It is already nearing the end of September and I just don’t know where the time is going. Our clocks go forward this weekend, so it really feels like we are moving into the warmer and brighter half of the year now. The weather has been rather mixed shall we say. From strong winds, to very heavy, vertical rain that lasted all of Wednesday (no wind) to glorious warm sunshine, we have almost had it all this week. Things are growing and popping up all over the place, wanted things and not so wanted things of course too. Anyway, thanks to The Propagator who encourages us to share what is going on in our gardens in all parts of the world. Check out the participant guide if you want to join in. Photos taken on Wednesday and today.
First up…tulips. One flower head was the victim of the stormy weather unfortunately, but the others are still looking blousy and billowy. There is a wonderful display of tulips in the Botanic Gardens at the moment, so I’ll do a post with pictures either tomorrow or midweek.
At number two, the ajuga are flowering nicely. I like the flowers close up, but am not so keen on the overall shape. Still they nestle in places at the side of the house, and seem to flourish, so I will leave them there to do their thing.
And so to the daffodils, With the first blooms now fading, the second set are coming up nicely. The new this year Pipit, are a pale yellow with lots of clusters of flowers and look so pretty – the pictures don’t really do them justice. My old ‘peach and cream’ are doing well again, and the also new Thalia has produced some very attractive white flowers. I am so pleased with my daffs this year – we have had and are still having a wonderful display.
And so to number four…seeds. Nasturtiums of course, and I enjoyed the display of viola last year so they are a given. I didn’t plant any marigolds last year, so will do this year, and the same with the cornflowers. I got some more miniature sunflowers, but kind of think I might have been better off buying borage, bergamot and basil plants instead. We will see what transpires over the coming weeks.
Next to the miscellaneous corner, this week featuring a hellebore bud, one of those pretty but can be invasive little lilac viola shaped flowers and straggly muscari. My chive plant is sprouting flowers all over the place, so once I can get a decent picture, I’ll pop it on here. They will make a nice addition to a salad too I guess!
Finally, the magnolia, which is really in full flower now. It is so difficult to get a good picture of it, so please excuse me. The featured image at the top of the post (you can see it if you go to the actual website) also shows it off, with a kowhai tree covered in yellow flowers, behind it. This native plant is a real indicator of spring, and the birds love it. That picture, by the way, is what you see when you arrive at our house, such a joy after a day at work.
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 @thistlesandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
love the daffs thanks for sharing
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Thalia – that’s what I keep intending to get every year and never do. I’m writing it down before I forget.
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I just got these this year and am really pleased with them – a very nice flower.
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I saw your pretty pictures of daffodils on Instagram too, very nice! Do you know the variety of this muscari? because the colour is quite dark: I like it a lot.
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I actually found the old order from last year and it is muscari blue magic. I’m really enjoying the daffodils this year.
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Thank you!
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I am looking forward to seeing your summer garden – those seeds make me long to plant the packets I have in hand for the minute we get a decent rain!
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I hope it will look good – keep your fingers crossed!
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It’s so much fun to watch Spring and summer starting in your part of the world as our hemisphere descends into fall and winter.
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It means we can have spring and summer all year round!
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Indeed.
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Just as we plant bulbs for next year yours are in flower. A wondrous thing, nature and gardens! The tulip is a lovely colour and the magnolia flowers look beautiful.
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Yes nature and gardens are wondrous things!
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Spring is such a time of beauty and promise. Wonderful white daffodil. I’ve never seen one like that.
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This is my first white daffodil in my garden and it is really pretty. Spring is so full of hope as you say.
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Your daffs really are looking great this year. Am going to be planting bulbs of Thalia soon (after seeing it on Six on Saturday posts), your looks lovely. I like those little wild violas, wonderful for decorating cakes.
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I’ve been really happy with my daffs this year – mix of established ones and new ones.
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Just stunning flowers look forward to seeing how all your new plantings go. Time has flown by I had totally forgot about daylight saving time, lol. I remember dropping the kids off at school (many moons ago)an hour before it started along with a few other parents, thank goodness. Wondered why school was so quiet.
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I got a shock this morning when I saw I was still in bed at 9am…. 🙂
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Thalia is a delightful daff, I hope mine return next year. Be careful with the Borage though, I sowed some in my first year here and have had to be ruthless in weeding out the self-seeded plants each year since!
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I think I’ll be either putting it in a large pot or a spot where it might be good to spread. Most likely the former!
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It has huge tap roots! Not sure it is suitable for a pot. Have you got an area of wild garden?
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Lots of bits of wild garden….will have a think of a good spot!
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The Magnolia tree looks spectacular. I really like the pale yellow Daffodils, which look great in a cluster. That is a nice selection of seed to try. I have sown a few seeds and just hope they germinate soon.
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Interested in your seed packets, oddly. Haven’t seen any that don’t offer pics of the plants, but maybe a saving not to? From a publisher’s point of view, two colour printing is usually cheaper 🙂
Beautiful tulip and magnolia!
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I never thought about it until you pointed it out! Interesting…as you say it cut costs!
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Of all beautiful photos and flowers, my favorite is the storm-blown tulip. I am so glad you shared it with us, all rich petals and vibrant color.
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