So it’s summer! Well, almost…December can be nice or still have very mixed weather, and at the moment it is the latter, with either brilliant sunshine or chilly rain. Today at least it is sunny, but tomorrow looks like rain – see what I mean? 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.
First up, this is creeping over our fence from the neighbour. My plant identifier app says it is a star jasmine, but I thought I would ask all of you what you think it is. It has totally overrun part of their back yard and is now encroaching on ours.
I don’t want to add too many things to our balcony as it is nice to have somewhere to sit, but there is probably room to either bring up the mint or something else. Anyway, here is the thyme which seems to really love this spot, and the two tarragon plants are coming on nicely and I’ll definitely preserve some (perhaps in butter as another blogger suggested).
I am left with two sage plants, the variegated one downstairs and the purple one on the balcony, which has doing really well and also seems to like its new spot.
I know I always feature lavender, but I do like it and is looks pretty and smells good.
Also downstairs, as I am calling the backyard, the lemon verbena is ready for me to gather some leaves and do something with. The mint seems to be doing fine, though the chocolate mint is not looking good at all. Both rosemary plants look good, if often used for spiders to attach their webs to.
Finally, the hydrangea. As well as the two below, do check out the featured image for one in full bloom. I am so happy to ahve this to enjoy in our new space.
So, not much new to report, but most 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
Thistles and Kiwis 
Meeting friends for curry … what a delicious thought!
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What beautiful hydrangea colours !… when ours are hit with frost this morning…(and crispy)
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Crisp hydrangeas….pretty too.
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It certainly looks like a star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). That Hydrangea is proving to be a beauty.
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Thanks re identifying the star jasmine. I agree about the hydrangea – what a lovely thing to have in our new place.
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I am green with envy as I read your post, as we are suffering subzero temperatures here in the uk…
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I’ve seen pictures of snow in the UK…brrrr!
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It’s the coldest we have ever been, I think…
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Definitely star jasmine. If it’s coming into your garden, your neighbour’s side will end up eventually with no flowers. Best to ask them to cut it back after the summer, then they can enjoy flowers – and scent – next year, and you won’t have to deal with it – unless you want it of course.
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Might mention that to them, though to be honest they take no interest in their back yard judging by the state it is in!
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😦
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Yep. Looks like star jasmine to me too! I wish mine was as luxurious. I hope you enjoy it romping over your side. It does have a lovely scent. I have a clematis that seems to prefer my neighbour’s garden to mine. I have given her carte blanche to cut it back as she sees fit but so far she is enjoying it. -2.3 degrees here!
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I might have to cut it back a bit if it starts to take over, but it does hide an ugly fence.
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Hurrah for summer! Lovely pink hydrangea.
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Looks like a star jasmine to me too. Trachelospermum jasminoides which is not actually a jasmine at all, but does have the most gorgeous scent. I’d be happy for one of those to intrude into my garden. After flowering, reduce the stems to restrict them to the available space. The hydrangea is a lovely colour.
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I will have to go out and smell the star jasmine now!
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Thanks for the advice with the star jasmine.
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Nice to read about summer coming! Snow here.
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I saw a picture of snow in the West End of Glasgow from a friend on Facebook!
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Yes, it looks like sar jasmine, what a fragrance your garden must have! Instead of borrowed views, you garden has a borrowed scent! That lemon Verbena smells divine too! 🌸💞
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Hi, Barbara- I remain very impressed with the gardening you have done at your new place. You have used your space very well.
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Thanks – I feel I haven’t done much at all.
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Love the hydrangea colours! Alas, nothing is growing here except frost!
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A beautiful flower to begin the post.
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You will have to wait some time for cheerful pictures from or garden. Your hydrangea did a good job of making me feel envious.
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Definitely a star jasmine, I grew one at my parents’ old house that took over a large part of the iron fence in front. The scent was amazing. One of the nicer garden intruders, if you’re going to have one 😀 I always love seeing how your herbs are doing — that variegated sage is so cute! I really need to get more types next year.
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It is very pretty I must say! Yes do have some fun with herbs as they are pretty and useful.
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