Spring is peeking around the corner at Greystone!

The circles of daffodils are well sprouted and the first of those around the 'greystone' came out in bloom during 3 August. They were 48 hours later than last year, but whose counting! The Cornubia rhododendron is out by the front stonewall and the prunus's and wild plums are all out around Greytown. The wattles have been out for some weeks as have the jonquills and japonica. The pictures below show the intending attendees (particulary those from the northern hemispohere) at Sammo's knees-up 15 - 16 August some of the glories that await them. The Magnolia campbelli is also looking likely to have its first blooms by 15 August.



Kiwiland has had two major storms in the last 10 days, both originating off the Queensland coast with very strong winds, heavy rain causing much damge flooding and slips. The Wairarapa escaped the worst since the wind was from the north however Northland, Auckland, Wellington, Manawatu/Horowhenua, Blenheim, Picton, Canterbury and deep south copped the worst. Tairawhiti (Gisborne/East Coast NI) also got hit hard. The temperature has been very warm also with some commentators stating the first storm was worse than the Wahine storm of April 1968 (the one that welcomed Joanne!) Now we are waiting for the southerlies to clear the ratbag weather and give us some much wanted sunshine.

A substantial number of homes in Auckland and Wellington have been badly affected by slips and residents ordered out for safety. Some of the homes are written off. Torbay and Aro Valley respectively were the worst affected due to slips.

More soon on the fine weather and comestibles ordered for Sammo's knees-up.