Another quick six from me as I am going out again on a Saturday night – I know – it is becoming a habit! This time it is to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet. I feel I have lost an interest in the garden at the moment, partly as there are so many other things going on and partly as things are just growing madly with the warmth and rain. I’m sure once a bit of time clears or something new flowers I will take note again. Anyway, thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations, for hosting Six on Saturday, whose knowledge of all things plants and gardening makes him an ideal host.
Last week I reported on an old dahlia that is showing signs of life again. Two of the others I fear are ‘gone’ but a second one may well be returning this year. Anyway, dahlias cannot be imported into New Zealand from Europe in 2023 because of new Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) regulations that could not be met in time by the growers in Europe. This is the sort of thing that happens here.
And so to the dreaded agapanthus…there are some about to flower on the steps and one evil one in the area next to the house. I know a lot of you struggle to grow them, but here they are weeds, if pretty ones, and so hard to get rid of.
Also a little weed like, but at least providing cover and useful on the slopes around the house is the renga renga or New Zealand rock lily. It is at least a native plant, unlike the agapanthus.
Over in herb corner, the tarragon is looking good, and I will use some tomorrow in cooking. The sage too is producing a good quantity of leaves which I will also use some of this week. I think going out to pick herbs is so lovely, that I should use that as my motiving factor when faced with ‘garden ennui’.
One of the few pops of colour around at the moment, apart from the gorgeous lavender that I deliberately did not include this week, are the camellias at the front of the house that never seem to stop flowering.
Finally, a little wild strawberry, perfectly ripe and very delicious.
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. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
wild strawberry looks delicious
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It was!
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We have woken to an overcast sky and a slight prospect of rain. Our indigenous Pompon trees have burst into bloom and so my garden is filled with attractive pink flowers! Enjoy the ballet!
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It is pouring with rain here this morning (Sunday). How lovely to have a garden full of flowers. The ballet was excellent!
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Super this agapanthus soon in bloom! …and this camellia flower is still so beautiful and pure
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Hmmm…..agapanthus are weeds here…but oh so pretty!
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Some lovely colour in your six, it’s getting harder to find here. I just can’t imagine Agapanthus as a weed.
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The New Zealand Rock Lily is very pretty. I hope your Dahlia makes it. Sometimes I think they’re more trouble than they’re worth, but if they make it to flowerhood it usually seems all worth while.
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Last year a hot spell in the summer when we were on holiday was not liked by the dahlias. I’m not going to bother again apart from the one that wants to keep going.
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There truly is nothing like fresh picked herbs from the garden.
Enjoy the ballet!
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Oh I agree! I love going out and picking what I need. The ballet was good.
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I keep meaning to tell you that the image you use at the top of your blog has such a calming effect. I may not even know I am stressed, but when I see the sky and water and the lovely composition, I feel as if a weight is lifted from my shoulders.
My tarragon is a monster (well, not at the moment, but it will be again) – I need more ways to use it. Camellias are very nice – we used to have them in the entryway in San Diego.
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Oh thank you! The picture is the waterfront in Wellington. It is a great place to go for a walk to recharge batteries.
Last year I made some tarragon vinegar which I am still using. I have never tried freezing herbs – wonder if that would work?
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Your weeds are fabulous! Isn’t it always that way. 😀
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Yes!
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Thank you for finding and sharing unconventional beauty in your garden. You are a good sport (I’m feeling a bit of blogging fatigue) and inspire me to be the same!
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Thanks Carol Ann – sometimes it is easier than others to blog!
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I hadn’t heard “dreaded” and “agapanthus” in the same sentence before I read this! I look forward to seeing your weeds in flower soon. Meanwhile, this antipathy towards the garden seems rather common at the moment.
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I will certainly post pics when the ‘weed’ flowers! I don’t know why I feel a bit down about the garden. There are a lot of issues eg needing to get a couple of trees taken down, keeping on top of weeds that just make me go … eugh. I need to get some more edible things I think to encourage me, but we are limited to pots really.
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