As Europe and the Americas drift from hot summer days to cooler autumn temperatures, here in New Zealand it is springtime!
Spring in Aotearoa New Zealand is slightly more turbulent than, say, the U.K.or part of America. While the temperatures rise slowly and steadily, this rise is interrupted by rain storms, very strong winds and the odd wonderful T-shirt and shorts day.
Our pride and joy at the moment is the raised bed we have installed on the deck. It is simple and sturdy pine and was bought to showcase the beautiful statue of a sleeping cat that was a gift to Paul on his retirement. I will showcase the cat another day.
In this first photograph you can see the astonishing and long lasting freesias that have flowered for over five weeks, daffodils and a few small pansies.
Vulcanello Daffodils
We bought the daffodils at a local garden centre because they were ‘new’ and looked rather fun. As you can see they are not standard daffodils at all but look like they are two daffodils in one. We planted them in time to over winter and watched them pop up with amazement! They are vivid and long lasting (nearly four weeks so far)
Lucky are the gardeners who add Vulcanello to their landscapes. This ravishing newcomer is a real beauty PLUS, it exhibits a robust growth habit that will have your borders and beds bursting with fragrant, golden-yellow blooms accented with vivid orange centres.
Breck’s Bulbs
They fade with age but still look spectacular.
The warm weather is also bring out the Silvereye birds that adore nectar. They form a disorderly but cheerful crowd and demolish a feeder full of nectar every day. I managed to get one bird in flight, which I don’t usually do.
You might be seeing more ‘cats in the garden’ photos, especially now the building nightmare across the fence is winding down (after over 15 months) and I still have to remind myself that my favourite model Angel Thomas will not be following me around the garden anymore.
Here is Thomas in the spring sunshine in one of my absolute favourite shots of him. Take lots of good photos. Improve your skills, make memories, please don’t put it off for another day, there may not be one.
** STOP PRESS **
Sierra M. Koester who edited Purrseverance which contains both Harvey’s story and Sawyer’s Big Adventure is donating 50% of the profits of Purrseverance to Colorado Feline Foster Rescue between now and 31st of December 2025. [We recommend Bookbaby as more profits go into the hands of the editor and Rescue!]
If you haven’t got a copy now is the time to read how Sawyer scared us all half to the moon and back before being rescued, Harvey found his forever home, and a paw full of stories that will make you cat proud.
Beautiful images and thoughts on gardening. Thank you for sharing so that others can experience the joy of both.
Your garden is just so beautiful and colorful and the photo of the birds just adds a special touch. I wish I had a garden but living in an apartment makes it impossible. The photos of Thomas is just stunning and I love when proceeds from sales go to rescues.
I love these! I admire anyone who has a green thumb like you! I have a very non-green thumb! So I really appreciate these beautiful shots. I especially love the one with your Thomas. I love the cat statue in your flower box! How neat. And what a great capture of the hummingbird! Ah, to think you are in spring…as we leave our beautiful Autumn colors behind now and head into (brrrr) winter. When I had the Huskies, it was our favorite time of year, now I yearn for spring and summer. Enjoy your warmer seasons!
Your pictures are, as always, amazing. I’d love a better picture of the sleeping cat statue! You can just glimpse it through the flowers.
What a gorgeous garden! Your Thomas sure was a pretty boy. I’m sitting here freezing as we are supposed to get snow over the next few days. I love the fundraiser idea. Pawsome and I hope it raises a lot of money for the needy kitties.
The daffodil is so interesting looking, and looking stunning even when past their prime. Beautiful picture of Thomas relaxing in the sun. You’re so right, don’t put off taking pictures because there may not be another chance.
As we move to winter where i am seeing beautiful flowers gives me a reminder that spring with come again. We are excited for our cat Cosmo to have his first true experience with snow.
Mee-yow Happy Spring Miss Marjorie an Toulouse an THE gang! Yore flowerss are so purrty! An THE foto of Thomas baskin inn THE Sun iss speck-taculur!!
***nose kissess*** BellaDharma an (((hugss))) BellaSita Mum
Beautiful blooms and I love that shot of Thomas. XO
I miss Thomas, every day.
I do enjoy seeing spring flowers coming in as we head toward fall. Thank you for showcasing your lovely raised bed!
Love the spring flowers and all your garden pictures! What fun for me to enjoy two seasons at one time. Have a wonderful spring!
Lovely spring blooms!
Those are interesting birds…of course not here at all, so thanks for sharing them enjoying their treat.
A very sweet memory of Thomas.
Such wonderful photos, everything is so pretty. Happy Spring!
Brian’s Home ~ Forever
The daffodils are very pretty, and I love the smell of freesias. That was a good catch of the bird in flight. Thomas was so handsome. I am so glad that I bought a small point and shoot camera shortly after Eric and Flynn joined us. I took them around the fields every day, and that little camera was always in my pocket. So many memories.
Yes! Freesias are so special and I would never be without my camera!