Goodness know what was going on with the weather this week. On Tuesday afternoon, the temperature dropped by10C within what seemed like an hour, and we were lashed by rain and strong winds. The swell was so bad in the Cook Strait that ferries were cancelled. By yesterday we were back to normal seasonal temperatures at least….but the rain has just returned for the evening as I start to put this post together. The clocks go back tonight, so then we will really be in autumn. 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 and move on to what can be see at the moment outside.
One of the consequences of the weather was…well this large fern branch falling off beside the house, and another one falling on the steps to the house. Luckily, nothing more fell off and there was no damage, just the question of how to dispose of this….
Not a lot going on in the garden at all right now as you can imagine, though there is one nasturtium still left to add some joy in the pots that need weeding, tidying up and generally sorting. Hoping to get the time to sort things out with the long weekend coming up.
I have a lot of sage, thyme and parsley to use in the kitchen still. The rue, lemon verbena and curry plants are still looking reasonably fine too at the moment.
Spotted on the camellia bush that sits between our house and our neighbours’ garden. this fat looking bud. This is always the first one to flower.
There is still a wonderful display of the Japanese anemones to brighten up our lives and gardens, I love the way they nod in greeting when we get home from work.
Finally, because it was raining and I realised I only had five things, one of my cactus plants. I love this one’s shapes.
Not sure if I will be here next Saturday, as if nothing new happens, it will just be more Japanese anemones…. Anyway, 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 
It’s always good to see the Japanese Anemones – they’re such a great plant and yours are a show. I love the cactus!
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Thanks!
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Japanese anemones everywhere this week ! I love that ! and yum the lemon verbena for a tea….I have to wait for mine.
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I love the Japanese anemones…so pretty waving in the wind!
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It seems the weather is bad everywhere at the moment. I hope you have calmer days soon. I also love the Japanese anemones, such a lovely shade of pink. And a camellia to look forward to!
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Yes – very odd weather seems to now be the norm! And yes – looking forward to camellia season.
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Keep on encouraging those camellias, I rely on you for my fix when they’re finished flowering here. The anemones are so beautifully placed, presumably just where they’ve run and put themselves, but it would be hard to get such a pleasing arrangement by deliberate planting. And if you did, well done you!
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Thanks Jim – I’ll keep reporting on camellia progress! The anemones have just put themselves in those spots, but so beautifully.
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Those Japanese wind anemones are superb ❤ Your fat camellia bud look very promising!
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I’m a fan of your Japanese anemones too, keep them coming!
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Will do 🙂
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Another fan of the JA and that is a delightful photo of them. I also love your nasturtium. I planted some seeds last year of different colours, but not a single one appeared, I wonder if they may be lying in wait for this year…
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Not all my nasturtiums have come up but most do. I don’t know what I have done right though!
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Lovely!
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Beautiful! Spring has arrived here, so it’s so nice to see some colours in the garden for a change.
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The last flowers of the season down there are beautiful. Spring has “officially” arrived in my area, through it is hard to think so by the weather. There is possible snow mixed with rain in the forecast here in a couple of days. Daffodils are out, but they have been taking their time emerging and blooming.
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It is lovely to see the different seasons through the different blogs and get inspiration for the months ahead too.
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I love Japanese anemones and would look forward to them more if they didn’t mean that autumn is just round the corner when they come out.
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Yes they do mean autumn is on its way, and with our clocks going back this weekend we are definitely in the season now.
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I, too, love the anemones, and am impressed at the length of their flowering season.
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They do last a long time and the bright green seed heads are lovely too.
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The weather is acting differently here too. Thank you for sharing photos of your garden.
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These are flowers are so amazing. Anita
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