Sometimes you've forgotten that you've made the sample, especially when it's been at the shop for a while. I hadn't forgotten about my elf though...I'd give him a wee smile when I passed by him.
So I thought it apt that I give him a decent homecoming.
At the moment the Manuka is in flower and looks the best it has for quite a few years. In the right light the white flowers just glow. Unfortunately it's hard to get the effect in the photos. We have a lot of bush around us (some we own, but there's also reserve land, DOC land, Maori land and other privately owned land). It all interconnects so is quite lovely.
I've always thought the flowering shrubs would make a good backdrop for Christmas photos.
I took my elf with me out the back this morning for the photo shoot he deserved and got sidetracked
with all sorts of photos.
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| The bees were busy in the hot sun |
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| One small pocket of hives. They sounded busy and smelt delicious! |
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| [Original caption, huh] "Bee on Manuka" |
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| A hillside of flowering Manuka |
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| There's the odd pink bush, which stands out quite well. |
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| This photo looks towards the back of the main farm - the two triangle paddocks in the centre. Approx 4 kms away. |
The Lycopodium is flowering at the moment too. An interesting little plant, very popular with florists.
And finally the Elf got his chance to pose!
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| Elf with a view |
It's almost put me in a Christmassy mood....
'til next time,
happy stitches,
I didn't realise how beautiful Manuka is....Looks A little like our tea tree blossoms. Looks stunning enmasse. Very cute Mr Elf has a lot to smile about x
ReplyDeleteWhat alovely way to welcome elf home. he looks great. Lovely to see all the flowering plants around. Yhey are so pretty. And how lucky are you to have Manuka honey!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all those extra photos - beautiful views.
ReplyDeleteI love flowers! Someday to see them in person!! The elf is a cutie!
ReplyDeleteThat's certainly a cheeky little elf, he looks so happy to be back home with you again. I love Manuka honey, are they your own hives or does someone lease the land amongst the Manuka trees from you?
ReplyDeleteI have of course heard of Manuka honey but had no idea what 'Manuka' was! So great to see those beautiful flowering shrubs. Elf looks very much at home. xx
ReplyDeleteHe's so cute!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and your elf is adorable sitting amidst the blossoms!! Every time I see flowers blooming this time of year, I have to remind myself that not everywhere is getting snow/rain like we are!! I love the warmth of summer and it really shows through in your pictures. You are blessed to live in such a beautiful area!!
ReplyDeletenow I understand the fuss about Manuka honey! As Michelle said it looks like tea tree. Elf is rather cute... instread of elf on the shelf you have elf in the bush.
ReplyDeleteHugz
I can just imagine the smell of that honey!! So good! Wonderful to see the Manuka in flower, we have a little tea tree here which had flowers last month. Wonderful welcome home for elf! He looks very happy. Great to see farm photo's too.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see the flowers blooming. The little elf has a great spot to perch.
ReplyDeleteWith a smile like that I can see why you were giving him smiles at work... he is very joyful I think might be the best word 😆
ReplyDeleteCute elf and wow the flowering trees are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to get your elf back! He’s really cute!
ReplyDeleteI had never really thought about where Manuka honey came from so it’s lovely to see all your bushes, and all those bees!!
Are they your hives? A couple of our neighbours have kept bees in the past although neither of them do now. One neighbour got stung so many times he’s been told he’s now anaphylactic to bees, so had to stop keeping them.
We have honey every day, but not Manuka.
Loved all the photos!
Hugs,
Barbara xx
He's cute as can be. That's my first look at Manuka. I never heard of it, so we must not have it here (because you know I know EVERYTHING that grows in the U.S.! LOL) It's beautiful, and looking at the hillsides, and out the valley, I can see your place is even more beautiful than I had thought before. And the elf looks right at home, too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful display of Manukas..
ReplyDeleteOh ELF is sew cute..
Your hills are putting on quite the display at the moment - like their own Christmas decorations. Your sweet little elf fits in very well.
ReplyDelete