Remember last Saturday in Wellington? It was a glorious warm, sunny spring day. Today, however, it is like winter: cold, wet and windy. We even had hailstones battering on our roof at 5am. It is not a day to be out in the garden. But that doesn’t mean I can’t think about gardening, indoor or outdoor.
1. Grey skies and fern
Actually, since I started to think about this post, the sun has made an effort to shine a bit, so hopefully I can at least get out and sweep up some of the flower petals that have gathered on the steps.
2. The rhododendron…
…is now in full bloom, attracting lots of bees which is, of course, good. See the featured image at the top of the post, taken from our upstairs living room window for how it looks today. It is an old tree and in need of a bit of TLC, but it is glorious to see the flowers out of the window.
3 A curiosity
I planted some microgreens, and one side seems to have flourished and the other…well you can see for yourself. Obviously the kale is happy and the beetroot is not!
4 The sage
The herbs I bought the other week seem to be doing well so far, such as the sage below. I really want to pick up some more and have been considering lemon balm, chervil and of course, planting the chive seeds I bought, It is too early to plant out any basil, that will have to wait until the end of November,
5 More reading
With the gloomy weather, it is a day for tea and picking up a gardening magazine, reading about petunias and getting some ideas for new indoor plants. I’m also watching Big Dreams, Small Spaces with Monty Don on Netflix at the same time for further inspiration.
6. The last of the Japanese Camellias
Thanks to The Propagator for starting Six on Saturday. Hoping for better weather next Saturday!
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram@thistleandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
i’ve always wanted to grow fresh herbs, how cool!
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You can easily grow them in tubs which is great if you don’t have much space.
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how cool! i didn’t know that. i think i need some out on my porch!! you’ve inspired me 🙌🏻
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Yes find out what grows best in your region and have a go!
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I love the top photo, but not in the way you might think. It makes me nostalgic to see those lovely old weatherboard houses on the Wellington hillsides! Gorgeous photo of the camellia. Did you decide what to plant in your courtyard corner?
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We actually live in a wooden house built in 1929, perched on a hill. It’s very Wellington in fact. I think I am going to go for a tub filled with something easy to grow like nasturtiums or marigolds as that corner does tend to get neglected. I’ll pop an old chair up there too and see if we use it.
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Your garden looks so lush. I love the photo with the rhodendendron.
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Thank you – the garden is rather green and untamed!
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You are on a similar latitude to me so I can empathise with all things southern! On rainy days, I sit with dog, cup of tea, Garden Illustrated from the UK and Gardening Australia, lusting after everyone else’s gardens! Beautiful rhododdendron!
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I know…the gardens in these magazines always look stunning.
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So nice to see your beautiful rhododendrons and camellias. We are on alkaline soil, so I don’t even see them around here in spring.
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They seem to thrive around here. Such gorgeous blooms I agree.
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The camellia is gorgeous…love that shade of pink!
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Yes it is quite gorgeous!
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