Flower of the Month

Gymea Lilies

by Dr Bibiana Chan

Gymea Lilies, scientifically known as Doryanthes excelsa, stand as magnificent representatives of Australia’s rich floral diversity. With their striking appearance and unique attributes, they capture the admiration of both botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Gymea Lilies belong to the family Dasypogonaceae and are assigned the botanical name Doryanthes excelsa. This name aptly describes their exceptional stature and beauty, with “Doryanthes” derived from the Greek words “dory,” meaning spear, and “anthos,” meaning flower, signifying their tall, spear-like flower spikes.

Endemic to the coastal regions of eastern Australia, Gymea Lilies predominantly thrive in the states of New South Wales and Queensland. They inhabit heathlands, sandstone plateaus, and eucalyptus forests, often growing in well-drained soils. Their natural habitat showcases their remarkable adaptability to various ecological niches, contributing to their enduring allure.

Cultivating Gymea Lilies requires attention to their natural preferences. When planting, it’s crucial to provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot. These lilies thrive in full sunlight, ensuring they receive ample light for optimal growth. Regular watering during their initial establishment is essential, but they generally become drought-tolerant once mature. Adequate spacing is also crucial to accommodate their impressive size and prevent crowding. Maintenance involves removing spent flower spikes and dead leaves to promote the overall health of the plant.

Fun Facts:

1. Spectacular Inflorescence: One of the most captivating features of Gymea Lilies is their towering flower spikes, which can reach up to an astonishing 6 meters in height. The spike bears a cluster of vibrant red tubular flowers that attract a myriad of pollinators, such as nectar-feeding birds and insects.

2. Aboriginal Significance: Indigenous Australians hold Gymea Lilies in high regard. The plant’s flowering season often coincides with various cultural events, making it an important symbol in Aboriginal traditions. The flowers are utilized for their nectar, and the plant has historical medicinal uses as well.

3. Ecosystem Role: Gymea Lilies play a vital role in their ecosystem by providing food and shelter for numerous creatures. Birds seek nectar from their flowers, while insects and small animals find refuge in their foliage.

Gymea Lilies stand as a testament to the beauty and resilience of Australia’s flora. With their commanding presence, adaptability, and cultural significance, they continue to captivate the hearts of those fortunate enough to encounter them in their natural habitat or carefully cultivated gardens.

Plant of the Month

Dischidia Nummularia

by Remi H. (Year 11 student volunteering for CFS as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award)

Let’s talk about succulents! Who doesn’t love succulents, some cultivates are small, easy to propagate and they look extremely gorgeous and can be grown as decor in almost any environment! Best of all, they’re low maintenance!

I am growing a small variety of succulents myself, and as someone that admittedly does not have a green thumb, they are thriving and reproducing quicker than I’ve ever seen!

The succulent I’m introducing is the Dischidia Nummularia, also known as string of nickels. It is a tropical vine that belongs to the milkweed family. It is native to Southeast Asia, and it’s pretty common in Australia as well. This vine has small and round succulent leaves on opposite sides of the stems with the size of a nickel, hence its name. It can produce tiny white or yellow flowers during spring and summer, and grow up to 45 cm long and 60 cm in width.

They are really common houseplants which are typically grown in hanging pots as they are epiphytes, which means that they grow on trees. The plant thrives in soil with a neutral pH, it is recommended that the plant is repotted annually so it’s not root-bound, which will hinder the growth of the plant.

Like most succulents, the plant enjoys bright sunlight, and to dry out a little before watering. Just be aware of water drainage and be sure to drain the water every time you water it! It’s relatively low maintenance, hence it’s a popular plant to have.

Dischidia Nummularia (String of Nickles) Houseplant Care — 274 of 365

By Summer Rayne Oakes

To propagate the string of nickels, take short stem cuttings and put them in water until you see roots form. Do be aware that when cutting the stems there might be an irritating milky sap from the plant. Overall, the plant is wonderful in adding a pop of life to your interior or garden!

Bibi’s notes:

Succulent is the first ‘Plant of the Month’ when CFS started the e-Newsletter in May 2020. Remi picked this plant to share her insider knowledge of growing succulents. What a great article to showcase the association of succulents with CFS. It is the SYMBOL OF RESILIENCE! Here is a YouTube clip introducing other cultivars in the Dischidia family.

This Thai Elephant Succulent Pot is a best seller at CFS’ Pop-up Stall

Bibi facilitated the first Succulent Terrarium Workshop in 2018 at an RUOK? Day Event at Gosford. She now has over 25 similar workshops under her belt, including virtual and multi-lingual ones.

If you would like Bibi to host a workshop for ‘Team Building’, drop her a line at communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com

Recipe of the Month

Baked BBQ Pork Buns

by Auntie Mag in Vancouver, Canada

Sauce:

Sugar 30 g (1 oz)

Water 90 ml (3 oz)

Oyster sauce 1/2 Tablespoon

Light Soya sauce 1 Tablespoon

Dark soya sauce 1 Tablespoon

Mix  the sauce:

15 g (1/2 oz) corn starch mix with 30 ml (1 oz) water for use later.

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoon oil, add diced green onion, add sauce, stir until boiled.  Add starch water, mix to form a paste.

Add diced BBQ pork.  Leave the stuffing to cool down.

Dough

Water 240 ml (8 oz) + 2 tablespoon unsweetened condensed milk, warm up to 26° to 32° C (80° to 90° F)

Yeast 2 tsp

Sugar 3 oz

Melted margarine 2oz

Egg 1

Flour 3 1/4 cups

Mix all the ingredients and knead to form a smooth dough and place in a bowl

Wrap up the bowl with saran wrap.

Turn oven to 204 °C (400 °F) for exactly 30 seconds. Turn off the oven. Leave the dough inside for 2 hours. Bring out the dough, knead and fold. Leave in a warm place for 20 minutes.

Bring it out, knead and fold. Divide the dough into 12 portions. Put the cooled stuffing in. Brush the bun surface with egg. Heat up the oven 170 °C (350° F) , bake the buns for 15 minutes until cooked.

There are two versions of Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns) commonly served at a Chinese restaurant for Yum-Cha lunch. The image below is the traditional steamed version (Bibi’s childhood favourite).

Here is a YouTube clip to show you how to make your own BBQ Pork (Char Siu).

Book Review

By Kim Wilkins

BIRNAM WOOD

by Eleanor Catton

This is the latest novel from well-known New Zealand author, Eleanor Catton. One of her previous novels, the Luminaries, made her the youngest ever winner of the Booker Prize.

The author’s undoubted talent is in character development.  There are 3 or 4 main characters throughout the novel with whom we can empathise or dislike. However, I found the plot a bit thin. It mostly takes place in the mythical South Island town of Thorndike.

Burnam Wood, besides being a famous quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, is the name of an alternate gardening collective which plants crops, often by trespassing, where no-one will notice. Their leader, Mira, accidentally meets up with an American billionaire, as you do.  Until the characters develop, the book is a struggle to read but it is a bit like a soap opera. Once you get hooked on the characters it is hard to put down.

The book is about 400 pages and easy to read.  I am not sure of the moral of the story- maybe beware of American billionaires offering you lots of money or beware of Greeks (or Americans) bearing gifts.

  I gather that the background of the story is that New Zealand, for the last few years, has been trying to get very, very rich people to make the country their home because it is a safe haven in a troubled world, a policy which the author clearly does not like.

I think most people will enjoy the read.

A Special Book Week Review by Gabby Merrick

Good Night Stories by Rebel Girls

by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Stars * * * * *

What is this book about?

About powerful women who changed the world.

Why is it great?

It inspires people to be brave and encouraging. And that one thing can change the world.

Gabby dressed up as Rosa Parks for book week. Rosa Parks is one of the featured stories in this book.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children’s book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world.

From the Desk of Bibi

by Dr Bibiana Chan

Evolving Communication Modes: From Telegrams to Social Media

The evolution of communication modes is an intricate tapestry woven with the threads of technological advancements, cultural shifts, and societal needs. This journey, spanning from the days of telegrams and handwritten letters to the lightning-fast realm of social media, illustrates how each era has reshaped the way we connect, share, and exchange information.

In the 19th century, the emergence of telegrams marked a watershed moment in communication history. Samuel Morse, a trailblazing inventor, electrified the world with his Morse code, a system of dots and dashes that could be transmitted over long distances. The famous transmission of the message “What hath God wrought?” from Washington to Baltimore on May 24, 1844, demonstrated the potential of this revolutionary technology. Telecommunications shifted from being solely oral or written to a blend of both, enabling rapid exchanges across regions. Although telegrams offered a relatively swift means of communication, their operation demanded skilled operators, and their brevity was dictated by cost, as messages were charged per word. On the other hand, handwritten letters retained their intimacy, carrying not just words but the emotions, thoughts, and sentiments of the sender. However, they were bound by the constraints of time, often taking days or even weeks to reach their recipients. This experience resonates with my own journey as an overseas student in Sydney, where I regularly sent letters to family and friends in Hong Kong, eagerly awaiting their responses.

The late 20th century brought about a technological leap that forever changed communication—the invention of electronic mail or email. Raymond S. Tomlinson, an American computer programmer, stands at the forefront of this revolutionary shift. In 1971, Tomlinson implemented the first email program on ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), a precursor to the modern internet. This groundbreaking system enabled users on different hosts to exchange messages, using the “@” symbol to differentiate user names from machine names. This innovation fundamentally altered communication methods and earned Tomlinson a well-deserved place in the Internet Hall of Fame. The advent of the internet and email bridged geographical distances, allowing people to exchange messages, files, and information with unprecedented speed. However, despite its convenience, email communication was not as instantaneous as today’s modes, often requiring several hours or even days for delivery due to network limitations and server speeds.

The 1990s brought the Short Message Service (SMS) into the communication landscape. In 1992, British software engineer Neil Papworth sent the world’s first SMS, a simple yet profound “Merry Christmas.” This marked the beginning of a new era of quick text communication. Mobile phones, becoming increasingly widespread, facilitated the exchange of concise messages, significantly reducing response times compared to emails. The introduction of smartphones further transformed communication, enabling multimedia messaging platforms like WhatsApp (launched in 2009). WhatsApp messages facilitated near-instantaneous communication, often reaching recipients within seconds, regardless of their geographical location.

The 21st century dawned with a seismic shift in communication dynamics through the proliferation of social media platforms. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, to name a few, transformed communication patterns from predominantly one-to-one or one-to-few interactions to one-to-many or many-to-many engagements. These platforms allowed individuals to share real-time updates, photos, videos, and stories, transcending the confines of physical boundaries.

However, the unprecedented speed of communication in this digital age has given rise to new challenges—heightened expectations for response times. In the context of emails, a timely response is generally expected within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the nature of the message. The ubiquity of smartphones and constant connectivity has contributed to an increasing sense of urgency in communication. Responding within a few hours is often appreciated, even in professional settings. Messaging apps like WhatsApp have set even higher expectations for immediacy. With their real-time nature, these platforms anticipate swift responses within minutes or hours. This has led to a constant sense of availability and responsiveness, often blurring the lines between work and personal life.

As communication continues to accelerate, concerns about the depth and quality of interactions have emerged. The pursuit of immediacy sometimes comes at the cost of subtleties such as body language and tone, which are integral to meaningful communication. Face-to-face interactions, personal touches of handwritten letters, or the thoughtfulness of longer emails are replaced by brief digital exchanges, supplemented by emojis that, while useful, may not always capture the intended emotions. This can lead to miscommunication and add unnecessary stress to daily life.

In summary, the evolution of communication modes reflects the journey from patient anticipation to instant gratification. From the days of telegrams and handwritten letters requiring time and patience, to emails and messaging apps providing quicker responses, and finally to the real-time engagement of social media, each mode has been shaped by and has mirrored the pace of societal progress. While the convenience of instant communication is undeniable, finding a balance between speed and meaningful interaction remains vital in our constantly evolving digital landscape. This shift also raises important questions about its impact on psychosocial development and the quality of human relationships, underscoring the need for mindful engagement in our modern communication age.

Subscriber’s Corner

Feedback on last month’s article on ‘The Voice’.

Dr B. Cheng (Vancouver)

“Out of the various independent nations that were former colonial possessions, are there any that have truly done well in recognition of indigenous peoples and the harms caused to them by colonialism? The world economy (i.e. capitalism) depends too much on exploiting resources such as minerals, oil, and land to do much more than lip service towards reconciliation with indigenous peoples, unfortunately. I wonder how the various former colonies compare.”

Dr S. Kot (Vancouver)

I think it is hard for settlers to acknowledge the wrongs they have done. Here in Canada, we have an awakening in 2021 when unmarked children’s graves were discovered in former residential school site.

I think seniors can relate to a). not being allowed to teach their children their native language; b). language is lost; c). parents were not notified of the death of children; thus, parents could not get the children’s bodies back home.

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My testimony to support CFS’ application for the Future2 Community Grant by McKay Tan

As someone who has been closely involved with this charity since 2020, I am incredibly passionate about the importance of this small, non-profit social enterprise as they are well-deserving of this prize and grant.

Community Flower Studio (CFS) is a mental health charity that works with individuals of all ages and demographics through creative workshops that act as a safe space for all youth facing mental health challenges. These workshops include learning how to create succulent terrariums, floral arrangements and sand art – activities designed to help relax the mind and ground you. CFS has partnered with several organisations, including StreetWork and the Scouts, to help reach young people.

The founder, Dr. Bibiana Chan, is the most hard-working woman I’ve ever met. She was inspired to create CFS due to her own experiences of mental health and clinical depression. Dr. Chan’s work in CFS has been awarded the 2023 NSW Supporting Women’s Health Award, and her life-long dedication to mental health through her work in Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute led her to receive the 2010 Churchill Fellowship. Additionally, her passion for climate change activism is woven into all her workshops, which focus on spending time with nature and spreading awareness for climate change. The effort she channels into her work is evident and remarkable as she individually gathers materials and handmakes equipment for each workshop.

I first met Dr. Bibiana Chan when I attended one of her succulent workshops in 2020. Inspired by her drive, I decided to become a member of CFS. Members of CFS are volunteers for the organisation, meaning they can lead workshops, help promote the charity on their social media and raise money for the charity.

I co-facilitated my first succulent terrarium workshop over Zoom with the materials she had hand-delivered to every participant living within 10 km of her house. These workshops were meaningful as they allowed people to communicate when everyone felt isolated in their own homes. CFS had the power to reach out to people at their lowest and enabled them to create something beautiful with nature. Not only did these workshops help the participants, but they also allowed me to develop courage in myself and my ability to lead.

Since then, I have continued to facilitate workshops. CFS has shaped me into a leader and a communicator. Bibiana has allowed me to excel as I have grown compassion for people going through mental health battles, and she has inspired me to remain optimistic through my struggles with depression. CFS deliberately reaches out to vulnerable groups, such as the young people with StreekWork, and promotes creativity and optimism among them. At first, these young people sometimes hesitate to get involved in these activities. However, by the end, they are all proud of their creations and happily talk with each other and facilitators about their creative process. CFS has taught me not to worry about how beautiful something looks and to focus on the process. I have carried this ideology daily, improving my mental health and perfectionist anxieties.

Despite being such a brilliant cause, CFS has faced many financial challenges. Bibiana does not charge money for her workshops for young people so that more people can access these safe spaces. Although CFS’s status as a charity has taken the pressure off the social enterprise, CFS could be more financially sustainable as we currently rely on money from bouquet sales and external sources, such as Bunnings sausage sizzles.

The Future2 Community Grant would be hugely beneficial for CFS as it would allow the charity to focus on creating high-quality workshops for young people. Young people and families would be encouraged to communicate across generations and develop compassion and respect for individuals both older and younger than them. They can also build courage in their ability to create and, importantly, become compassionate to themselves. According to Mission Australia, young people with mental health issues are almost ten times more likely to have self-esteem issues. These studies prove the aims of CFS’s workshops are vital for all young people.

Community Flower Studio is a charity with a cause that means a lot to me. As a young girl diagnosed with clinical depression, I firmly believe mental health is essential to promote among young people. CFS is exceptionally deserving of the Future2 Community Grant, and as a leader, I believe I can continue leading the charity to reach as many young people as possible.