It has been a month since I posted a SoS post, partly as we were on holiday, partly as really I had nothing to report. I still have nothing new to report, but thought I would pop by anyway. UK readers will understand ‘hose pipe ban’ which is what we have here in Wellington. Partly caused by the fact it is summer, but also the state of the pipes in the city – here is one slightly tongue in cheek article on the situation. 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.
The good
I bought a basil plant from the supermarket before Christmas and it is still going strong by the kitchen window. It looked a bit droopy when we got back from New Caledonia but has perked up and has supplied me with lots of basil to enjoy with tomatoes, burrata and other good things. I also picked up a mint plant that is also doing well – funny how sometimes these things work out.
The bad
As you may remember, in the past I have managed to grow nasturtiums and enjoy their beauty – but not this year. See below.
The ugly
Actually, I don’t think hydrangeas at the end of the season are ugly – just not as pretty as when they are colourful and bright. Oh yes – spot the spider webs.
The useful
The two tarragon plants are doing well, and I have already made a batch of tarragon vinegar. I now need to get another ice-cube tray and freeze some more leaves. The Texan tarragon, however, is not doing so well, but still alive at least!
The bright
So this the brightest thing in the back yard right now – a little yellow flowering weed. Apart from laundry drying, the only pop of colour at the moment.
The pretty
While these are not in our garden but in the communal court yard, the Chinese lanterns are still in flower and are a lovely welcome home.
Not really very much I am afraid. but 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.
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 
Strangely enough, I have had no success with nasturtiums this summer either!
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Hmm…..the weather has been a bit erratic over the past few months.
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I have a similar problem with some of the leaves on my plants as you have with your nasturtiums. Someone suggested I make a garlic spray … I’ve yet to try – which reminds me
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I did wonder if they just got too dry? Garlic spray sounds interesting.
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Basil ! How happy you must feel smelling this wonderful smell. As far as we are concerned, it’s only the frozen leftovers that give a little flavour to the dish, even if the fresh product really remains the best! Very beautiful dark red colour of the abutilons! I love them !
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Oh yes re the basil! It is so glorious to see, smell and taste.
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I don’t think of end of season hydrangeas as ugly either, and you’re providing a spider habitat too so it’s a win-win!
Disappointing to read that the UK isn’t the only country mismanaging natural resources:-(
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The issue with pipes in Wellington is an old infrastructure that hasn’t been updated as much as anything, plus earthquakes. Anyway, you are so right about the hydrangeas offering up a spider habitat!
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The promise of things to come! We have nasturtiums planted in an unloved corner of the garden and they come back every year. Not sure why!
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I had lots of nasturtiums in the old place but they just don’t seem to be thriving here.
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😗🧡
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Weirdly nasturtiums didn’t flourish well in my garden last year until the autumn. I blame the lack of sun! Usually they self-seed everywhere.
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Think in this case it was too much sun….
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We can’t win!
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The ugly is how my garden often ends up, I don’t have my mom’s green thumb 🙂 Maggie
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🙂
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Hi Barbara, we don’t seem to have luck with Basil but I’m not giving up. We have two plants which have been droopy but perhaps that is because it has been so very hot and humid up here in Qld. My Mint was going wonderfully but again seems to be dying off. Perhaps my thumb isn’t as green as it should be? Have a lovely week
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My indoor basil and mint are doing fine, but my outside mint has given up (more or less) and my outdoor basil has turned to seed already. A sunny windowsill seems to be the way to go in our new place!
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Thanks for the tips. I brought one of my basil plants into the kitchen and it seems to have picked up although it doesn’t get much sun only light.
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Your basil plant looks healthy! I finally bought a basil plant too from the supermarket. I tried growing them by seed, and those experiences were all flops.
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I am surprised how good those supermarket plants can be at times.
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Same here! My basil plant is looking lush and healthy now. I hope it stays this way for a while.
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The basil does look amazing! I’m planning on growing more herbs this year than I did last year. The balcony I have now seem to be perfect for herbs.
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I am so pleased that the basil has survived so long – it is such a taste of summer.
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Sorry to hear about your hose pipe ban! We had water restrictions here many years ago after a drought. So our State Government in response built a highly expensive water desalination plant. This can make fresh water out of sea water, and has give us assurance that at least our water beds are assured. In the driest state, that is a relief. But they have hardly needed turn if on since! Love your tarragon! 🌿
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That desalination plant sounds excellent. I must harvest my tarragon soon so I don’t loose it!
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Hi, Barbara – I have had good luck with growing indoor plants and herbs in pots — except for basil. It dies on me everytime – indoor and out. What’s your secret?
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Well, I will be honest and say this is one of the longest lived basils I have had. I obviously found a good spot for it by our kitchen window. Pure luck if you ask me!
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You have a lot more growing than I do. I am very envious of that basil.
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The basil looks healthy, and that is a good reminder for me to plant some tarragon ~I love it.
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I love tarragon too.
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