Beyonce with two young teenagers is an experience

 

We bought the tickets with some friends thinking that it was another concert  that we were going to.  My family came for dinner one night and his kids raved about Beyonce and how they really, really, really wanted to go. Harry tried to get some extra tickets for them but all sold out so Tony and Harry decided to let the kids have their tickets....These girls thought they were just made... 

Im outta practice of having a late night, well that is if you call 1.30am late .  I am not sure what was the highlight for the just teenage girls, whether it be, being in a big city with all that goes on or the show Beyonce. My Aunt used to take me to shows in Auckland and I have never forgotten the experience and I know that we have shared the same with Jessica and Emily. They both were so excited, watching the time on their phones tick past impatiently waiting for the big act.

We left Gordonton in plenty of time and arrived in the big smoke with a good hour and half to spare, so in the carpark we sat eating homemade sammies of cold cornbeef and egg all organised by Harry. We were there so early and walked past so many trendy cafes but I daren't take home uneaten sandwiches

The girls were so excited, googled eyed, watching what everyone was wearing and doing as they haven't been to such an event before. I guess being in the Vectra Arena in Auckland, packed to the gunnels is an experience for anyone let alone two young girls who haven't been to a show before and probably only in Auckland city a couple of times.

The show was just awesome even if Beyonce isn't quite your thing and as for the late night, well 6 am came around fast enough and the reality of having a rose nursery as we headed out and sprayed the roses early this morn.. First decent chance that we have had after all that wind and rain.  I think that the downy season is past but its time to watch out for black spot and nail it quick if you think that its happening to you. Again its the rain that spreads it so spray before rain and after rain.

Our roses are just looking awesome and I have said it before but I really think this year they are tops and all just peaking flowers and  buds. If youre  someone that loves to look, from now on is the time to get here. 

 

Acers or Maples most know both names

Here at Wairere we have had long lasting love affair with Maples which will no doubt remain until we have all turned into compost. It doesn't matter if they are short, tall weeping or straight - we love them equally and our garden wouldn't be complete without them. The botanical name for Maples is Acer which comes from the Greek for sharp (think acer-bic) and refers to the pointed leaves. This week we are featuring Weeping Maples which come mainly from Japan where they have been revered for centuries. In Japan the "leaf-viewing" of Maples in all their autumn glory is a significant spiritual event.

Many Weeping Maples are cultivars of Acer palmatum, palmatum means hand-like and refers to the delicate "fingers of foliage" which are often deeply dissected which leads us to the next word used to describe these trees:- dissectum. So if you see a tree labelled Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis' and you wonder what on earth that gobbledygook means it translates as a tree with viridis/green leaves that look like a hand with long fingers that have sharp points. Here endth the Latin lesson!    well this one LOL

 

              

 

In their natural habitat Japanese Maples are part of the forest under-story which tells you that they will be their happiest in dappled light. Strong sunlight won't kill a Maple but hot afternoon sun will certainly burn the delicate leaves. The same goes for strong wind. So plant your Maple in a sheltered spot, preferably on the Eastern side of the garden. Be mindful too that Maples have a fibrous root system so a nice layer of cooling mulch provided before summer will keep them extra happy. Despite all that Maples are in fact very hardy trees and very cold tolerant. Weeping Maples look wonderful draped over water to provide delicate lacy reflections. Maples can be successfully container grown and can remain in the same container for several years as long as they are well fed and watered.

Weeping Maples can be high-worked or low-worked; this refers to where the graft is i.e. on the bottom of the stem or the top. We highly recommend the following favourites: - Acer  Tamukeyama, Acer Viridis, Acer Crimson Queen and Acer Inabe Shidare.

 

Geraniums

Lots of new Geraniums have arrived in the nursery this week...... or are they Geraniums.... Technically they are Pelargoniums so Chris reminds me, but the tricky point is that its still easier to call them Geraniums so then you know what we are on about. True Geraniums are cranesbills but we dont have any of these in yet. Check all the new ones that we have in here and they include Ivy, classic and all the ones that I thought were Pelargoniums if that makes sense..

 

              

 

Hostas

The Hostas are all looking just gorgeous with their new leaves and that is what makes them so special. Foliage does it for me and I just love these all. Best in dappled light , rich, moist soils and plenty of slug bait as the slugs and snails probably like them as much as me.. Click the link and go and check out the new seasons selection.

New into the nursery this week is Hosta Silver Knight, which is a beautiful hosta bred right here in the Waikato.  Hosta Silver Knight has stunning silver blue foliage that simply gets better with age. In summer stems of nodding bell like flowers appear above the leaves.  Harry is sure that the silver leaved varieties are less tasty to the rasping tongue of the land molluscs.

 

              

Daisy Pixies White

Harry can't resist a bargain and here is this weeks, a classic white daisy for under ten bucks. It will flower all summer and a good haircut will keep in compact and bushy

Rhubarb we have several cultivars here at the moment and Harry says that everyone is after one called Victoria. So if you are after this clone then be in quick. Lovely chunky plants that are big in the bag.

It was a cracker day today and its meant to be a choice weekend. whether youre gardening, playing, partying or just laxing around have a good one, I know that we will!

 

Take care and have a great weekend.

Cheers

Make it a Wairere weekend where even GNOMES know that gardening's not a drag