Well, here we are, July already. It is hard to believe we are in the second half of the year. We were away for a few days, and missed a bit of a storm, but luckily there were only some twigs and leaves to sweep up outside when he returned. Other than a bit of weeding and cutting back, I’ve not done a lot this week, but there is a fair bit of general maintenance for me to do. Anyway, thanks once again to The Propagator for allowing us to share what is going on in our gardens.
At number one, probably the last picture this season of the flowers on the tecomanthe speciosa. We have had a lovely display this year, and hopefully will see more of these gorgeous flowers on this special plant next year.
The cooler weather seems to be much loved by the pineapple sage which is now almost too big for its pot. Having cut back the Vietnamese mint and tarragon, both are now showing signs of new life. Both rosemary plants are looking fine, as are all the parsley plants. Oh for warmer days to grow basil again! If anyone has handy hints on growing dill successfully when spring arrives, do let me know.
At number three, bulb progress, which you can see below. There are already daffodils blooming in the Botanic Gardens – the usual first flowers underneath the ginkgo tree.
No blog post at this time of year would be complete without camellias. The larger picture below is off the big bush at the back of the house that has the large, blousy flowers. The first flowers greeted us on our return, and there will only be more to come. I need to find a good place to try and take a picture. The other pictures are of the big plant outside our house, which runs beside one of the staircases to our house. So many flowers, so many petals to sweep up from the steps!
At number five, an update on the berries on the mahonia. You can see the colour beginning to change colour and ripen. Not all of the plants have such striking berries, but this one is certainly looking interesting.
Finally, I spotted these hellebore buds today. Hoping for some flowers soon – we had a gorgeous display last year and they are such lovely flowers too.
That is all from me this week. As usual, I am looking forward to seeing everyone’s beautiful gardens in other parts of the world. Hope you are all well and enjoying your gardens in whatever the season is with you.
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 
Hellebore are such wonderful plants, especially if situated in a suitable spot. Yours looks as if its got a very suitable spot.
Have a great gardening week, a chara.
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Indeed yes! Enjoy your week too.
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Oh, the fun of upside down seasons, to see what others are doing at a different season of the year.
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Yes it is fun!
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Every time you post pictures of Camellias I start adding six months to the date here to work out where in the winter you are. Your spring varieties are a month earlier (plus six months) than they would be here, I’m estimating. They’re nice to see, helps me get from one camellia season to the next.
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July is January…kind of! Someone told me that if you drilled a hole to the other side of the world, you would end up in Galicia.
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It feels like winter here today, I’ve got a big thick jumper on, so the camellias seem very fitting. Thanks for a last glimpse of the tecomanthe, til next year!
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The camellias are so gorgeous just now, and yes, the tecomanthe will reappear next year I am sure.
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Lovely as they are, I don’t want to be thinking about daffodils and helibores yet! They do look healthy though. Interesting Six-on-Saturday.
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Those camellias certainly catch the eye. I was wondering what the lowest temps in your area are.
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Temperatures in winter? We are quite sheltered but I would say in July lows of 5-7C and highs of 13-16C. Today, Sunday, the forecast is for 14C. Thus I have never worn the fur lined boots or multiple pairs of gloves I brought from Copenhagen!
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Thanks for the info.
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Herbs are my favorite plants in a garden. If I could only have one garden area it would be my herb gardens. Dill? It doesn’t like to be transplanted, but I have successfully wintersown it and gently transplanted it. Of course, you have to start that process in winter!
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Good to know! Since it is winter here I better get started soon!
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Nice six. There is a Mahonia round the corner from me about 3m high with one lot of leaves at the top of long stems. I really want to prune it each time I go past.
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They do grow really tall. I think I may have to prune these come spring.
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GREAT SIX! It looks like all is growing well for you there. I hope you are well! Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks!
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We get alot of the orange tecomanthe hedges up here and they are so pretty.
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Lovely to see the fresh signs emerging, of a spring that we have recently left behind – the daffodils, camellias and the hellebores. That’s a beautiful white Camellia.
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early signs of spring for you, lovely. i must find some hellebore to add to my paltry collection.
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