It is still summer, with warm days and t-shirts, but the mornings are definitely getting darker, and there are signs of the gingko in the Botanic Gardens turning to its golden autumn hues. Autumn is, I guess, just around the corner, but let’s enjoy the summer while we can. The cicadas are particularly noisy at the moment, so as long as they keep going we know the days are warm and relatively long. 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.
First up this week, the Japanese anemones. More are opening and gracing the garden with their elegant pink petals. I’ve spotted white ones in the Botanic Gardens, but the ones beside the house are all pink.
At number two, herb corner. There are flowers on the oregano, that I will pick and make some flavoured vinegar with, lots of tarragon (chicken is on the menu this week), and the rosemary plants are growing a pace at the moment and one at least needs re-potting into a bigger pot.
And now to the bad…and my dahlias…which although no longer being attached by insects, are suffering from powdery mildew. Given the humidity and long spells of dry weather, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. There never seems to be time to get to the garden centre to get some fungus spray, but maybe we can head that way tomorrow after our lunch time meeting.
Meanwhile, the sunflowers are bringing great joy, with their joyful colour and interesting shapes.
At number five, more karaka berries. This native evergreen may look pretty, but as I mentioned last week, the berries are very poisonous for dogs.
Finally, a nasturtium of course, also seen in the featured image at the top of the post.
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 
Lots of lovely colour and the nasturtium is stunning.
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Thanks!
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I love sunflower most. So gorgeous!!
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I think they are such cheerful flowers.
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Japanese anemones are one of the signs of approaching autumn… You can still enjoy beautiful sunny days. I didn’t know the karaka berries and I will google to learn more
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Yes…you can feel autumn in the air….guess that means looking at bulb catalogues too!
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What a richly coloured nasturtium you have! Mine are mostly bright orange.
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I’m really pleased with them. Such a great colour.
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Fingers crossed the dahlia’s don’t suffer too much. I’ve got sunflowers to grow this year, I am looking forward to them.
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I have sort of become resigned to the dahlia issue. Hope you have a great display of sunflowers when the season comes around.
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Everything here is still quite white. And cold. So your colour and herbs are a very welcome sight!
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…and when it is winter here, I can look at your summer colours…
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…warm days and t-shirts – can’t wait! Especially after the weather we have had this week.
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I’m looking out at rain just now….
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The tarragon looks very healthy – what is your secret? Poisonous or no, I love the look of that karaka bush!
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Not sure why the tarragon has done so well this year. Obviously the humid weather that the dahlias hate is loved by the tarragon!
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I too am greatly looking forward to warm days and tshirts. Your lovely post has helped to transport me there!
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Lovely summer colours, we can look forward to those , I hope, although they seem a long way away at the moment. Perfect nasturtium.
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That’s a gloriously rich-coloured nasturtium, maybe a truer red than normally seen? Lovely to see your japanese anemones starting into flower. They give such a long lasting show and are so airy and delicate. I’ve got white ones in my garden, but I must get some pink too.
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The red nasturtiums are really pretty and such a vibrant colour.
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