Right now, countless tiny yellow fluffy balls are appearing in fecund clumps throughout the Yarra Valley, as they have at this time every year forever. Very cold mornings, longer and sunny days, regular rains. We have the hint of the warmth to come but still the chill is with us.
The European system calls this winter but the Wurundjeri, who have lived here and managed this land for tens of thousands of years call this time Guling, the season of wattle and orchids. It is a time of transition, from the cooler Waring (Wombat) season to the Poorneet (Tadpole) season which brings new life and activity.
More on the seven seasons of the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Nation from the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Museums Victoria.