The rain started on Friday afternoon, and after a heavy downpour, the whole of Saturday has been grey, damp and humid, with drizzle (that makes my hair frizzle….apologies….!). Not a day for being outside at all…so I made another cake as it was most definitely tea, cake and book type weather. 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.
There are just a few Japanese anemones still in flower as you can see. The weather being what it is, I didn’t feel much like going out to get pictures of the beautiful emerald seed heads.
My pictures this week are confined to things close to the house, hence the camellia bud pictures below. At least they show that it isn’t all doom and gloom out there.
Similarly, the bright yellow of the mahonia next to the house certainly offers up some bright colours at this time of the year.
l tried to capture the rain drops on some of the herbs, but these aren’t particularly good but you get the impression the rosemary, rue and borage.
Whenever it is raining, I always take picture of the large kawakawa (macropiper excelsum) in front of the house. There is something about the rain drops on those beautifully shaped leaves.
To end, more of the spectacular bright red flowers on the pineapple sage plant which is right opposite our front door, so no need for me to get wet.
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 
I really like the steps, and the way that plants encroach. Lovely indeed!
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Looks like the weather is wet … Beware of slippery steps…
Beautiful reds to finish your Six this week
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Oh you are so right about slippery steps!
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That Mahaonia really shines out doesn’t it, and I am sure you appreciate its perfume too.
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Yes it is such a lovely bright yellow colour.
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The raindrop covered leaves of the kawakawa look lovely.
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There is something about those leaves in general I like but the raindrops just add to them.
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I am thinking I need some sage with bright red flowers! Of course I do as I await the return of my hummingbird friends! Tea cake and a good book sounds amazing. Taking a class right now, so reading for pleasure is not happening right now. I have been following whats on your shelf, so I have some ideas of what to read next when the class is over in 4 more weeks. Yeah, going for a Master’s when pushing 60 is kind of crazy, but my employer is paying, so I feel like I am missing out if I don’t take advantage. It is fun, but I miss reading and have no self discipline when reading for pleasure, so my trips to the library will recommence in a few weeks!
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Oh good luck with your Master’s degree! Well done for taking it on at our age 🙂
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You did well to get any pictures on such a miserable day.
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Gardens in the rain… lovely….
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There is something lovely about raindrops on flowers and leaves. Not great for getting out into the garden, but can be pretty for pictures! I hope you enjoyed your indoor day and that the cake was nice 🙂
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I agree…some things just look so pretty with raindrops. I have to say the cake was good!
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They are still lovely photos even with the rain.
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Mahonias are such great plants. I wish I could grow them here, but my garden is just a bit too cold in winter. Your garden looks lush and lovely.
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Your pineapple sage is gorgeous! Just exquisite! After several days of sun I really enjoy a day of heavy rain, that is the perfect excuse for a good book 🙂
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Thanks! Yes it was just the perfect day to curl up with a book.
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The rain on the plants looks so wonderful. It’s a tough one when it rains, much needed but no gardening. Yes to a good book!
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