Greetings from a sunny Wellington for this, the last SoS of 2019. Everything in the garden is growing, some things of course better than others, but it is lovely to see so many things thriving, even the supermarket basil plant. Thanks once again to The Propagator for allowing us to share what is going on in our gardens.
First up, there are some really lovely nasturtiums popping up in different pots. I love the one at the top of the post: such a lovely mix of colour and shape.
Next up, good old agapanthus. They are everywhere, many yet to bloom. There is an experiment going on in the Botanic Gardens to find a sterile form for domestic use that has good ground cover and lots of flowers. It is a weed in many parts of New Zealand, so this initiative by five gardens throughout the country is going some way to stop it spreading.
As I said, things are growing and growing fast, and of course some things are doing better than others. The Thai basil I fear will not last into the winter, but I am frequently wrong about these things. All the thymes are doing well, as is the mint, and both tarragon plants are flourishing. The rosemary plants though are needing some tender loving care at the moment – perhaps needing some sort of fertiliser?
There are always surprises in gardens, and this year’s prize goes to the bay tree. This was here, in a pot, when we moved in, and was always a bit sad looking. Now it has been moved and getting a lot more sun it is suddenly producing masses of new growth. I am so pleased as I really thought it was on its last legs.
I wasn’t going to mention the alstroemerias this week, until I noticed this one which isn’t the golden yellow of the rest, but more of an orange. There are a couple of plants this colour, in the same spot. They are quite noticeable.
Finally, we took a walk in the Botanic Gardens this afternoon, and I thought I should share with you the New Zealand Christmas tree, the pohutukawa. There are a couple behind our house, though not on our property, but this one in the gardens is stunning I am sure you agree.
As usual, I am looking forward to seeing everyone’s beautiful gardens in other parts of the world. All the very best for your gardening exploits in 2020.
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 
Wow that tree really is stunning!
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I know…so beautiful.
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Ah these colors! Ideal on a cloudy and gloomy December morning, thank you.
Always amazed by the pohutukawa!
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Glad I could add some colour to your December!
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I don’t understand why the pohutukawa isn’t grown more in this part of the world. I don’t think they would get through the frosts in our Scottish winter but there must be parts of the UK where the climate isn’t so much different from wellington and they would do ok? Enjoy your mid-summer!
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There are trees in Tresco garden but I don’t think I’ve seen it anywhere in Cornwall even. Do they have it at Logan Botanic maybe?
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Just looked up Metrosideros in New Trees, the Southern Rata, Metrosideros umbellate, is more widely grown here apparently. https://treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/metrosideros/metrosideros-umbellata/
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Thanks for doing the research Jim!
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It’s funny how much more exotic Alstroemerias seem than Nasturtiums, though they are similar in flower size and colour, or is it just me? The top Nasturtium would make a fabulous Alstroemeria. Just wow! to the Pohutakawa.
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I agree…maybe because we see nasturtiums growing everywhere? The pohutakawa this year seem to be particularly beautiful.
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Lovely colours! That tree is amazing, most unusual. I am moaning about my lack of colour here so it’s nice to see all yours. Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year to you as well!
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The New Zealand Christmas tree is stunning. I think I’m going to scatter a few more nasturtium seeds next year. They seem to do well for me each year and flower for a long time.
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Nasturtiums just add an easy pop of colour too. All the best for 2020.
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I think I’m going to have to give Alstroemerias a go next year. The nasturtiums are lovely.
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Yes do and post the results!
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Oh my goodness, this post makes me long for sun, fabulous alstroemerias!
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Those NZ Christmas trees are gorgeous! As are your nasturtiums. I must buy some seeds of different colours next year. HNY thistles! 💖
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Yes those trees are quite special at this time of year. Happy New Year to you too!
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I have never seen a Pohutukawa, and I love it red blooms looks like its decorated for the holiday season. Thank you for sharing.
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Happy to share! All the best for 2020.
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Spectacular tree! Your photo’s of the Nasturtiums have made me want to grow more next year.
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It really is a gorgeous tree. I like nasturtiums though I keep mine in pots. All the best for 2020.
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O, I do want one of those trees. Will have to follow Jim’s research on it (not that I have space for one, but I can covet to my heart’s content). Every year when I see both agapanthus & alstroemerias, I think about getting them & never do. Love all of yours, such great colours any time of the year, but much appreciated seen from the northern hemisphere. Hope you have a great new year.
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Thanks Lora! All the best for 2020.
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