Every time I come home these days and look at all the trees and greenery around where we live and think ‘I’ll miss this’, I go and look at all the mud, the temporary gas pipe and roots hanging down where there was once vegetation and I remember why we are moving. Then I know we have made the right decision. 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.
So first up the camellias in front of the house, which are still looking lovely. This flowers on the bush in front of the house last for ages. Negative note – so many petals to sweep up.
The bush at the back of the house is also in full flower, adding a pop of colour to that part of the house. Negative note – there are always lots of strange rustling noises around here in the bushes.
The white camellia is still flowering too, though it is getting harder to find blooms at the lower level. Negative note – hmmm…..can’t think of one.
So to the bulbs…and I spotted the first miniature daffodil this morning, along with the first crocus. Spring is on its way! Negative note – how can I take all these pots to a small terrace?
There are lots of buds on the magnolia, so hope this will flower before we leave the house, but we shall see. Negative note – the tree isn’t looking that healthy to be honest. Positive note – there are lots to enjoy in the Botanic Gardens.
Finally, this week’s hellebore pictures. I will just enjoy these while I can…and also enjoy the ones in the Botanic Gardens.
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 
Can’t you buy or build a shelf to put a quantity of pots on? That kind of shelving with different and colorful levels?
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Now that is a good idea!!!
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No decision is ever 100% the right thing, you will miss things of course, but I think you just know when it is the correct course of action. You can share my camellia, unfortunately it is less than 1m high and didn’t flower at all last year. Perhaps you are better off at the Botanic Garden.
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We will still see the trees of the green belt, and most importantly, won’t have to worry about slips. I can enjoy watching your camellia grow.
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It sounds as though you’ve made the right decision – you don’t need the worry of mud slips, etc. I’m going to make the most of the camellia and blue sky photos though before you move – they are always very uplifting.
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I get the sense you are getting yourself emotionally ready to leave your lovely garden. The idea of shelves for pots is an excellent one. During my recent travels I have admired the way people grow anything from flowers to vegetables in pots both indoors and out. Given our ongoing drought conditions and uncertain municipal water supply, I am determined to go the ‘pot route’ as our weather warms up. I wish you both well for the moving process.
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One thing to note, plants in pots need much more watering and feeding than plants in the ground, a real bind when/if you are in a drought/have a hosepipe ban.
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Most of my herbs are in pots at the moment – and feeding yes is so important!
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Thank you Anne! I just look at the mud and know we are making the right decision.
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I love Fred’s idea, I’m sure that you will find a way to keep your love of plants alive.
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I think Fred’s idea is the right way to go.
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Beautiful flowers. I am sure wherever you are you will have flowers and beauty around you.
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Thank you!
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I left a garden (and home) seven years ago. I did bring a few things with me and it has taken many years to get the new garden going again (it was mostly weeds when we arrived) but the new project helped me settle in and make it mine. Your decision sounds well formed, wishing a good move.
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When I moved from Glasgow to Copenhagen I had to give away all my pot plants. Luckily, all went to good homes.
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I think many people have mixed feelings when they move. But not worrying about slips seems like a major advantage. The shelf suggestion sounds excellent.
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It looks like it will take months to clear things up too. Yes to the shelf idea for my pots of herbs!
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Ooh first daffodil and crocus, well done! I think I spied a daffodil bud myself yesterday! 😘🌼
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Hooraah!
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A few pots of herbs on the balcony is probably all you need when you have such a lovely botanic garden on your doorstep. All the pleasure and none of the hard work. Sounds good to me!
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Indeed!!
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A positive note when you move might be the absence of mysterious noises in bushes. I hope that you can achieve some good results in a small space.
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I am sure all the rustling is birds but one never knows……
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Sad to have to move, but I suppose Wellington and landslips go together. You may be suprised at how much you can grown on even a small balcony.
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Yes….but hopefully can get some good shelves and just plan carefully.
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Botanical gardens are such a pleasure – I will see things that I can’t or won’t be bothered with in my own garden. I was admiring some sort of weeping tree at a favorite garden, there is a bench under it and they trimmed just enough to allow entrance to the bench in the cave like shade under the tree. It is a happy place!
Once settled, you will enjoy peace of mind and that will make it all worthwhile. I also agree with Fred that vertical gardening is the way to go!
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Oh that tree and bench sound idyllic!
I have already begun to investigate shelves and vertical storage for my pots.
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Hi, Barbara – I love how you always see the positive side of any situation. That is one of my favourite things about following your posts (along with the great writing, stunning photography, beautiful garden and mouth-watering dishes!)
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Oh thank you so much! That means a lot to me.
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Donna, I agree with you 100%. Thank you for saying what we all feel. And Barbara, thank you for making our lives sweeter.
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Oh you are so kind – I read this on waking up this morning and it really moved me.
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I hope, after you move, that you find garden beauty in public spaces and others’ front yards (as well as on your own terrace). And I certainly wouldn’t object it you occasionally posted a “flashback” image of camellias, dahlias or hellebore from your vast and lovely collection!
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Oh thank you! We are lucky there are so many places nearby for us to go for walks.
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