It might be the middle of winter, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Daytime temperatures have been around 16/17C over the past couple of days, and there has been very little wind, or rain for that matter. Everyone is sitting waiting for the bad weather to hit…but so far we have been spared. 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.
This week is camellia heavy, with no apologies. To start, the little white camellias with their touch of pink are very pretty and delicate – one could imagine the flowers as a fairy’s dress – or is that only me?
So to the bushes at the back of the house, which always flower a little later. The neighbouring magnolia is full of buds, so hopefully that will make an appearance in SoS soon.
Moving away from the camellias, and there is lots of life appearing in bulb-land. Fingers crossed that things continue in this way.
In herb corner, there is a lot of thyme for me to still use, along with mint and rosemary. A few things have died back for winter, but nothing is looking too sad.
Back to camellias…and the bush with the large, white flowers is looking good but impossible to photograph given its location on the slope. This photo was taken by me leaning out of the box room window.
Finally, the camellias at the front of the house against the blue sky of Friday. Friday was in fact Matariki, the Māori New Year. Matariki is also the Māori name for the the Pleiades, which align in a certain pattern to herald the start of the year. You can read more about it here.
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 
You often show us the pretty pink camellia, but this week, for me, the white is the best ! You’re right, it’s a very slightly pinkish white. How delicate it is!
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I love that white one – it is, as you say, delicate.
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I think you deserve a break from all the rain and damage that you had. Hopefully you get a gentle run into Spring.
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Thank you!
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I think we’re having your winter weather at the moment! It’s 16 degrees today and wet and windy.
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That isn’t usual for your part of the world….it was windy here last night so maybe winter is heading here now.
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That camellia always looks beautiful, especially against a blue sky.
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Yes – a perfect contrast.
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All the camellias are beautiful, but particularly the white one, I love that it’s pink before it opens to white.
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Me too!
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I love camellias and live too far south to have any, lovely!
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Hi, Barbara – Your garden is absolutely stunning all year long. I can totally imagine your little white camellias with their delicate touch of pink as a fairy’s dress. So beautiful!
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Everything is looking lovely despite it being winter. Glad you get the idea of a fairy’s dress 🙂
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Our summer temperatures have not been much above your winter temperatures lately! I love your camellias. We have one but it hasn’t flowered yet and may never do so by the look of it.
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It has been rather warm for the time of year.
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LOL – your winter and my winter are so different!! Love the camellias as well, but for me it’s the pink one as a fave.
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Oh the white camellias are just fabulous! I agree that they could look like a fairy’s dress, so delicate and beautiful. Your pink camellias (at the front of the house) are stunning as well. Lucky you!
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Yes we are so lucky!
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The flowers are quite lovely! Thank-you for the visit’
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Amazing what grows in your winter! What’s the news on the slip?
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No more work has been done and I haven’t heard about the structural survey, so it is all status quo at the moment, but we are looking to move. Thanks so much for asking!
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Exciting to move and hopefully no issues selling because of the slip.
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Luckily we rent.
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Our autumn camellia should be blooming soon. I’m always happy to see yours, anytime!
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