It has been another week of very mixed spring weather with sunshine, gale force winds, horizontal rain and then more sunshine. Changeable hardly describes it! 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.
Today was one of the sunny days, and tomorrow looks the same so I might finally get out and get some weeding done, though there are other things in my diary and to be done as well. Anyway, last Sunday we got to the garden centre, and I picked up two tarragon plants, a basil (that probably won’t last) and a Texan tarragon which should hopefully have some lovely yellow flowers at some point. Potting them up is another job to do.
We also bought a couple of pots for two indoor plants, and this cute but too expensive for what it is watering can for the balcony and indoor plants.
I know you have seen the pineapple sage a dozen times, but here it is again, in all its scarlet glory.
The lemon verbena is looking good and I really must do something with it – can I dry it? The mint plant is looking so much happier in its new home too (as are we….).
Both rosemary plants are also thriving and will need repotting – another trip to the garden centre needed. At least we don’t need to climb the 89 or so steps to the house any more carrying bags of compost.
Finally, hydrangea update. Yes, I am watching every day (except when it is raining that is…).
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 
Lemon verbena is ideal for herbal teas. Yes, of course you can dry it, but it would be better to wait until the stem is a little longer: you can cut it so that it branches and gives new stems. A cup of herbal tea = a stem 30 cm long. Since you have mint, you can add a little bit with it…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will try that Fred!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is raining lightly here so I don’t know when I am going to get to mow our now very long lawn! It is wonderful being surrounded by different hues of green though. I have potted three lavender seedlings I brought home from my daughter’s garden and am hoping they will grow well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope your lavender settles in nicely – such a lovely plant. You must be glad of the rain though.
LikeLike
I am indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, the promise of spring! Everything is possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely selection of herbs. I really should give Tarragon ago – I only ever use the dried stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The fresh stuff makes a difference – when in season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our beautiful garden is now on hold until February so not much for anyone to see there. I hope that your hydrangea lives up to the intense anticipation.
LikeLike
Glad you are settling in and love your herbs. I planted tarragon when I first planted the garden and had no idea that it would come back every year! Fred has a great idea, lemon verbena-mint tea!. I like to make iced mint tea in summer. I plunge a big handful of cut mint, stem and all into boiling water, take off heat immediately and let steep until room temperature. Then remove the plant matter, filter through a coffee filter, and keep in a jug in the fridge. It is lovely except when I had mint that sent roots over to the chives and my mint tea tasted faintly of onion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing this idea. Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your pics, your garden is looking good. I need to buy new herbs and veg plants, am waiting until I return from my visit to Christchurch Dec 19th – Jan 9th.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You always have such a nice selection of healthy looking herbs, wherever you are and whatever the weather is doing! I had to look up Texan tarragon, only to discover that it is the same plant as my mystery seeds from earlier in the year. How do you use the plant?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you can use it like tarragon – but I also read this https://kahikateafarm.co.nz/product/texas-tarragon/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sunshine, then gale force winds, then horizontal rain, and then sunshine again sounds like a typical spring day on Vancouver Island. I am so glad it is not just us.
Beautiful looking plants and herbs!
LikeLiked by 2 people
No gardening for me till April! But it’s lovely to look at pictures of green plants!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a nice little collection of herbs! I will definitely be expanding my herb beds as well next year, because everyone keeps on showing all their cool varieties that I just have to try 😀 I haven’t heard of Texas tarragon before, and am curious to see the flowers.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Texas tarragon flowers are bright yellow. Hoping mine will flower!
LikeLiked by 1 person