ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY IN TAURANGA

Lovely sunny day today listening to birds and strolling around the garden. This bumble bee has been pretty busy gathering pollen from the Hyssops. The thing I love about having these is that they self-seed and bring colour as well as cooling the garden down. Popping up everywhere!

Well, I am not sure that the birds are too happy about sharing their birdbath with the cuttings. Kit manages to jump up for a drink from the dish... not much fazes him.

We are feeling rather excited about the nectarines this year. Although many have fallen from the tree, a fair few continue to hang on... for now.

Hopefully, as the tree matures it will produce more healthy fruit. The copper sprays are certainly working well in controlling the leaf curl. I continue to pick off infected leaves as I go.

With several strawberry plants in tubs and here and there in the garden, we are making the most of them... and they are delicious!

These ones enjoy being tucked up in their little beds and quietly observe the beady-eyed blackbirds from under the netting. The funny thing is that a lot of the birds concentrate more on the scraps Craig throws across the lawn for them. Could it be that they have become complacent?

Westerland is reflecting in the sun as the little ones scamper up hastily to join her. A couple of warm days do the trick and, at the moment, there are gorgeous blooms everywhere. Such a joy it is to have them.

Not to be outdone, Schoolgirl flaunts her beauty. These two roses grow side by side to ensure the blooms continue for longer. As much as I love Schoolgirl, the flowers drop off early.

Crepuscule is another climber that will clamber over the garden shed. KAITERI GOLD CLIMBING ROSE is a must when looking for an excellent performer. The blooms stay on for a long period, my first one has been just perfect for a week already. It is a large bright lemon rose with well-formed petals. A strong healthy plant that never disappoints.

This photo does not do Kaiteri Gold justice.  I will put up a better photo when the next bud opens.

Craig is glad to have a sit down after another long walk home with a heavy load of groceries. He often walks two or three times a day. Fit as a fiddle! Kit adores his dad... it's not just cupboard love even though Craig fusses over him with many treats. Yesterday it was fresh fish nicely browned in the pan just as he likes it. It's a wonder he has room after all the grazing that goes on. Whiskers cat pouches and cat biscuits throughout the day... but just look at him! Not a bit of weight anywhere. Guess it's all the tearing up and down trees!

I digress. But, it's hard not to sit down in front of the computer and before you know it... a couple of hours have flashed by.

I don't know what happened to the mobile phone earlier today, but panic set in when I discovered it had frozen on something-or-other.... can't remember what it was! Thanks, Craig!  If he had not quietly taken it in hand and brought it under control I would have definitely been in need of a chill pill! Thankfully, it's behaving now and I can get back to swanning about. 😊

Dublin Bay is thriving in the sunny position as it climbs up towards the pergola. With repeat flowering, this beautiful rose adds colour and beauty for months on end.



Here is Kit checking out the comings and goings. Boy! does he enjoy life.

Cineraria flowers have sprung up all over the place. I wonder if they may soon be coming to an end. I will miss them, but there will be other plants to take their place.

Three of these little birds turned up in our Agonis tree a few weeks ago. I heard a strange bird song which sounded like a descending scale before dashing outside to see. It took a while to find them in the large tree, but soon enough, there they were. I watched until they fIew off before a Google check soon identified them after listening to it on a nature site. Whitehead Popokatea is a threatened species here in New Zealand and with a dwindling population in different parts of the country, the Conservation Department was keen to hear of their first reported siting here in Tauranga.

A few Cinerarias and Aquilegia in the vase lasted a few days. Very pretty while they lasted... short and sweet...

Not a lot happening in the kitchen today.... Hmm..... I think a Lemon Meringue Pie might be a good idea. Craig has got through so many lemons lately with all the drinks he has been making because of his cold. Feeling a lot better today.... but this hasn't stopped his walking.

A camellia and some citrus trees have reached out to form a garden arch. The balance of nature never ceases to amaze me. A wonderful gift we should never take for granted!