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It is impossible to miss the striking blooms of the many varieties of proteas at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah.

The mixture of altitude (about 1,000 metres above sea level) and the soil conditions combine to create conditions in which these plants thrive, and they are at their best in autumn and winter.

When most plants seem to be conserving energy for spring, these South African plants are full of colourful energy.

The blooms are popular as cut flowers, and there was a display of them in the visitor centre. The pictures behind the protea feature some of the beautiful bark around the extensive gardens.

The day I visited the garden was one of a clear sky with warm sunshine, with only the chill on the wind as a reminder of winter.

Proteas are available for sale at the garden, and there is a guide to growing them at home here.

Have you spotted any winter delights in your area?