I am typing this exhausted from packing boxes, dreading the unpacking, but the good news is that the outdoor spot for pots of herbs and flowers at the new place is bigger than I thought. Herb pots can go on the balcony for easy access from the kitchen, and bigger pots can go in the little paved area at the back of the garage. It will take a bit of time to sort, but I feel much happier about my plants and finding a home for them. Hoorah! 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.
Spring is here says the garden, and certainly the weather today and on Friday felt like it too. There are lots more daffodils to be seen, which is always lovely to see.
It was such a delight to come home from work to see these beautiful crocus flowers smiling up at me. And I smiled back.

The hellebores are still looking good, and while I will miss these ones, I can still enjoy the ones in the Botanic Gardens.

Over to the new place, and opposite the house and part of the view from the kitchen window, is what I think is a callainthe or Chinese lantern. Confirmation welcome! Something nice to look at at any rate while cooking or washing up.

And…in the little back yard I found these bright and cheerful daffodils, all ready to greet us. What a joy and what a welcome.

At number six, the view from the living room will be this, not bad considering we will be living walking distance from the city centre.

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. I probably won’t be here next Saturday, bur promise to report when we get a bit more settles.
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


It sounds like the move has been a success with some bonus delights from your windows.
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I hope so! The house is quite a bit smaller so after we move on Monday should be…errr….fun?
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Gosh, the new place has lots of lovely views and that’s great news that there’s more space for plants and pots than you thought. Good luck with it all (I hate unpacking more than packing).
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I am not looking forward to unpacking I admit. And thanks for y9ur wishes.
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One of my favourites this week is the Chinese lantern that you presented to us. Here it is called abutilon I have 2 different varieties, and as it’s quite easy to grow from seedlings, I will try new ones in the next few years
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Moving to a smaller place is a tremendous challenge, and I wish you well. I imagine you are having to sort and choose in all departments, not just your ‘plant family.’ It sounds like you are taking the optimist’s view of it all and finding joys in your new home already. It is so refreshing to see your Crocus, daffodils and Hellebores with all the promise of spring and the new season to come. Good luck this coming week- WG
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Thank you! We might need to downsize further when we unpack. Still, the signs of spring and new life is always good to see.
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Glad all has gone well with the move so far. You have some really lovely plants.
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I am keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow morning (ie Monday) when the removal people come…..
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Best wishes for loads of happy times in your new home. The views are terrific, and I’m sure you’ll settle in and enjoy it.
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Thank you – feeling very stressed this morning though – lots still to pack before Monday morning.
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Lovely views and it looks as though you could plant more bulbs in that yard space. Glad you have room for the herbs and other pots. Good luck with the move!
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I hadn’t realised quite how much space there was as well as a small balcony.
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How marvellous that you will be able to house more pots than you thought. That is really good news!
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I know! But there is no room for sheets and towels, so I am searching Pinterest for ideas.
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Love seeing your spring bulbs as we near the end of summer up here, and so happy to hear you’ll have a larger than expected outdoor space! Good luck with the move!!
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Thanks Chris!
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Unpacking can sometimes be like unwrapping gifts 😉 Hellebores are a favourite. Good luck.
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I hope that settling in will go smoothly. That view should soothe the mind if things get out of hand for a while.
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We ran out of boxes at 6pm so ordered pizza and opened a bottle of wine….and will get up early and get more boxes and finish it up then. As you say, there is a nice view to keep us sane!
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It is so stressful moving…but it is done now! It is nice to have your pots all around.
As has been mentioned your pretty red flower we call a Chinese lantern.. we have a lovely yellow one and I can see it though the kitchen window .. they are very hardy and rewarding plants.
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Moving tomorrow (Monday) morning….and have run out of boxes at 6pm …..and the removal men are coming at 08:30am….
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Lovely view from the kitchen window 🌸🌼 Lovely also to see the welcome daffodils and Chinese lantern!
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Hi, Barbara – I’m delighted that you have more room for your flower pots than you first thought. About linen storage, here are some ideas from ShelfGenie: https://www.shelfgenie.com/blog/tips-tricks/9-clever-ways-to-store-linen-without-a-closet/
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Oh thank you so much for your link! Once we start moving in we should get a good idea of what will work.
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I also dread moving/unpacking. My last move was harrowing, and was all the worse knowing that it would be temporary, as we planned to buy a house but knew nothing of the area, so house buying would take time. We unpacked the bare minimum while in the apartment. Luckily we got rid of a lot before the move and had the luxury of time to sort through things and consider their value to us. The view from your new place is gorgeous and happy to hear you have more plant space!
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We are in…and can’t find our toothbrushes so had to do an emergency run to the supermarket. At least we are in…..
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Looks like you’ve landed in a great spot!
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Thanks! Yes it feels comfy even though the place is covered in cardboard boxes and we can’f find the one with towels.
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