I was in two minds about whether to post today, as I have done zero outside, not even deadheading the hydrangea, but thought I would like to pop in and say hello. I am hoping to post on the tulips in the Botanic Gardens but let’s see how the weather pans out. 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.
I’ll start with the weather, which has definitely meant keeping indoors rather then being outdoors, despite it being spring and lovely weather a couple of weeks ago. This week, there was a state of emergency declared in Southland due to wild weather, flooding in Queenstown, and more strong winds. In the early hours of Saturday morning, it was quite stormy with rain and wind battering against our window and a small accident in the back yard. Nothing like a mud slip of course! Anyway, our clocks go forward tonight, so we are definitely heading to the warmer half of the year.
The bulbs I brought with me are continuing to grow at least…let’s see what happens! The crocus and daffodils are all now finished.
The herbs on the balcony are really settling in, with new growth on the thyme, purple sage and mint. The pineapple sage is also beginning to show its new season’s leaves.
The rain started as I was thinking of going out to check on things downstairs, so here are a couple of our indoor plants: the peperomia polybotrya and a plant I bought when we first moved here, so it must be 10 years old.
Getting desperate for content and not wanting to get wet, I took some pictures of the upstairs cacti, one of which looks as if it might flower soon now that spring is here.
And here are the downstairs cacti, the one on the left also exhibiting new growth. So, a very poor showing from me this week. I will see what happens next week, but might leave it until I have something more interesting to report.
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
Thistles and Kiwis 
4-5 is basil ?
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No basil – too early.
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I’m not sure, but I don’t think you have to deadhead hydrangeas. Supposed to protect the plant in the winter. But you are southern hemisphere, so I probably have it backwards…
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We are expecting some longed-for rain later today, meanwhile I am dressed in winter clothing again!
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Where has the good weather gone?
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It’s funny that you talk about peperomia because I took a cutting not long ago, and it gives me an idea of what mine will look like in a few years. The cactus in the last photo looks like it wants to leave the room… 😂 It also looks like an octopus!
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Yes it does look like an octopus!
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What Fred said regarding that cactus!
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Did I miss a reference to the trio of Pseudopanax somewhere along the way?
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Ah! I did feature them two weeks ago but yes they are rather – dominant!
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Ah, rain….Here in Massachusetts it’s the second weekend of coastal tropical rain. I love your idea about taking pics of houseplants when you can’t get outside. I’m definitely filing that idea for future reference! 😉
Julie
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Hope you get a break in the rain soon!
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I hope the weather improves for you, especially starting in a new house, and this sort of weather is not great for plants, lucky most of yours are in pots.
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I always enjoy seeing your garden and plants no matter what or how few. The yellow cactus looks like something from a sci-fi movie. We are headed into fall and cooler weather. It has actually been quite lovely with cool mornings and warm evenings. Have a wonderful week.
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Enjoy your autumn! I do love that sci fi cactus and keep wondering what it will do next!
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All around the world the weather has been wild. And weird, which seems to be the new normal. I enjoyed seeing the indoor shots and really liked the light in those photos.
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It is so cold here today – like winter instead of spring – most odd given the gorgeous weather a few weeks ago.
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Thank you for making the effort to post in spite of the dire weather.
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Hi, Barb – I’ve been in two minds about weather or not I will post this week as well. I am very glad that you did. I love how you’ve adapted your garden to your new living space. Very clever, creative and inspiring!
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Oh thank you!
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What is the little yellow cactus trying to escape its pot? It’s got so much personality I think my son (a budding cactus collector) would love it. I’m glad to see that indoor plants are fair game for SoS, because I was just wondering about that as our cold season approaches…
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I know…I just love that cactus! As you say, it has a lot of personality.
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