May your Christmas season be happy and festive, filled with lots of love and laughter and your new year bring a satisfying experience of gardening filled with flowers, foliage, produce and most of all, pleasure.
The photo at the top was inspired by the gentle winter Christmas scene on Dan Pearson’s site – a beautiful composition in greys, creams and white. A New Zealand Christmas is different and filled with flowers in many hues. I made my little arrangement and Mark walked in declaring, “Oh, a pixie has been here.”
Truth be told, Christmas here is perhaps better encapsulated by a scene that is somewhat bolder, less subtle and obviously from the summer season. Like this: 
Abbie and Mark Jury, Tikorangi
Tikorangi The Jury Garden 
And a very Happy Christmas to you Abbie and your family.
Many thanks for posting all your regular articles- As a passionate gardener for 60 years I thoroughly enjoy them -always interesting thoughtful entertaining and informative.
All the best for2019
Peter Martin
Peter, how very kind of you. Thank you.
I echo Peter’s sentiments. Your writings and photos are much appreciated, Abbie. I hope you and Mark continue to enjoy your garden for many years to come. Thanks for the beautiful season’s greeting.
Thank you, Carol. I really appreciate the feedback and an appreciative readership.
Yup; that is summery. They are quite popular on the coast here because they are so tolerant of the windy conditions . . . but yes, they are summery. Merry Christmas. I am sorry that I missed it.