Remember, remember, the 5th of November, gunpowder treason and plot. It is Guy Fawkes in places that celebrate it, which some people here do, though I suspect fireworks will be banned for sale to the public given the recent fires in Christchurch. Anyway, it is a gloriously day here, with blue skies and sunshine and a need for antihistamines with spring in full flow. Thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations, for hosting Six on Saturday whose knowledge of all things plants and gardening makes him an ideal host.
First up, the last of the hellebores are now flowering. I always say ‘the last of’ and then end up seeing more in the weeks ahead, but they really are ending their season.
At number two, the little violas I spotted the other day are still popping up. I guess I emptied an old packet of seeds into the pot to see what would happen, and I have been gifted with these pretty little faces looking up at me.
The Mexican orange blossom is still looking gorgeous, and of course also smells good. It is such a pretty plant, and fills in a dull corner of the garden.
Next it is herb corner, with the rue flowering with these pretty little yellow blooms, the thyme also in full flower (and what another glorious smell) and the rosemary growing like anything (and needing to be repotted). The pineapple sage is looking good in its new pot, and I seem to have heaps of oregano.
At number five, there are nasturtiums popping up all over the place, thanks to me ‘scattering’ some left over seeds from last year into various pots. Hopefully there will be flowers in the weeks to come, followed by nasturtium capers using Fred the French Gardener’s method.
Finally. I make no apologies for lavender again, as it is just looking (and smelling) fantastic right now. I even managed to capture a bee also enjoying the flowers if you look closely.
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 
I made nasturtium capers again this year and I still eat them from time to time in salads or with charcuterie. Surprise I have a new willful plant growing back in my driveway! I guess it won’t survive the winter.
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There are lots of sweet scents emanating from your garden. Enjoy the sunshine!
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My nasturtiums are growing apace and I have red poppies growing in my garden for the first time.
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Oh how lovely to see poppies! Such lovely flowers.
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You can never have too many herbs! Although saying that my golden marjoram is a bit of a thug. My pineapple sage is just coming into flower and I am debating whether or not to leave all three pots outside this winter (last year I brought one indoors, but it got badly affected by whitefly).
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I leave my pineapple sage outside but then our garden is pretty sheltered. I love the small but really don’t know what to do with it!
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I don’t use it either, but imagine you could use the leaves in cakes. The flowers are such a clear red though.
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Yes the flowers are an amazing colour.
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You never need to apologize for lavender! It is beautiful to look at — and I swear that I could smell it through my screen!
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:-). It really does smell good!
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Your lavender is super – and I’m now reconsidered planting Choisya – I never used to like it, but its so pretty in your picture, you’ve reminded me that it’s scented – and I think it might do rather well here! Thanks for sharing
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The Mexican Orange Blossom looks beautiful in the sun.
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I like your Mexican Orange blossom, we grew that in Sydney, but I’m not sure about Canberra because we get such heavy frosts. Your hellebore is pretty, ours look dreary in comparison…. Enjoy spring!
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Ah, spring, I remember that. It seems a long time ago.
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Beautiful pics and the scents in the garden must be amazing. 😊
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My Mexican Orange blossom thinks it’s spring here! Your various types of lavender are very pretty.
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I’m so pleased with the lavender this year. It seems to grow really well around here.
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What pretty lavender blooms. The bee has the right idea!
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