In September we're visiting the WA Botanic Garden entry precinct - a fantastic place to view wildflowers from right around the State.

On this short stroll you will see the Floral Clock and the mosaic artwork at the official entry to the WA Botanic Garden. During September, you will also be treated to a riot of colourful wildflowers and exhibitions for the annual Kings Park Festival celebrations.

Wonderful wildflower season

Spring has sprung, so this month we're taking a look at one of the most spectacular places in Kings Park to see wildflowers - the WA Botanic Garden entry precinct.

With the Kings Park Festival running throughout September, it is the perfect time to visit and check out our fabulous exhibitions!

Your floral encounter begins just outside Aspects of Kings Park at the embedded mosaic artwork of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority logo, which includes local native plants. Created by Jacqueline Pinnock and Rudolph Verschoor, the artwork is one of a series designed by the pair at various locations including the Botanic Garden entry, the Nature Trail and at May Drive Parkland making a stunning display.

Moving along, take your time to appreciate the show-stopping garden bed leading to the Floral Clock. Dubbed the 'floral mound' it's home to many of the State's floral jewels, showcasing highly decorative ornamental species from all over Western Australia.

Next, you will arrive at the Floral Clock, a larger than life timepiece planted with native plants. Loved by generations of Western Australians, this is actually the third home of the Floral Clock in its history, demonstrating the use of Australian plants in a cottage style garden.

First unveiled in 1962 near the restaurant, the Floral Clock was created with a bequest from Mr F. Wittenoom, a Western Australian pastoralist. Over the years it has evolved in style - from exotic plantings surrounding a replica Swiss chalet to its current design. It was moved to its final location in 2013.

Turn down the path and you will reach the official entry to the Western Australian Botanic Garden, draped in the weeping branches of a grove of Silver Princess (Eucalyptus caesia). This elegant eucalypt grows nowhere else on earth and is extremely rare in the wild - found only on granite outcrops in WA's rugged Wheatbelt. Look for the red and green Kangaroo Paw mosaic artwork at this location.

From here you can take a tour through the WA Botanic Garden. Short on time? Choose the 30-minute highlights walk which includes flora from the State's South West right up to the Kimberley region. It also includes the giant boab tree (Gija Jumulu) and the rare and endangered plants of the Conservation Garden.

For an in-depth, leisurely look, set off and explore 17 hectares of garden beds displaying WA plants in themed gardens such as the Banksia Garden and the flora from the Stirling Ranges. On the way, you will pass inspiring artwork, walk amongst the treetops, find out more about Aboriginal culture and see lots of native plants in bloom!

Things to do and find

• Take a detour to admire the Queen's Tree, located near the State War Memorial.
• See how many different coloured Kangaroo Paw you can spot nestled in the floral mound.
• Look closely at the granite boulders at the Botanic Garden entry - can you spot the difference between these rocks and the smaller rock on the lawn? The entry statement is actually created from concrete poured in a silicon mould and shaped like natural granite formations. However, the one on the lawn is real!
• Take a look at the colourful window displays at Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop installed as part of the Kings Park Festival.

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