Time Out for a Ski Trip & Why I Love Australian Snow Gum Trees

To help acknowledge National Tree Day on July 31st, who can resist highlighting our Australian native Snow Gums this winter?

OK, so I know a lot of you love the beach and the sun and warm weather, but me? I love winter, I love winter clothes, fireplaces, snuggling, hot chocolates, the shorter days, the cozy nights, winter comfort food and snow. In particular playing in snow, skiing in snow, the crunch of snow under foot, and the aesthetic of how snow coats everything in a glistening pretty blanket when the sun hits it!

And when I’m out skiing, I am always taken by the beauty of the Snow Gum trees. I love the streakiness of the bark on their trunks and the way the snow sits on their branches. There is just something about the way they complete the Aussie Winter Wonderland scene for me.

So I thought I’d share some of my photos of Snow Gums from a recent ski trip at Perisher Valley, NSW, and share a little research I’ve done on them.

Widespread growth in grassy, woodland or tall shrub land in tablelands and mountainous areas.
Also known as ‘White Sally’ from
the ‘Myrtaceae’ family.
Found mainly along the highlands of NSW; VIC; TAS; south east of Stanthorpe in QLD and west to Mt Gambier in SA and some coastal regions in TAS, NSW, VIC and SA.
Small to medium tree reaching 20 metres or more, often with a crooked trunk branching from near ground level.
Can grow as a stunted, wind-sculpted tree or bushy scrub in higher areas.
Smooth, pale bark with varying shades of pinkish brown, green, yellow and grey.
Thick, glossy bluish-green leaves with distinctive veins.
Trunk is often marked with insect larvae scribbles.
Profuse white flowers during October through to February.
A slow growing species which tolerates very exposed dry, wet and cold snowy conditions.
Valuable to alpine ecosystems providing habitat and producing nectar and pollen for birds, insects
and other wildlife.

Ways to Celebrate National Tree Day on July 31st!

To get involved in National Tree Day 2016 visit the events page of the Planet Ark Tree Day website.
If you want to help restore vegetation in your local area back to its natural vegetation type and improve the habitat for native wildlife there, visit your local council website and search for landcare programs. Gold Coast residents, can visit the Naturally Gold Coast Volunteer Landcare Program.