dried arrangement

This little collection from the surrounds of a Banksia grandis, also known as the Bull Banksia or Giant Banksia.
No shrinking violets, the 'nuts' or cones from this tree can grow to a decent size. The largest one here about 35cm and they are much sought after by wood turners and scrub up pretty well as ornaments. They don't scrub up quite so well when decked out with a pair of feet, googly eyes and a little felt hat hung with cork.

Named for Joseph Banks who accompanied James Cook on his journey of discovery in 1768 to find the mysterious Terra Australis incognita, the 'unknown southern land.' They did find Australia and spent seven weeks on land where he and Finnish and Swedish botanists made the first collection of Australian flora.