An eGuide to WA Wildflowers – Bronwen Keighery

Why do some people just love wildflowers? The basic theme for the Wildflower Society Perth Branch talks for 2018 is ‘How did you get into working on and/or playing with wildflowers?’. Bronwen Keighery local resident, consultant botanist and wildflower lover will focus her talk on Tuesday 13th February around this theme.

Bronwen took her first guided walk when she was in primary school aged 10. As long as she can remember she has observed wildflowers, around her home and school in Floreat, at the beach around Trigg and on regular picnic trips to the ‘Hills’ and relatives in Kelmscott.  Over the last 50 years she has been fortunate in studying botany and zoology, teaching biology, raising three children, working on the conservation plan for Perth (Bush Forever) and now as a consultant botanist and grandparent work and recreate with bushland and wildflowers.

Bronwen’s current prime focus is an eGuide to the wildflowers of Western Australia. Some six years ago Bronwen and husband Greg (you guessed a botanist too) became involved in working on this project. They are working with Michael and Irene Morcombe and Michael Woodhouse from Glide Pty Ltd on the eGuide (app). Michael and Irene are well know for their more than 40 books on the natural history of Australia. Some years ago Michael, who just received an AM, was involved in the production of the very popular ‘The Michael Morcombe & David Stewart eGuide to Australian Birds’. The soon to be released ‘The Michael Morcombe & Keighery eGuide to WA Wildflowers’ will fulfil one of Bronwen’s lifetime aims to share her wildflower passion with others.

Meetings of the Perth Branch of the Society are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Subiaco Community Centre across the road from Crossways Shopping centre in Bagot Road. Doors open at 7.45pm and the meeting begins at 8pm. Supper is served after the talk and everyone is eligible for the night’s door prize. You do not need to be a member of the Society to attend, entry requiring a $2 door donation.

Photo:  BW: Bronwen aged 6 or 7 and brothers in the Hills bushland. Photo Frank Banyard; Colour: Grevillea bronwenae named for Bronwen by Greg. Bronwen only learnt of this once the name was official. Photo Bronwen Keighery