NSW Christmas Bush

The first is New South Wales Christmas bush or Ceratopetalum gummiferum. This large shrub, when cultivated, often grows in a small tree approximately 5 metres tall. It enjoys the subtropics and can be found all along the East coast of New South Wales. It flowers in later November/December – just in time to gather some fronds in to make a Christmas bouquet. The Christmas bush actually has two flowers, the first the gorgeous red to attract bees and other pollinators and the second, a fluffy white – whichever one has blossomed at your place, they will look beautiful as part of Christmas table setting.

Credit: André Karwath

The second popular Christmas flower is the Poinsettia, or Euphorbia pulcherrima. These plants, originally from South America have been cultivated since the 1930’s with great success. The Poinsettia comes in many colours but most popular is the deep vivid red with contrasting dark green leaves. When fully mature, these plants offer a stunning centre piece for the table and are often sold as pot plants in supermarkets, florists and, of course, commercial nurseries.

Photo Credit: Muffe

The third flower is renowned world wide, the Lily or Lilium. For Christmas time you can’t go past a red Asiatic lilly. These plants have a beautiful rich colour, an open star shaped petal cluster and of course, that beautiful scent. Lily’s have been cultivated across the world and many species have been  happily adapted to the subtropical climate of upper New South Wales. The popularity of Lily’s ensures that these flowers can be found all year round. For the best choice on colour, check with your local nursery or florist.

Have a good holiday and a great Christmas day.

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The famous Martin Place Christmas Tree is the city’s symbol of fraternity and holiday spirit. Every year, the lighting of the tree is a wonderful event worthy of the whole family. On Thursday the 27th of November, the interactive Christmas Tree will turn on the lights, unleashing a spectacle of dazzling visuals and SMS-branches (guests can send texts across the branches of the fibre optic laden tree). This year, kids are given the chance to control the colour settings via an interactive-pad kiosk.

Those in the mood for a holiday season stroll will love the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Light Forest. Also kicking off on the 27th, the Christmas Light Forest is an intricate installation of lights and decorations hovering above the length of the Pitt Street Mall. Suspended trees and fascinating projections will turn the usually busy shopping precinct into a pause way for bewitched onlookers, so be sure to make it along!

All across the CBD precinct, usually buttoned-down shopfronts and buildings will be transformed. Digital projections will enliven even the quietest streets and offer an interesting take on the regular city space (for tourists and locals alike). This year, the Street Light Disco will also re-shape the promenade of Martin Place. The outdoor installation brings together the best in music, visuals and technology in order to create a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.

For more information on Sydney’s Yuletide events, visit the official website over at http://www.sydneychristmas.com.au/. Even though Christmas is still a while away, you can figure out your calendar and make sure the little ones have a truly merry Christmas!

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