Yesterday evening, an email dropped into my inbox that made me jump….it was from NZ Bulbs with their 2023 spring bulb catalogue. I can’t believe it is that time of year already. We are still in shorts and summer dresses, and the thought of spring is oh so far away, but this was a reminder that the days are getting shorter. Anyway, this week has been one of lots of sunshine, watering plants in the evenings and spraying the eggs of those evil little lace moths that love to feast on juicy stems. 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, there is still only one dahlia, but a few more buds. The one exisiting flower is beautiful if a little bit nibbled. I don’t care as as I have said before, I didn’t expect any at all this year.
To herb corner, and the new mint is settling in well, I have a lot of tarragon and lemon verbena, which I should do something with – the tarragon usually goes to make flavoured vinegar at least.
Are foxgloves weeds? Bees love them and they are so pretty, so I am happy to have one pop up, especially as the alstroemerias are coming to an end (see the featured image).
What is definitely a weed in these parts is the agapanthus, and being surrounded by bush and pathways, it is hard to escape one getting into the garden. They are so pretty too, and when you see a whole bank of blue ones one cannot help but smile even though you know they shouldn’t be there.
At number five, this week’s nasturtiums, from the beautiful pale yellow, to the scarlet to the orange, they are all pretty at least to me and I know a few other SoSers.
Finally, I confess these are actually not in the garden, but I spotted these brambles at the top of the stairs on the way up to our house. It was such fun to see them, so I thought I would just share them here. They are very close to our house so I have ‘adopted’ them.
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 or lofgren@thistelsandkiwis.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
I also add tarragon to the vinegar of gherkins and/ or nasturtium capers, for example. I also add coriander berries and pepper. It tastes good !
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That sound good!
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Lovely dahlia. I have no flowers on mine, and the much wanted and expensive ‘Café au Lait’ rotted in the wet of winter.
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I honestly thought all of mine had gone, but three of the four have bounced back though only one is flowering.
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Another warm cuddle from you! I must get some lemon verbena, I used to make tea from it when I was in North Devon – delicious. You keep your (adopted) blackberries safe, they look very tempting. Have a good week.
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I need to pick some of those lemon verbena leaves and yes make tea from them. Hope you have a good week too!
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I’ve asked myself whether foxgloves are weeds often enough, and that’s here where they are native. Sue, somewhat oblivious to how much of a menace Agapanthus is in NZ, has been admiring and envying them greatly, and sending me lots of pictures to do the same.
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I think foxgloves are borderline weeds as you can buy seeds to plant them. As for agapanthus, when we moved here 10 years ago I was amazed at seeing them everywhere. The blue ones though are really pretty though despite being a bit of a nuisance.
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I love the white agapanthus, I have one or two and hope they will flower again this year – absent last. I use tarragon in chicken dishes, it is sooo good. And, yes, lemon verbena tea which I think I may have mentioned. I wonder if mine will come back after the cold weather we have had. Only time will tell.
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I agree tarragon is a perfect match for chicken and also with eggs. My lemon verbena bounced back after winter this year so hopefully yours will do the same.
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What a beautiful (and yummy) selection. Funny how some of those beauties can become nuisances. I always have a sneaking sympathy for them. I especially like the foxglove, a flower for a cottage garden.
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Foxgloves in a cottage garden – perfect!
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Beautiful pictures! The weeds are just as pretty as the other flowers.
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Thank you! Yes I agree.
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In the Southern US people make lemon verbena cake. Kind of a scented yellow cake. I cannot grow Agapanthus flowers for anything, foliage yes! sigh.
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A good six. Roll on spring here.
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I completely agree. Foxgloves in a cottage garden – what could be more perfect (and picturesque)?!
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I got an email this week alerting me that the state’s annual garden show was returning. I found myself excited and thinking is spring really on the horizon?
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That sounds like something nice to look forward to!
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I have a tarragon plant but have to date not used it. I’ll definitely be using it now thanks to all the comments on its uses! The nasturtiums are gorgeous!
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I went to pick some yesterday and it doesn’t smell that strong – I wonder if my plant is too old?
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I’ll check mine tomorrow to see if it is aromatic…..I hope so!
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