Soehrensia spachiana

Soehrensia spachiana

The torch cactus is native to western Argentina, and is commonly sold in nurseries in North America. It reaches 2 metres in height, and like many cacti, has big showy flowers that open at night. There was a pollen-drunk bee buried so deep in this one, I only noticed it because of the movement of the stamens.

Symphytum officinale

Neighbour gifts

I love checking out people’s gardens when I walk around the town, and I’m particularly attracted to riotous native shrubbery. If the owners are out working in the yard, I call out my compliments and stop to chat if they’re amenable. Today I met Elaine and Chet; they were really friendly and even dug up some comfrey for me to take home and plant. I’ve been wanting to grow it, but I never see it in nurseries, so when I spied their abundance, I wasn’t shy about asking for some.

Later in the afternoon our next-door-neighbour came over with more apricots from her tree. It’s starting to feel like we live here 😊