Six on Saturday 01.07.23

Thistles and Kiwis

We are back in Wellngton, and the pots and plants at home are all looking a big shaggy and neglected as you might expect. The lavender is in flower, there are signs of crocus and daffodils peeping above the soil, and there are buds on the magnolia. But for this week, we are going back in time to our visit to Hampton Court Palace on the last day of our trip and some views of the gardens. 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.

No doubt many of you have visited Hampton Court and its wonderful gardens. We didn’t manage to get to every corner due to lack of time, but a must for the next visit (hopefully!) is the knot garden. Anyway, first up are the yew trees next to the Great Fountain Garden (see here) which was created for William III and Mary II. It has a real feel of a mini Versailles about it, and the trees are quite lovely.

I spent ages in the kitchen garden, looking at all the produce and from the Swiss chard to beetroot to sections with barley and wheat to small fruit trees. It was such a delight, and I could have spent even longer there.

I spotted this sage bush which had loads of visiting ladybirds – perhaps because it was in the sun? Anyway it was lovely to see and brought a smile to my face.

At number four, this lovely display of alstroemerias, full of cheery summer smiles.

We also visited the rose garden – here are three we saw, but unfortunately I didn’t get the names.

Finally alliums and lavender…spotted in several spaces.

Hopefully, next week there’ll be some midwinter things from Wellington.

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

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Published by Thistles and Kiwis

Loves summer, sunshine and cats. Beginner gardener, likes eating, cooking and reading about food

17 Comments

    1. Yes…too quick! We can at least live in the house for the time being – gas and water both back on. However, the structural engineers are coming on Wednesday so will see then. The path to the house looks awful with a muddy slope on one side and a temporary fence on the other.

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  6. I’ve not been to Hampton Court. London offers so much and there is always so little time!
    Here at home, I cut red southern cross and white daisies for a Canada Day bouquet. I’m ignoring the weeds today in favour of enjoying the day! Bernie

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