I thought it was time to do another flower post. π Despite the heat, I've got the garden shade cloths up, and my plants are doing just fine. π
Photo 1: My cherry-ice-cream begonia flowers are open.
Photo 2: Got some Double Delight pink-and-yellow roses open too. π
Photos 3, 4 & 5: Pansies and pink begonia flowers are doing just fine too. π
Photo 6: I've also got some white Nigella flowers open, and some blue ones yet to open. π
Photo 7: I've also discovered a white hollyhock flower open on one bush while doing this photo shoot!
Photo 8: Red begonias flowering.
Photo 9: A pink hollyhock flower - I saw the first one open on Sunday, today I see more open.
Photos 10 & 11: Dark pink and white carnations - the first few opened on Sunday, there are more open today.
Photos 12 & 13: Yellow Calendulas. I've got quite a few of these flowering.
Photo 14: Blackberry flowers & immature fruit.
Photos 15 & 16: My yellow miniature rose with a couple of buds - no flowers on that bush open yet, but soon will be!
Photo 17: One of my two surviving strawberry plants, with its flowers and fruit. I've been eating a few berries off it already - will buy some more strawberry plants to add to my two when Bunnings opens, in order to get more fruit. π
Photo 18: My blue daisies - they are a sky blue azure colour. π
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcareβs Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. Youβll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and letβs dig in.
Click read more for more information.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldnβt be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.6% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.