Another Saturday, another time to share 6 things from the garden. We have a new host, Jim at Garden Ruminations, whose knowledge of all things plants and gardening makes him an ideal host. I’m afraid there isn’t much new this week. The weather is definitely getting warmer, and I really need to decide what I want to do with all the pots for summer.
Anyway, the rhododendron greets us when we get home, and what a lovely sight it is too. It is an old tree that is perhaps not in the best of health, but still looks so gorgeous at this time of year.
At number two, the Mexican orange blossom is also in flower, with its lovely scent and pretty flowers. I have seen this bush in lots of other gardens around where we live, so it is clearly a popular shrub that grows well around here.
In my Secret Santa gift at work last year, I got this pot with lavender seeds that I completely forgot about. I thought I might as well give them a go, with nothing lost if nothing happened. Well, there is signs of life, so will persevere even though I really don’t need more lavender (see below!). Still on ‘surprise shoots’, one of the supermarkets here has been doing their Little Garden seed promotion, designed to get children interested in gardening, again this year. Unfortunately most of the ones this year were for things I don’t have places to plant such as cabbages, but I did find a couple of coriander and these sugar snap peas which have managed to germinate, so might as well give them a go.
Over to the herb garden, and there are lots of signs of new life. There is lots of thyme, variegated sage, and lemon balm, but I need new parsley and probably mint and, of course, summer basil.
So to the lavender plants, which are all still looking so pretty and bright. The bees like it too of course.
So to the real signs of spring with hellebores still flowering (see the featured image), a few late daffodils still blooming and these tulips, now at their peak best. What a joy to behold!
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 
Mexican orange blossom is a great shrub. We had one at our old rented house and pruning it always released a lovely herb-like aroma.
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Yes it really has a lovely smell.
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Your Hellebore picture made me pine for my spring garden of long ago. The light is perfect..
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I’m envious of your lavender plants, and the Tulips are incredible! The Mexican orange blossom is looking lovely too.
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Seedlings, what a joyful sight! Your tulips are amazing, I love that colour, brings a zing to my morning.
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Thanks! I love the tulips too, looking out of the window at them.
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Here, the choisya is trying yet another bloom, which is not unpleasant in October. Amazing red tulip flowers! And congrats on the seedlings : beautiful growth ahead
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Fingers crossed for the seedlings!
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I do love your tulips and what a lovely greeting you get from your rhododendron.
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I love having lavender around – my plants are rather elderly now so will need to get some new plants before long. I join in the admiration of your tulips.
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The tulips are a treat to see and give us chilly northerners a glimpse of hope as the dark days approach.
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Lovely sunny sky behind your rhododendron photo, and wow, what stunning tulips.
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I’m really pleased with the tulips this year.
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I swear that I can smell that Mexican Orange Blossom from here. Happy Spring!
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I’m sitting here listening to the torrential rain on our conservatory roof so seeing your sunshine on those amazingly bright tulips does cheer me up. Lovely, spring Six-on-Saturday.
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So lovely to see Tulips. Mine are in paper bags in a cool, dark spot with all the other bulbs. I must start some planting soon! My Mexican Orange Blossom didn’t like the heat this summer but is putting out some flowers, finally.
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The Mexican Orange blossom is looking so good at the moment.
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I have never seen lavender grown from seed, what a thoughtful gift. Perhaps it will bloom into a wonderful indoor house plant.
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No I hadn’t either – I’ve always bought plants. Will be interesting to see what happens.
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