It is half way through November, and you can feel summer is on its way. The mornings are bright, the days are still getting longer and we are counting down the days to our summer holidays. I thought I would pop by SoS this week as it is a while since I have been here and there is at least one new thing to report on. 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 an update on the hydrangea – and this looks like being the colour. I had hoped for pale blue or white, but really, how can one complain by having this in one’s backyard?
When we moved in, I spotted a tiny bit of what I would call wandering sailor. Now of course it has spread…so something has to be done!

Over in herb corner, the lemon verbena is looking good and so is the mint which seems to be doing much better in its new location.
The rue is also looking good and has settled in well.

On the balcony, the thyme continues to flourish and be used, and is now flowering, so need to pick a bit and make some flavoured vinegar. On that, the tarragon I bought is looking fine (but do please excuse the dirty pot!). I’ll make some flavoured vinegar with that too, and maybe try to freeze a few leaves.


Finally, the lavenders are both doing fine too, as you can see below and in the featured image.

So, not a lot going on in our new space, but things are thriving at least.
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. We are away next weekend, so there probably won’t be a post from me, and posting early today as we are off to meet friends for a curry.
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




The mint looks so fresh, great for a mojito😀
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Now there is an idea!
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Looks like everything is settling in well. I wonder how your hydrangea will mature? Just the thought of summer makes me a little warmer!
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I am watching the hydrangea every day…will keep you posted!
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I let the wandering sailor wander. It’s actually got very pretty flowers, and easy to remove when you’ve had enough of it. Pretty hydrangea, looks like a lacecap.
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It is pretty I agree…will see how it spreads maybe first.
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Your hydrangeas take on color when ours lose them… The photos are very pretty and very colorful this week.
Like others, your herbs & mint look very fresh and appetizing
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Your hydrangeas take on color when ours lose them… The photos are very pretty and very colorful this week.
Like others, your herbs & mint look very fresh and appetizing
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Thanks! Yes looking forward to seeing the hydrangea in full bloom.
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I have a love/hate relationship with wandering sailor, I let it grow because it’s quite pretty and flowers all summer but take your eye off it for a moment and it’s everywhere.
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It looks pretty on the fence but not so sure about it in between the paving stones…
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I like the name of Wandering Soldier, but understand it’s prolific nature.
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As we settle into late fall here, seeing these images is quite enjoyable. Love that hydrangea.
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The Hydrangea flowers are at my favourite stage. Lovely.
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I make a tarragon and lemon butter, which I make into a long roll, slice and then freeze, so easy to take out and place on a fish steak or potatoes, or add to a sauce. that is a great variety of herbs ready to use in your kitchen.
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Sounds like a good idea!
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How lovely to see signs of summer on the other side of the world. I know the hydrangea isn’t what you hoped for but I think it’s stunning.
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To be honest I am just delighted to have a hydrangea out at the back of the house.
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“It is half way through November, and you can feel summer is on its way” . . . ha! Rub it in, won’t you.
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You can get your own back come June 🙂
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Hi, Barbara – Your flowers, plants and herbs are thriviing beautifully in your new place. I’m impressed how quickly you’ve got this all up and running.
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I must admit I a pleased things survived. None of the tulips I planted came up though – still I have my herbs for cooking!
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Wow!! Yes you have lots of things thriving. Even though the temps here have been quite warm, for this time of the year, most of our flowering plants are gone. I brought my flowering cactus inside and if the weather predictions are correct I may have to bring in a few more.
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Yes – it really feels like spring! Do look after your cactus.
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Oh my goodness, that hydrangea is practically neon 😀 The flowers on the Cymbalaria are very pretty!
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I’m looking forward to seeing the hydrangea in full bloom.
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The flower on Wandering sailor looks very like ‘Forget-me-not’ (Myosotis)
Have a wonderful summer & curry…
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