Greetings from a rather grey and damp Wellington today. A good Scots word to describe the weather is ‘dreich’ – if you want to know how to pronounce it, follow this link. Things are growing, weeds as well, but actually there is not much new to report. Anyway, here are my six on this first Saturday in November. 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, Friday and early Saturday morning.
I’m going to start with something you have seen before, and that is the bright, red flowers on the pineapple sage. Another set of blooms have just appeared, and just sparkle when you look out of the window and see a bright spot of red.
I realise I feature the same herbs more or less every week, which is because these are the most photogenic. My straggly tarragon which does provide just enough for cooking is not that pretty. I have a couple of really good thyme, which don’t photograph well with my phone, two oregano plants which are also frequently used and good quantities of parsley, mint and chives. Below though are the pretty plants – the chocolate mint, the variegated sage and the lemon balm.
The Mexican orange blossom or Choisya Ternata is still looking – and smelling – gorgeous. I love this bush and the flowers. Such a lovely thing to have in the garden.
At number four….signs of the new dahlias and the first bud has appeared on the plant I grew last season. I squealed with delight, causing my dear husband to wonder what was going on, but I am sure you all understand why I cried out in joy! Now…keep your fingers crossed that these continue to grow….
At number five…yes that camellia again. We managed to get someone to trim back part of it to give more light to the decking, but to cut back any more is going to need an expert. Meanwhile, here is one of the many buds still to be seen, and a recent flower.
Finally, warm (mostly) and damp weather means there are parts of the garden that now look like a jungle, though at least the alstroemeria will flower and look lovely. The hostas are also looking promising.
That is my six this week, and 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 
I too squealed with delight to spot two dahlias coming up where I have grown them before! Two out of several, but I am already looking forward to their growth and will be watering them with a jug every now and then until we eventually get rain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is exciting isn’t it? Hope you get some rain soon, but jugs of water will help in the mean time.
LikeLike
Your Mexican Orange Blossom looks lovely. I thought mine was on its way out this year. It hasn’t really flowered properly but the foliage is looking better. I think your dahlias are definitely worth a “wow” and/or a loud shriek!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep your fingers crossed for the dahlias…..hope your Mexican orange blossom bounces back. It is lovely.
LikeLike
Good news of seeing new dahlia shoots appear ! I hope they won’t be attacked by a late frost nor by a massive attack of slimy mollusks…🤞
LikeLiked by 1 person
No late frost as a danger but bugs and too wet may be an issue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hurrah for the dahlias! Fingers are crossed for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to see it all kicking off at your end of the world. Such joy in the dahlia buds. Do you have much problem with molluscs? I can almost smell your Mexican Orange Blossom! Hope the sun comes out for you soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our bug problem is vinehoppers but I found something last year that got rid of them so must make sure I have a good supply handy!
LikeLike
I am still amused that our pineapple sage plants are both flowering at the same time 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read that some salvias flower here in spring….as if they still think they are in the Northern Hemisphere 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like Heyjude, I’m bemused by your pineapple sage flowering in spring when mine is peaking now, well into autumn. Does yours keep flowering through the summer? or in other words, will mine keep flowering if I keep it frost free over winter so it isn’t killed to the ground?
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I said to Heyjude, apparently some salvias flower here in spring…not sure why..l will see how long these last and let you know!
LikeLike
Yay! I would be squealing over the Dahlias, too. Good luck..the herbs look tasty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful fresh looking herbs, just as my mint is being smothered by falling leaves and dying back. Do you ever bring your mint in over your winter? I find that it never thrives indoors and last year got attacked by aphids (in the kitchen! Very odd).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t brought my mint in over the winter yet – might think about it next year as one plant didn’t seem to like being outside.
LikeLike
Lovely to see your Dahlias just starting into growth as some of mine have just been frosted. Hope the slimy critters leave them well alone 🤞
LikeLiked by 1 person