It turned properly cold this week for the first time this winter. I can’t remember what day it was, but I noted it was 10C here and in Glasgow, Scotland one day last week. All I can say is, at least it is winter here! In Wellington this week we have had rain and hailstones, but also lots of bright blue skies as well. It is the shortest day here of course, and Matariki, the Māori new year, starts on 25 June. It is really feels like winter. But now it is time for Six on Saturday and thanks once again to The Propagator for allowing us to share what is going on in our gardens.
First up, this was what I saw when I came home from work on Friday – the camellia tree in full flower. It is quite stunning, and the flowers close up are too (I know I had a photo of these last week too, but it was raining then…).
Another picture of something I have already posted about before, these white, almost lily like flowers, that hang from the bush that wraps itself around anything and everything. I was looking back through some old photos, and saw this bush flowering in February in the past. I am not sure what is going on here, but they are lovely to look at at this time of year as well.
Next up, the muscari or grape hyacinth, which are growing steadily. There are daffodils at different stages, so hopefully will have a good display for a decent amount of time. I should say, that there are signs of daffodils in the Botanic Gardens as well.
To the herbs, and the sage and rosemary are doing fine, as is the parsley, but the lemon thyme (just visible) is in need of a drastic cut back. I’ve still got a supply of mint, and am still keeping the basil indoors for now. The plants seem to be doing fine, getting lots of sunshine.
And here is what you get when you go on holiday and have to travel for work…a pot with a mint (I have a second pot with mint that is looking a bit healthier) that is in desperate need of being cut back, two raggedy nasturtiums and weeds. Attention is needed!
And finally, another camellia, also at the back of the house. We are surrounded by these right now, in our back yard, our neighbours gardens and in the Botanic Gardens.
So that’s it from me. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s beautiful gardens in other parts of the world.
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.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
These unknown white flowers are they scented? It would be interesting to identify them …
LikeLike
If they are, it is not obvious. Will go and have a sniff in the morning! I will ask one of my gardening gurus at work.
LikeLike
Those white flowers are very interesting. I wonder what they are? Perhaps there’s an old plant label in that mysterious shed of yours (have you opened it yet?!)
LikeLike
I think the plant is older than the shed! I have found what I think is the key, so will see what there is in the shed next week (I am sure there is nothing of interest…but one can never tell…).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am intrigued by your white flowers, I wonder what they can be.
LikeLike
I need to get one of those flower identifying apps for my phone I think!
LikeLike
I feel like I should offer to swap weather with you, but I’m not that generous! Lovely day here. Sorry. 😀
LikeLike
🙂 At least it was sunny yesterday!
LikeLike
At least in Winter here in NZ we have Camellias to remind us of colour
LikeLike
Indeed we do!
LikeLike
Like others I find the ‘white flowers’ fascinating. Hopefully one of the Sixers will be able to ID. Gorgeous camellia too.
LikeLike
I’ve tried googling different word combinations, and not having any luck. I’m going to try a colleague at work who just might know.
LikeLike
Your white flower mystery has everyone’s attention, including mine as well. I’m interested in your winter temp of 10C. I could get used to a winter like that one. Just love it that what we consider spring bulbs are coming into bloom for you now. O please do share the daffs w/us when they bloom.
LikeLike
A work colleague and I wondered if the flowers were Nepal Trumpet flowers, but the leaves are quite different. Will def share daffodils!
LikeLike
And mine, too! Hope you will be able to identify them. And let’s just say that your winter looks very, very different from ours. 😉
LikeLike
Yes…we don’t get snow here and it is green all round. I have to say I enjoy it having had too many cold winters in Copenhagen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does look lovely.
LikeLike