After another pretty humid week, today started with rain, was followed by sun, and is now a bit grey and dare I say chilly? Or chilly in comparison to the past week? The temperatures on the main weather website are always wrong for Wellington, or at least the part of the city we live in, so I’m not sure how warm it is today. I should get a thermometer! There isn’t a whole lot new this week, but here we go. Thanks once again to The Propagator for allowing us to share what is going on in our gardens. Check out the participant guide if you want to join in. So…let’s look at this week’s six.
First up, I found a packet of viola seeds a few weeks ago and am delighted to see them pop up with these really pretty flowers. I believe they are edible ones too. They are just so pretty in any case.
At number two, the Japanese anemones are still looking quite beautiful. Here are this week’s pictures! I noticed that there are a few on the up set of steps from the house, which I guess must have self-seeded from the groups beside the house.
I didn’t post a picture of any nasturtiums last week, so by popular demand, here is a lovely bright orange flower and some well eaten leaves. There are loads of cabbage whites and those little lacewing moths, so it could be either of those or something else. Whatever, they love nasturtiums.
I’ve managed to rescue a few more little wild strawberries, though many more have been snaffled by others. This is one I picked, and ate, this morning.
Over to the herb corner, and I am delighted with the revitalised lemon verbena and a good quantity of sage. The tansy or lacy phacelia is still looking pretty too. I have loads of parsley which is great as it is such a useful thing to have to hand.
Finally, let’s end with the dahlia (dahlia art fair), which has been the success of the season. It is such a pity that the other one I bought came to nothing, but there is always hope for next year, especially since I have now got the dahlia bug.
So that is me for now from Wellington. 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 
I don’t ever mind when the caterpillars get the Nasturtiums. The plants just grow on regardless, and if anything, they serve as decoy, keeping the crawlies away from vegetables. An essential service.
Are things OK after the earthquake during the week?
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The earthquakes were big but off the coast out at sea. The tsunami warnings were taken down by lunch time. We were not affected here, though I did feel the first one.
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It sounds like you’re having similar weather to here, but with an added 15 degrees or so (last week was lovely, this week was wetter and colder)!
Those Japanese anemones are brilliant, but they don’t half make themselves at home! It’s always a pleasure to read your blog and remind myself what summer looks like 🙂
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I was going to ask the question about the earthquake and the tsunami… I got the answer thanks to Padraig.
About your Six this week, this dahlia is gorgeous in the light.
And here too the caterpillars devour the nasturtium leaves. No solution except to keep your eye open and crush them regularly
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Yes..caterpillars need to live too 🙂
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I love the idea of growing violets and nasturtiums and using their petals to add color to salads or other dishes. The spiciness of nasturtium is fondly remembered from long ago when I made my first forays into edible flowers. I have yet to try violets and am curious about their flavor (if any).
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I haven’t tried this violets, but ones I have tried don’t have much taste. But happy to try again!
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I love nasturtiums in the garden and am happy for them to grow anywhere. I was given six dahlia plants a year or two back and was very sad when nothing appeared last year – thought that was it – then five of them reappeared and produced lovely flowers this year. They too are very pretty.
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I think Violas are one of my favourites – yours are lovely. I’ve never tried growing them from seed. I must give it a go.
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I had a packet and thought I would just give them a go so very pleased indeed with the results.
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Aren’t pansies perfect…….certainly when you look at just one bloom in detail. I’m contemplating putting my nasturtiums (when the seeds arrive) in my hanging baskets, once I have started them in the greenhouse. I haven’t ordered the trailing variety although I thought that they all tended to “trail”.
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Yes pansies are so lovely. I think next summer I am going to get some more. Most nasturtiums trail a bit in my experience.
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I too love violas! They have a long flowering period, and often self-seed, and their colours are so varied. Pity about your nasturtium being munched! Your herbs are looking very healthy!
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Glad you got a strawberry. That dahlia is magnificent. Somewhat makes up for the disappointment of the other one?
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Yes it does…and there is always next year!
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I’ve got viola tricolor all over my allotment and never think to use it as a food. It seeds about prodigiously.
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I have eaten nasturtiums, pansies and violas, and even violets. They are good in salads!
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Well done for growing violas from seed. I’ve always bought them from garden centre but your way is much more economical and ecological!
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The phacelia is looking good, they are such interesting flowers I find. Violas are so pretty, even prettier frozen in an ice cube with a summer drink – I like mine with elderflower cordial.
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Oh what a good idea to add them to ice cubes! Must have a go.
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Love the Dahlia images! I need to have a look and see what is eating my Nasturtiums.
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You inspire me to attempt Dahlia’s (and to be gentle with myself in the process). And I usually have wild strawberries in my yard too — I hadn’t thought to eat them until seeing your example. Keep the beautiful photos coming!
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Yes definitely give them a go – such lovely flowers and so many varieties. Wild strawberries are quite lovely when ripe.
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Your flowers are so prettyyy. I tried growing green beans and it died on me…how to tell when you’re not meant to be a plant mom. So fun how you get to find wild strawberries and eat them, it reminds me of a treasure hunt.
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You should try growing something again – you may just have been unlucky last time!
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Love the edibles in the garden & that they are so pretty. I bet that strawberry was sweet as.
My dahlia first one ever is almost open I’m so excited. Your photos are just beautiful I feel like I’m wondering with you & enjoying the tiny details in the flowers. Have a wonderful week my friend.
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Thank you – and yes that strawberry was good!
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I love the idea of edible flowers. Last year I decorated a salad with nasturtium flowers. Another idea I saw was to use marigold petals. I am struggling to persuade my nats to grow at the moment. they are indecisive. I think I will be some viola seeds.
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