Bolting asparagus

A couple of photos from the garden. At the end of autumn I cut the asparagus back to the ground to prepare for the new growth in the spring. We’ve had a bit of rain in past couple of weeks and the things have bolted. (That’s rhubarb on the right).
I don’t think it’s normal but can’t find any information on the web. I’m wondering if it’s to do with the unusual weather patterns around the world – swans nesting in winter and drought in England. We’ve also had roses flowering and I’ve noticed seagulls looking broody.

Here they are again if you look carefully. I was struck by how magnificent the tree fern is becoming.

It is quite slow growing but could end up ten metres tall.

Update from Christchurch
You may have heard they have had another series of aftershocks today. We have heard from our close friends there and they are ok. There has been a lot more damage and they are without water and sewage although most of the city has power. A lot of the inhabitants must be asking “When will it end?”.

Latest information here.

Another old favourite

The Main Ridge Track in the East Harbour Regional Park. Four previous posts have covered the walk.

It was a misty, moisty sort of a day but we wrapped up well for the conditions. At least it wasn’t cold.
It was a good day for taking photographs of the vegetation.
I think this is mapou.
The intricate lacelike leaves and twigs of beech give a special quality to the forest.
Rimu has a very distinctive juvenile form.
Here we are on the most photographed bench in my blog. Noreen is displaying a bar of Whittaker’s Fruit and Nut chocolate – the main reason we go walking.
We were intrigued by this nicely coloured fungus growing on a tree.
Can you guess the joke these people were making?
And finally a possible close relation to the fern I spotted last week on Colonial Knob.

Celebration

An impromptu celebration tonight as Sam & Bex have had their offer on a house accepted. If all the inspections go to plan they will move in at the beginning of July.
Noreen had some Bollinger from a grateful client so we indulged in that.