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
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new βDecember bonusesβ or βbenefit increasesβ
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to βexuberanceβ? π₯
In The Postβs opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, weβre βallergic to exuberance.β
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps itβs worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.5% Yes
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33.6% Maybe?
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24.9% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens arenβt seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days β the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, whoβs made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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