New Zealand Abloom

The flowers seemed to come on very suddenly here in the spring and we started out thinking we'd like to chronicle the beautiful blooms.

Some we recognized like the wisteria and lavender, which most gardens seem to have here. We even have a wisteria surrounding our clotheslines. Jan loves wisteria and enjoyed it tremendously. We also saw a lot of calla lilies, which grow wild here.

Our clothesline wisteria

Our favorite bloom here at the flat was this charming little flower that peeked through the fence outside out kitchen window.

A visitor from the neighboring garden

The gardens at our office building exploded with these vibrant orange blooms.

 

These tiny daisies started to sprinkle lawns everywhere. At first we thought New Zealand only had these instead of dandelions, but then we saw both growing together.

Doubtless weeds to the homeowner but interesting to us

One thing all the Americans find fascinating are the Pink Trees. The leaves only stay pink for a couple of days, then turn pale orange, and then become an indistinguishable green. If you want a photo, you have to be quick!

NOT pink blossoms, pink leaves

 
These grow in profusion, too, in several different colors. Not the slightest idea what they are but wherever there’s a small bit of earth not planted with something else, these were growing.

A prolific mystery wildflower

Almost overnight the flowers were gone from these and the stems—some over 5 feet long turned dark black! Instead nasturtiums were everywhere when we were out driving. Geraniums—mostly climbing varieties—were running up lampposts. Roses were in riot. And we realized we were never going to be able to keep up with the blooming seasons here.

However, we do have to tell about the pohutukawa trees. These are a protected native tree. The new year’s growth is a pale gray-green, and then small clusters of white berries appear on the trees. The clusters elongate and then burst into vibrant red blossoms about the size and shape of a bottle brush. Traditionally the blooms appear at Christmas time, so the pohutukawa is called the New Zealand Christmas tree. Kiwis seem enraptured with the pohutukawas and have been quick to tell us all about them. Everyone looks forward to their blooming season. 

Pohutukawa Blossom

A small pahutukawa tree in full blossom

The pohutukawa at the end of our drive began blooming before Halloween, so it’s nearly finished, but there are plenty coming on along our walk to the beach, and in all stages of bud and bloom all over the North Island. 

After the blossoms are finished, they fall and shatter into bright red dust under the tree.