It has been another grey day – just where is the sun? We could really do with some to brighten up these spring days. I did actually do a bit of tidying up outside last weekend, but there still is a lot to be done. I will use the excuse that I am waiting for all the spring bulbs to be tidied up. Anyway, it is time for Six on Saturday which since its inception in 2017 has been hosted by Jon The Propagator. He has encouraged us to share what is going on in our gardens in all parts of the world, and for me at least, allowed me to learn a lot from the experienced gardeners out there. Jon is handing over the reins to Jim at Garden Ruminations who we know will do a fantastic job as host. Check out the participant guide if you want to join in.
I’m starting this week with surprise corner. As I was looking at the borage and thinking I should just get rid of the saffron crocuses (they have never flowered), I spotted this little viola. Obviously a seed had fallen/been left behind, but what a lovely thing to find.
There are still a few daffodils around, hanging on and still looking pretty. I have been really pleased with the display this year – so many lovely blooms of different varieties.
So to herb corner, and there is a full pot of wonderfully scented lemon balm, a few sprigs of mint to pick and use with all sorts of things, the aforementioned borage (contained in a large pot), rue about to flower and a good supply of thyme such as this variegated one.
Still to be seen in the area next to the house are brilliant blue ajuga and delicate hellebores. Pink and blue – my favourite colours as a child.
More flowers are beginning to open on the old rhododendron in front of the house. There’ll be more to come in the weeks ahead.
Finally, to the tulips, and no words are necessary I don’t think. The varieties are Royal Design and Ad Rem.
That’s all from me folks for this week. 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.
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
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 
Ooh, Tulips and rhodo flowers ?! That makes my day.
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🙂
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Beautiful tulips!
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I am really pleased with them this year.
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Seeing spring photos as autumn settles in here reminds me how large Earth is, and how amazing the internet is, that allows us to see each other’s gardens like this. Happy you have a few daffs still, and your tulips are gorgeous!
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I so agree…looking at some amazing autumn pictures just now, when I am enjoying tulips, makes you really think about just how diverse the world is.
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Great spring shots, Barbara. I love unexpected surprises like that little viola peeking out!
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That little viola really brought a smile to my face when I spotted it.
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Royal Design and Ad Rem are lovely with the yellow edging on the petals. Great stuff.
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They are lovely aren’t they? Very pleased with my choice.
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Oh, lovely tulips, such a deep red. And a lovely viola, I prefer them to the larger pansy.
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Love those elegant lily tulips, it is so nice to have them twice a year curtesy of this meme. I have just planted mine and keeping fingers crossed (well not all the time, it is a long while to spring) that they survive the winter wet and give me some blooms in April.
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Yes…SoS let’s us see spring twice a year. Hope you get a good display of tulips come your spring – and of course share them here.
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Your ajugas really do have a beautiful colour.
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I agree!
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Lovely tulips again. I haven’t heard of rue, what do you use it for? Pretty leaves anyway.
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I am not sure what to use rue for to be honest….!
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Like Chris Mousseau, I love seeing what gardens on the other side of the planet are doing when our weather is well & truly autumnal. Your blog is a lovely reminder that, before we know it, spring will be here again! Gorgeous pictures, especially the tulips.
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I love surprises! We had a crepe myrtle “volunteer” in our garden. We replanted it to a wonderful location. And thank you, always, for tulips (and hellebores)!
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