It has been a week with lots of sunshine, some wind and some rain…and a lot of growth in the garden. So much so that parts of the garden just blend into the bush. It is also a busy weekend, with a dance performance on Friday evening, Pilates, food shopping and cinema today and lunch with friends tomorrow, so practically no time to get out in the garden – again. Still, the holidays are approaching! 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.
First up, talking about growth, the hymenocallis seems to have doubled in size. Every day when I take a look, I swear it is a little bigger. Let’s hope it keeps going and we get some flowers again this year.
Over to dahlia corner, and the new plants are coming on a treat so far, fingers crossed for flowers! Meanwhile, the dahlia which was the plant that kept on giving last season, has some buds already. Now that did make me smile!
At number three, I can’t help but share more camellia pictures. There are still so many flowers on this bush, and the steps to the house are constantly being covered with petals.
I now have to apologise for this week’s herb corner as I realise I have taken pictures of the same things as last week – almost. The lemon balm (which is also growing at an incredible rate, a gone to seed parsley (though not the same plant as last week at least…I have got replacements). The bigger of the two sage plants still has lovely purple flowers.
At number four, it is the season for renga renga or New Zealand rock lily. This perennial plant is good for those hard to grow areas in the garden. The white flowers appear from late spring to early summer.
Finally, a quick look at the buds on the alstroemeria, which covers the area beside the house. I’m looking forward to seeing all the flowers soon.
That is my rather quick 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 
The New Zealand rock lily is completely new to me and looks fantastic. Nice to see the flowers coming through on the Dahlia already!
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It is a pretty plant. I am so excited about my dahlia!
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What a beautiful iridescent colour that little bug is! Is it a good one? Your Dahlias are powering along, and I’m looking forward to seeing their flowers. I do like the look of the NZ Rock Lily, with its very pretty flowers! Does it die right back during winter? I like Alstromerias, but sometimes it is hit and miss with them in my garden! Have a great weekend!
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It is a steelblue ladybird introduced from Australia and controls some pests. Yes the NZ rock lily does die back in winter.
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I often wonder where I could put a camellia when I see photos of them in flower. They are lovely. I was also intrigued by the shiny jewel of an insect!
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Camellias grow well where we are. The wee insect is a steelblue ladybird.
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If rock lily is good for hard to grow areas then all my garden is a hard to grow area. Or perhaps I’m treating it too well. It’s only borderline hardy here and my marauding molluscs like it too much. I still haven’t decided whether to leave it in the ground or dig it and put it in my tunnel. Was the ladybird introduced intentionally as a biological control, or accidentally?
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The ladybird was introduced in 1899 but not sure if it was accidental – the ‘fact sheet’ I found didn’t mention that – they are so tiny one could imagine them easily appearing here by accident. The rock lily is all over the place here – just seems to keep going!
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The Alstromeria looks full of potential, and whilst we are watching our gardens prepare for a rest, we can enjoy yours developing their spring and summer beauty. Thanks for sharing.
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I didn’t know the New Zealand rock lilies. Have you already presented them to us? In any case the flower is elegant especially with the colours of the stamens 😍
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I think I did last year…in any case the flowers are elegant as you say.
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Sounds as though you have many delightful events to keep you busy. Everything looks green and healthy. Yay for the buds!
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What a cute bug! Ladybirds (the red sort) have been in short supply in my Cornish garden. I have no idea why. Your alstroemeria looks very healthy, I wonder how S&S resistant they are?
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My friend and I were talking about S&S, and the lack of snails here, attacking all and sundry. I have to look out for those little lace moths that look pretty but love to sack the sap out of plants.
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I am thrilled for you and your Dahlias. Mine have always been disastrous. The renga renga looks wonderful.
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Ah the camellias are just beautiful! I’m new at dahlias, but I think they are just gorgeous – and have big plans to dig into them next season.
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Sadly, I have nothing to offer from our garden at this time of year (wet, rain and snow). Seeing pictures of your garden was very uplifting. Thank you for sharing them.
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What lovely, fresh, strappy flowers on the alstroemeria. The New Zealand rock lily’s flowers are intricate. This plant is new to me. Wonderful to see spring in your garden when mine slips daily closer to the first hard frost.
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