As the clean up after Cyclone Gabrielle continues (with more rain falling there over night, and a tornado hitting Waihi Beach this morning), more tales of rescues and escapes from the flooding are emerging. The after effects are already being seen on supermarket shelves, and the clean up will take months and months. It seems that there are just 13 people unaccounted for now that electricity and communications are being restored. We have been so lucky in Wellington, experiencing some rain but nothing like that to the north. Anyway, let’s say thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations, for hosting Six on Saturday, whose knowledge of all things plants and gardening makes him an ideal host and move on to what can be see at the moment outside.
So to a garden that is looking a bit sad and messy, with some things suffering from the humid weather, and other things heading towards their autumn state. I’ve lost my gardening mojo, even after a good tidy up last Sunday morning, so this week’s post reflects my mood a bit! I noticed that the Japanese anemones in the Botanic Gardens are already flowering, but mine are still waiting to flower, which is a bit later than last year. Anyway, I keep watching – and yes almost the same picture as last week….
To number two, herb corner, with one rosemary looking fine and the other suffering from the humidity. My ancient oregano is flowering, so I need to harvest the flowers to make some flavoured vinegar,
The cicadas have been at their noisiest, starting first thing in the morning and going on until the evening. I managed to get a photo of one of them, having a rest before starting up its call again.
I spotted this wasp this afternoon, crawling all over the damp kawakawa leaves. I have featured this native plant many times in this blog as we have several bushes around the house.
So to what some of the insects have been doing to the mint, to the sage, to the wild strawberries…..almost nothing has not been eaten!
Finally, something bright and cheerful to end with – yet more flowers on the echinacea to cheer me up on grey days.
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@thistlesandkiwis.org
Thistles and Kiwis 
Wishing you brighter weather and fuller supermarket shelves!
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Thank you! It is a little brighter this morning at least.
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The cicada is rather colourful up close, although not as colourful as the echinacea. I often find my gardening mojo ebbs and flows, usually connected with the weather.
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Yes I think the weather has (sorry!) has dampened my spirits….I think once my bulbs arrive I might feel more like it.
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Bravo for the cicada photo! It’s not easy to spot them. So, photograph them close-up….bravo.
The echinacea is so colorful! Ideal for a gloomy day
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Yes I was lucky with that cicada!
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Another great season for gardening has arrived in Wellington!
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I think many gardeners lose their steam as fall approaches. Enjoyed seeing all the green, and, yes, bravo for the cicada photo.
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I think you are right Laurie – autumn is that time of year.
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I certainly enjoy Spring gardening more that Autumn. Lovely echinacea. I could actually do with a it of your rain, we are rather dry for this time of year.
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We are very happy to send you some rain….we have had too much!
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I don’t always enjoy the sounds of the cicadas but sometimes they’re sort of comforting to hear. The picture is great. I didn’t realize they were so colorful. We have had a lot of things blooming lately. But I know cold weather is still right around the corner.
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These cicadas are certainly very beautiful to look at. Let’s hope we both get good weather next week!
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Hi, Barbara – On Vancouver Island, serious gardeners usually begin their gardens no later than the end of February. Sadly, this is what our front garden now looks like. Once again, I am jealous of your warm climate.
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Oh gosh! Lots of snow….
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I was thinking of you and your New Zealand garden in the storms. Thank God it was more rain! ❤ Everything has survived well, love your echinacea, it is too hot for me to grow them here.
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We were lucky to escape the devastation seen in the north of the country. I like my echinacea too!
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These Japanese anemones are so wonderful . We have frosty days here too. I found your site and let’s follow each other. Anita
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