Since last Saturday I have worn shorts, ankle boots and a coat in the rain, and now am back in shorts again. To say the weather is unpredictable at the moment is putting it mildly. I read during the week that the sea temperature around New Zealand is 2C warmer than average for this time of the year, which is a worrying thought, with its strong indication of global warming and whatever that may bring. But let’s turn our minds to gardens, and have a look at what has been happening. Thanks once again to The Propagator for starting this weekly event.
First up, those violas have spread to form a floral carpet in an area that needs a floral carpet if that makes sense. The soil is pretty poor, and the ground hard, so these make a welcome ‘filler’.
Second up, more Peruvian lilies, slightly bashed by the rain, but raising their gold heads nonetheless.
Number three: our Charlie has discovered the catnip, which has obvious teeth like holes in some of the leaves, and is starting to look a little worse for wear. It is kind of tucked away, so I might bring it out and see how long it lasts the onslaught.
At number four, taking a slightly different route home, I spotted these, on the edge of someone’s garden, but clearly a bit forgotten. The roses were stunning, and only two minutes from our house, so must go and take another look.
At number five, the lemon thyme is flowering, there are some flowers on the sage (which is looking as if it needs a bit of TLC), and the marjoram and Vietnamese mint are doing tremendously well. My mint, however, is looking very sad, as does my parsley and curry plant, which I don’t think has liked all the rain. I have kept the purple basil indoors in a sunny window, and it is doing well, so fingers crossed it continues to thrive.
The Vietnamese mint and marjoram
And finally…I had time to sit outside, read and sip some water with freshly picked lemon balm.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram@thistleandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.
Thistles and Kiwis 
It sounds like a happy Saturday compared to the gloomy weather here …Enjoy! (I’m jealous )
what is the taste of Vietnamese mint?
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Thank you! It is quite spicy and fragrant, think citrus/coriander.
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I like the lilies. I’ve got two new varieties to pot up for next year.
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Enjoy!
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Three more turned up today I’d forgotten I’d added to an order. I’ve run out of pots now. Whoops.
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A trip to the garden centre perhaps?
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My Vietnamese mint has taken off as well – probably because we’re on similar latitudes and have had up and down rain and heat! The last two days have been tropical! Can i ask what you take your glorious pics with and how you make them appear large on your blog?
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I actually use my iPhone! Nothing fancy. Re the size of the pictures…using the new layout on WordPress and this is the default.
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Envy your sunny sitting out. We have sun, but strong winds & cold temps, so it’s inside the house w/me. Love seeing how the Peruvians are shaping up. You warned us they’d be spectacular & they’re moving in that direction.
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We will enjoy your summer when it is out winter!
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Sounds lovely out! Mild here but very windy and wet. Due to get a bit colder next week.
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Looks like more rain for us next week…don’t mind if I am at work!
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Lovely colours and you can never have too many violas.
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I agree!
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Lovely to need a sunhat, I can’t imagine when I will get mine out again. I love your carpet of violets.
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We had lovely weather over the weekend. I like those violets too.
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Looks like a lovely restful area – I’m sure the cat appreciates it too.
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Oh he does!
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It’s very wet and grey here and so seeing your sunny pictures lifts the spirits
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Happy to share!
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