Our purple patch begins
YOU know the Goodna Jacaranda Festival can't be too far away when the first purple flowers start blooming in Evan Marginson Park - well, most of the time, anyway.
It is still three weeks until the iconic spring celebration begins, but nature doesn't always run like clockwork.
Goodna area councillor Paul Tully, a proud supporter of the 67-year-old festival, said five jacarandas opposite the RSL Services Club had started blooming unusually early.
"These jacarandas were planted 15 years ago and are obviously thriving in the dry conditions," Cr Tully said.
"They went under water in the 2011 flood but seem to be in peak condition now."
Organisers of the annual event will be hoping the rest of the jacaranda trees which surround the park will join the floral display in time for the end of October, forming a picturesque purple border for the family entertainment, rides and stalls that will arrive.
Jacarandas typically hit full bloom in mid-spring, staying in flower for about two months, but they have been known to bloom as early as June in Springfield because of abnormal weather. A second bloom usually arrives mid-summer.
Cr Tully said the original jacaranda trees planted along Brisbane Tce in 1932 were still dormant but he expected them to be in full bloom in time for the festival.
"They are 80 years old this year and are a tremendous asset for Goodna," he said.
For updates on the festival, visit goodnajacarandafestival.com.
