It has been a long week…I was at home, getting over the news of my brother’s death last weekend and thankful that I made the decision to remain in New Zealand and not travel to the UK. Today the Prime Minister announced that anyone coming from everywhere will have to self-isolate for 14 days, so I am at least spared that at this moment in time. Anyway, to the outdoors and there has been a lot of sunny weather this week. In fact, a drought now being declared for the whole of the North Island, with associated watering restrictions for domestic gardens. Having only a watering can, we are OK in our little space at the moment. It is also Saturday again, and time for SoS. Thanks once again to The Propagator for allowing us to share what is going on in our gardens.
We were expecting men to come around on Tuesday to clear the guttering on the roof, and I moved the majority of pots down onto the unused and hopefully safe from workmen part of the decking to make room for their equipment. This was a bit of a job, but worth it as I really checked out each plant, tidied up and spotted a big hole in the side of the pot that has one of the rosemary plants in it. The rosemary has since been repotted. Of course the men did not come, and are now scheduled for Monday morning, so will need to move some of the more delicate ones I had returned to their normal place, back again. Pffff…..
Not much new to report really…the Japanese anemones are still blooming and forming a lovely display around the house. There are some seedlings that have lost their tag, so I am intrigued as to what they are. A much needed trip to the garden centre is planned for tomorrow as moving the pots I realised a lot of things need potting on or retiring. Might look at bulbs too of course!
There are still lots of cornflowers which is lovely, and one more sunflower that is just about to come into flower. The blue and yellow together look so bright and summery, even though I guess we are into autumn.
In the herb corner….lots of mint, a little basil, some good parsley and lemon balm, and thriving curry plants that really do smell quite strongly in the sunshine. Yes, there are still sneaky nasturtiums too.
Actually, the picture below was taken on Friday while I was tidying up. Our neighbours cat decided to come and help, sitting on my knee, wanting to get indoors to eat our cat’s food and then lying down, exhausted. A cat’s life.
Finally, I tend to overlook this pot of succulents, but again with the moving about, realised it was there, so after taking this picture, gave it a good weed and tidy up. My brother Peter had a vast collection of cacti and succulents, so this picture is for him.
And that is all from Wellington for this week. 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 
Enjoy your garden centre trip tomorrow. I’m looking to stock up on supplies as it looks increasingly likely we’ll end up having a period of isolation in the UK. Might as well get garden jobs done. Talk of schools closing so going to need to entertain Alice. The Japanese anemones are looking stunning. I planted some discount ones out of season in winter. Hopefully, get a decent show later in the year.
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Wishing you all the best with everything. Such unsettling times. The Japanese anemones are so pretty so hope you are lucky with yours.
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All my condolences for your brother. May this Six bring some flowers and colours to your heart. This cornflower will do, I’m sure.. it’s gorgeous.
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So sorry to hear about your brother. Love that cornflower blue and the pink of your Japanese anemones. I hope you are finding solace in your garden.
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Thank you!
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Very sorry to hear about your brother, sending you a big virtual hug. Lovely cornflower, the colour is wonderful, I must make sure I scatter lots about this year. xxx
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Oh, gosh! A drought on top of everything else. It’s too much. Hugs and sympathy from halfway across the world.
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Thank you Laurie!
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I really like those Japanese Anemones. I have a few and so far they’ve never made an attempt to take over the garden. Love the cornflower, I’ve just sown some. So sorry to hear about your brother.
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Your lovely summer colours are always a tonic. So sorry about your brother.
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Thank you grannysgarden.
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It is getting dry here as well. I have been watering, I loathe watering. Hoping for rain for both of us. Everything looks wonderful. Do you eat the Curry Plant? I have heard different things about edible or not? Have had them but not in a salad!
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Haven’t tried to eat the curry plant yet though am pretty sure you can; Looks like we will get rain this week!
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My thoughts are with you, Barbara. Sun and a potter round the garden can be soothing therapy.
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Thank you.
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Sad times right now but we can all receive much healing from our gardens and the gardens of others. It’s so welcoming to see the gardens of many other’s, even though they may be thousands of miles away through the media if the internet. All the best to you and happy gardening. Hope those gutters get done too.
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I agree. Seeing spring in the northern hemisphere gladdens hate heart. Thanks for your wishes.
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Life is a little crazy right now. I wish you all the best and hope your garden gives you a place to chill out and relax.
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Thank you!
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Sending you condolences for your brother but that’s a splendid echeveria to remember him by.
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Thank you Katharine.
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Condolences. So sorry to hear your sad news of the death of your brother.
It’s lovely to see your Japanese Anemones and cornflowers at this time of the year when most of my plants are just beginning to wake from their winter slumbers.
Have a lovely day in the garden centre!
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Thank you!
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I’m sorry for your loss. I read your lovely tribute to your brother. I lost my brother this time last year, and we had shared a love of gardening too. It was one of the reasons I started to blog.
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Gardening is so therapeutic it truly is one of my favorite task 🌱
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It is!
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