Here we are at the end of May already….hard to believe we are approaching the half-way mark of the year. It is a bit grey here today after some lovely sunny days this week. Even though the sun is trying its best to break through the clouds, it is not the nicest of weather. Actually, there is a severe weather warning for the Canterbury region in the South Island, which apparently could be facing its most significant rainfall event in a decade. Back home, there are a few things that need to be done, so I am hoping Wednesday will be a better day to allow me to get outside. Anyway, 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. Let’s look at this week’s six.
I thought I would start this week with some bright, pink camellias which are a contrast to the weather. The large picture and the one at the bottom right are from the ‘shared bush’ with our neighbour, the other one is from the front of the house. The three other bushes in the garden/edge of garden are also covered with buds, so expect more in the weeks to come.
The dahlia is still producing lots of flowers as you can see. There was a frost in some parts of the city I believe on Thursday morning, but not where we are. Actually, to be honest, in the 8 years we have lived here, I have seen frost on the grass in the Botanic Gardens about half a dozen times.
Sticking with flowers at number three, the plant you are all familiar with by now, the tecomanthe speciosa. It really is a gorgeous and interesting plant and I love it.
Now to the pick and mix corner, where we have some flowers on the shaggy supermarket basil that is still going on. The sun and rain has boosted the pineapple sage, and the variegated sage is also doing fine. The wild strawberry plant continues to flower and provide the occasional little fruit to keep my eye on before the birds help themselves.
I know I featured these cheeky little plants last week, but here they are again. There are a couple of other things popping up too…bulbs left in pots last year, deciding now is a good time to pop their heads above ground. In case you are wondering, there are signs of daffodils in the Botanic Gardens.
Finally, since it is raining, I’ll end today with two indoor plants, the newly acquired Peperomia Polybotrya ‘Raindrop’. I know this type of plant is fashionable at the moment, but it is attractive and I needed/wanted another bit of green in the house. Sitting beside it is the Peperomia ‘Burgundy Delight which I bought a while back. It seems to like the spot it is in at least.
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 
The Camellias look great! Nice to see a bit of indoor gardening too – something to get on with when the weather is not being kind 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes they are gorgeous just now! Thanks for popping by and yes it was nice to think about my indoor plants today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Camellia and dahlias are always pretty!
Thanks also for showing us some pretty houseplants. Peperomia ‘Raindrop’ is gorgeous. I don’t have it yet here but I saw one at the garden centre last weekend and I must admit I hesitated …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m actually really enjoying the peperomia raindrop – it is really pretty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Peperomia Polybotrya ‘Raindrop’ is lovely. Very tempting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a good, vibrant pink on the camellia to lift the spirits on a dull day. I like both peperomias, they look good together and very healthy, not a speck of dust on them, you clearly look after them well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is grey again this morning and the bright pink of the flowers are such a stark contrast to the sky. Thanks for the complement about my indoor plants!
LikeLike
The Raindrop Peperomia is very nice. I have also been seeing more of these lately, but I firmly believe in disregarding trends where plants and other living things are concerned. A good plant is a good plant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree – a good plant is a good plant.
LikeLike
The tecomanthe is a fascinating plant. Always fun to see. But the name sounds as though it should be a dinosaur rather than a plant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Call it Three Kings Vine instead 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The camellias are lovely. That Peperomia brings back many memories, my mother used to grow them very successfully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are so lucky to have 4 established camellia plants around the house. I’m enjoying the peperomia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The camellia is a stunning pink. I have a rhododendron in the same colour and it really perks up the garden at this time of year. I hope the heavy rain passes you by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is raining here, but nothing like down south where there is flooding in lots of places. Yes the bright colours are really needed at this time of year!
LikeLike
Love the raindrops..and the Peperomia! Enjoy the Camellias and Dahlias while they last.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! The raindrops in the featured image are on the native plant kawakawa.
LikeLike
I love the camellias. It’s approaching winter and I find it the best time for gardening. The colours are stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If the weather is good enough it is lovely to get outside! I love camellias too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I must investigate Camellias a bit more. Yours is flowering and so is mine in opposite seasons.
LikeLiked by 1 person