I am truly blessed.  For, although I work in the light-industrial heartland of Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs, it is also home of the Clayton campus of Monash University. In the midst of the grounds is a small oasis. Located near the Halls of Residence and the Lake, lies the indigenous garden. It is here that it is my privilege to walk each day. I like the early morning best. As the students pass me, they are seemingly oblivious to the natural wonder and beauty of their surroundings.    The garden itself is pleasantly laid out on the hill between the Loop Road and the Lake. It has a wonderful collection of indigenous plants, neatly labelled with their name and the purpose to which they were put by the local Aboriginal people.       Some examples include:

• KABIN: Running Postman. Flower-honey; stem tying. Kennedia prostrata R Br
• WARPUR: Native Willow. Seed and gum eaten. Pittosporum phillyreoides D C
• GURGUDJ: Ruby Saltbush. Fruit eaten. Enchylaena tormentosa

To the west, at the top of the hill, lies a huge tree trunk on it side. There is an interesting shape cut into it. The nearby sign says “The scar on this tree was created a long time ago by the Wurundjeri balluk people of the Yarra Valley when they cut out a piece of the bark to make a shield. The tree was recently donated by the Wurundjeri people.”     Aside from the plants, the area is a magnet for a variety of birds. Recently there have been Little Pied Cormorants, Straw-Necked Ibis, a White Faced Heron as well as the usual quota of common ducks etc. The last week has seen a flock of Rainbow Lorikeets making a cacophony in the trees above the lake. If you are in the area and have a spare moment I invite you to come and take a look and enjoy the sights and sounds of this little piece of heaven. (Melways 575). Perhaps other members would care to share their favourite spot? Finally I would like to thank Beth Gott for all her efforts in making this garden happen. - Lawrie Hanson