify voices that have long been marginalized. This book is a must-read for anyone dedicated to fostering inclusivity and understanding within mental health spaces.

Thank you, Pavna, for writing this powerful book. I look forward to continuing our dialogue and collaboration on these vital topics.

References:

Neff, K. (2011). Self-compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself. William Morrow.

Maté, G. (2003). When the body says no: Exploring the stress-disease connection. Wiley.

From the Desk of Bibi

A Close Call – Recognizing a Scam!

By Dr Bibiana Chan

In 2024, Australia experienced a significant reduction in scam-related losses, decreasing by 52% compared to the previous year. Despite this positive trend, a report by ABC News revealed that international scammers perceive Australians as “easy targets,” viewing them as wealthy and trusting, with relatively weaker law enforcement responses. In contrast, Canada faced escalating challenges, with projected scam losses exceeding $569 million in 2024, indicating a rising trend. Similarly, the United States and the United Kingdom reported increasing scam losses, highlighting the global nature of this issue. These comparisons underscore the importance of continued vigilance and robust anti-scam strategies worldwide.

This was one I encountered:

On January 2nd this year, I received an SMS that appeared to be from my bank (NAB), notifying me of a suspicious transaction in Auckland, New Zealand. The message included a phone number to call if I hadn’t authorized the transaction. My heart pounded because I hadn’t made the transaction and was sitting at home at the time.

In Australia, scams happen so often that banks routinely send alerts to their customers about suspicious transactions. Having received similar messages from my banks before, I initially thought the SMS was genuine.

In a panic, I called the number provided. It connected me to what sounded like a legitimate NAB enquiry line, complete with a menu of options. I pressed ‘2’ and waited anxiously, but after more than five minutes on hold, I hung up. I tried again, selecting a different menu option, but the wait was just as long. On my third attempt, I returned to ‘2’ and waited over ten minutes before hanging up, convinced it was a hoax.

Determined to verify my suspicion, I checked NAB’s website to learn about their security alert process. Navigating through a maze of information, I finally found a section detailing how messages are sent to customers. I discovered that NAB provides two official mobile numbers for sending alerts, which are listed on their website. The number that had sent me the SMS wasn’t on the list, confirming it was a scam.

Still concerned, I called NAB’s genuine hotline and spoke to a representative. After hearing my story, he immediately confirmed it was a scam. He explained that scammers prey on fear, urging victims to act quickly, and their next step would have been to request sensitive information like bank account details or passwords. I felt fortunate to have raised the alarm before it went that far.

The representative advised me to report the incident to NAB’s scam alert line and to visit the Australian government’s Scamwatch website. While still shaken, I followed his advice and submitted reports to both. The process wasn’t easy, given my panicked state, but it was manageable. Reflecting on the experience, I felt grateful I didn’t lose anything, especially after hearing of a couple who recently lost over AUD$200,000 to a scammer posing as a real estate agent.

To prevent this from happening again, I’ve now saved NAB’s two official mobile numbers in my contacts, so I can immediately identify legitimate alerts in the future. Continue reading HERE.

Subscriber’s Corner

Strengthen Social Connections at CFS’ 2024 End of Year Lunch

by Thea Y.

On December 21, 2024, I attended the CFS End-of-Year Lunch at Kyiv Social. When Bibi shared the menu link, I was surprised by her choice of restaurant, as normally Asian people often lean toward Asian cuisine. However, after reading about Kyiv Social, I realized the thoughtful purpose behind the event. Kyiv Social is a social enterprise that operates on a “plate-it-forward” model—where for every meal ordered, they donate two meals to those in need. Before this event, I had never considered how simply buying myself a meal could contribute to helping others. It was incredibly moving to learn that so many social enterprises around the world use their unique strengths and expertise to make a difference. Also be happy to see social communities are connecting and supporting each other.

The lunch was a wonderful opportunity to bring members together. I had the chance to meet many for the first time especially our young members. I inspired by the passion young people bring to supporting CFS in various ways. This event was not only a great chance to connect within CFS but also to introduce our members to other communities and raise the awareness of the importance of social connections.

I’ll be sure to tell my family and friends about Kyiv Social

By Ethan Wong

Visiting Kyiv Social for an end of year lunch with community flower studio members was a heartwarming and joyful experience for me. I got to meet new people (including a family that had fled from Ukraine), catch up with people I already knew, and got to eat delicious food.

We started off with opening some Christmas bon-bons, which had these terrible jokes that nobody could understand. Then we had some kind of vegetable soup, with sour cream and we also had some potato dumplings. However, my favourite dish was the Chicken Kyiv with butter mash. The chicken’s crispy texture and buttery mash complimented each other which filled my mouth with bliss. I also enjoyed the dessert, which was sweet and creamy.

We also got take home gifts, and I chose a bag. We played this game where a random person got up to choose a gift, but when someone else’s name was called up, they could either choose to steal a gift that was already taken, or choose their own gift. This was exciting for me, but I was also a bit worried that someone would take my bag (luckily, no one did).

As I was talking with some people, someone pointed out some writing on the wall, which was about their plate-it-forward campaign. For every set menu ordered, Kyiv Social donates a meal to those in need; one meal in Sydney, and one meal in Ukraine. I had already read about the campaign on their website, but reading it again reminded me that each meal carries a deeper meaning and how inspiring their mission is.
Overall, I had a wonderful time, and I’ll be sure to tell my family and friends about Kyiv Social.