Gosh…how quickly this week has gone! I can’t believe it is Saturday already again. Our clocks go forward tomorrow, so we are definitely entering a period of longer days. Having spent most of my life in Northern Europe, I kind of miss those long summer nights….however, I definitely don’t miss this long winter nights! Anyway, thanks once again to The Propagator for allowing us to share what is going on in our gardens.
First up, our neighbours’ cat (affectionately known as Fat Cat) came round to help me again…or rather hinder, as he wanted to wrap himself around my legs and sit in places where I wanted to go. He seems to be a regular Saturday afternoon visitor. Luckily, Charlie was out visiting friends…..
Anyway, in the next couple of weeks, I’ll be getting around to lifting the bulbs and storing them until autumn. In the meantime, there are still anemones, grape hyacinths or muscari and one, solitary daffodil.
Next up, what is growing and what is not. A popped a few odd nasturtium seeds I had lying around around the now weeded lemon tree, and these are now showing signs of life. The two mint plants are looking fine, as is the bee balm bergamot is shooting up, so I hope it flowers. Meanwhile…looks like my last surviving basil is not going to last much longer. We’ll see, but I don’t hold out much hope. I’ve given it a good watering so it might perk up a bit. The hebes are also starting to flower.
Next up, bugleweed or ajuga. Now, while I am aware this can be a bit of a nuisance, but as I read on The Spruce, the plant is “excellent for filling in large, shady areas where lawns are difficult to grow, and it can work well on banks or slopes”, which is exactly where it can be found around the side of the house. It looks pretty and certainly helps to keep weeds at bay and, as there is nowhere to have a lawn of any sort, we don’t need to worry about it interfering with any grass.
I spotted a few violets that have popped up since last week. I actually have some edible violas to plant out soon, and I am looking forward to being able to pick a few. (By the way, it seems that shades of purple are everywhere right now. The lavender is still looking stunning too).
Finally, probably the last decent picture of the magnolia. You can see the kōwhai with its yellow flowers above. And as to last week’s ‘mystery flower’, I agree with those who said wild freesias, given they were in an old graveyard where all sorts of things grow you don’t find so often in other places.
As usual, I am 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 
I agree about the bugleweed. I have started to put it in as ground cover under shrubs.
Some of mine have variegated leaves which are also nice.
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It looks really pretty too.
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Such a gorgeous splash of blue, that anemone. Mr. Fokker, I presume?
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I had a mixed bag of anemone bulbs and this was one of them!
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I love the smell of violets, though it’s a bit of a struggle to get down to their level to appreciate it. I should try some in pots.
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Oh I quite agree!! My knees are not what they used to be….
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I like ajuga, makes good ground cover and a good food source for bees in spring. I grew in pots though so it never spread massively.
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It really helps to cover this patch of ground which is good – and anything that is good for bees is good!
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I planted a lot of ajuga reptans purpurea 3 years ago and I ‘mdelighted!
An excellent ground cover for shade or partial shade. I find even that are spread on the lawn next door….
Very nice photo header: a hebe – small leaves?
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Yes it is some sort of hebe. There are quite a few plants dotted around our house which look like they have been there for ages.
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Funny, I’m trying to get rid of nasturtiums. Each to their own!
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Indeed!
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I have ajuga too in my woodland border and it is spreading nicely. Difficult to plant anything with deep roots as there are so many trees and shrubs in what is a raised wall so this plant is perfect. I had to smile reading that you are about to dig up your bulbs just as I am about to plant mine! The seasons are whizzing past way too quickly. I just hope our winter does the same, I am not a winter person.
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Oh I am not a winter person either, so spring cheers me up! I agree that the seasons are just going too fast…time seems to be flying by. Enjoy planting your bulbs 🙂
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You guys are a week ahead of us here in Victoria with day light savings- our clocks go back next weekend – more time in the garden 😀🌺🌸
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Yes as long as you are firm with Ajuga it is a good plant. The days are shortening at a fast pace up here. The season for soup and box sets has started
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The ajuga will hopefully stay in its place! We are seeing asparagus now 🙂
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