SAMPHIRE IN THE SALTMARSH 1

My painting was inspired by a time spent in the saltmarshes in Wills Creek Conservation Park, in Price, South Australia. Saltmarshes provide habitat for fish, and are important breeding and feeding areas for various bird species, including migratory shore birds. Saltmarsh supports various salt-tolerant plants, including grasses, herbs, reeds, sedges and shrubs. However, samphire are the most common and significant in terms of cover. And it is the colours of the samphire that inspired my painting. In Wills Creek Conservation Park samphire backs the mangroves Samphire is an extremely versatile food and can be consumed fresh – raw or cooked – in a wide variety of dishes, dried or crushed, as a spice. When Samphire is dried and crushed, becomes a spice, and can be used as a seasoning.