Garden Photo of the Day

Late Spring on the Opposite Side of the World

While most of North America is enjoying fall foliage, a gardener on the opposite side of the world is enjoying early-blooming roses

cluster of light yellow roses

Hi GPODers!

After weeks of mainly fall photos and with lots of us already feeling winter creeping in, we have a refreshing change of pace today. Lynne Leslie has shared her beautiful garden in Wellington, New Zealand a few times in the past (Lynne’s Garden in New Zealand, Lynne’s Garden in New Zealand 2, and Mid-Winter in Lynne’s New Zealand Garden), and we’re getting another update of her sensational flowers that signal that summer is around the corner.

I maybe another post from the other side of the world and with another climate might be of interest, Lynne Leslie

We have had a very early ‘first flush’ of roses here in Wellington, New Zealand. Maybe my change of feeding schedule has something to do with that. I have begun to use blood & bone monthly (with preparatory rose food September and again late December as per my usual feeding schedule). I prefer to use natural products wherever possible. The strong gales this time of year coincide with all the spring flowers and play havoc with roses, Canterbury bells (Campanula medium, Zones 3–9), lupins and poppies.

shirley poppiesShirley poppies. I love growing plants from seed and cuttings. I love the pink poppies and this year had a gorgeous soft pink double which will hopefully give me seed for next year.

Pink lupins amongst colorful foliagePink lupines (Lupinus polyphyllus, Zones 3–9) before they were devastated by the wind.

Note from the editor: New Zealand has a rich history of cultivating roses after the plant was introduced to the country in the early 1800s. Because of this and strict regulations on importing foreign plants, most of the cultivars in New Zealand gardens are completely different from those we grow in North America. Obviously, you won’t be able to find US hardiness zones for these New Zealand varieties, so that is why they are omitted from most of the roses below.

bright yellow rosesKaiteri Gold climbing rose (Rosa ‘Kaiteri Gold’) – such a strong rose which stands the wind quite well.

light green rosesGreen with Envy (R. ‘Green with Envy’) – always in flower and lasts well when picked.

light yellow rosesArrowtown (R. ‘Arrowtown’) – another climber. I like to cover fences where possible.

light peach rosesGlamis Castle® (R. ‘Glamis Castle’, Zones 5–10).

light pink roseNew Zealand Gardener (R. ‘New Zealand Gardener’).

cluster of light yellow rosesWish Come True (R. ‘Wish Come True’) – I won this rose from the grower and it is one of my favourites.

peach rosesA Gardener’s Dream (R. ‘A Gardener’s Dream’)

If I cram in plenty if perennials they keep the colour going between rose flowering. It always amuses me how gardeners always find other gardeners to chat to when out walking and socialising. I have many groups through my garden this time of year and d it is so lovely to share it with others. Gardeners are always generous with their knowledge and plants and we are always learning from each other. What a wonderful hobby.

Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous spring flowers with us, Lynne! It’s incredible to imagine being surrounded by your roses while looking at snow melting outside my window.

What does it look like outside your window? I think GPOD is the most exciting when we get to see gardens from a wide range of climates and locations! No matter what your garden is looking like right now—in full swing, or starting to get covered by snow—we’d love to see it! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

 

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  1. User avater
    user-7007816 12/11/2024

    Loved your garden, especially the roses. Thanks for sharing.
    Brought back memories of our visit to New Zealand several years ago.

  2. gardendevas 12/11/2024

    Glorious! Thanks so much for sharing a breath of Spring.

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