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Monday, January 14, 2019

Blue flowers, and a blue native bird

I’m pleased that another of my stitchery blocks has been completed, I’ve been stitching away on my Chatham Island Forget-me-knot block.  Designed by Jenny Hunter, this is block seven of nine New Zealand botanical blocks, and is my “slow stitching” project.

P1250620

The threatened Chatham Island forget-me-not grows naturally on the Chatham Islands - on coastal cliffs, rock outcrops and sandy and rocky beaches.  Grazing, trampling and rooting by domestic and feral animals and weed encroachment, especially by marram grass, are major threats to this species in it’s natural habitat.  This large showy plant is also available to home gardeners, and is widely grown in nurseries and gardens throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Chatham Island forget-me-not
Photo from Te Ara NZ

I unrolled my block roll to put the newly finished block away with the others and have a count up.  Gemma must approve of my stitched blocks, as she has settled down on top of them for a snooze!  So I can't disturb her, can I?

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The snooze of approval

We have another native bird to join our ever growing collection.  This beautiful metal and glass piece of yard art was a Christmas gift from grand-daughter Megan, and is now lives happily outside under the eaves. 

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The kokako make up two species of endangered wattlebirds which are endemic to New Zealand, the North Island kokako and the presumably extinct South Island kokako. They are both slate-grey with wattles and have black masks.  We have only ever seen these beautiful birds in bird sanctuaries.
Image result for photos of kokako

15 comments:

Sarah said...

That's a lovely block you've finished. Kitty does look comfy!

Kathy S. said...

I love that it got Gemma's snooze approval. Gemma is a doll!

StitchThrifty said...

Your block and stitching is beautiful (and cat approved). The bird yard art is really pretty. I love birds. I have added your blog to my reader, I found you via slow Sunday stitching

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

pretty bird and the plant is gorgeous too!

Robin said...

Beautiful block. Forget me not plants looks a lot differently here in America. It was nice to see the specific plant you were stitching I don't blame you for wanting to make that block.

Julierose said...

You did a beautiful job capturing that blue flower in your stitchery, Jenny.;I really like it... And what a lovely bird....lucky you...hugs, Julierose

Tired Teacher said...

Congratulations on finishing another embroidered block. I love the yard art bird!

Maria said...

Such a pretty flower and your stitched one is lovely...
How cute is Gemma.
Nice Bird to add to your collection.

Raewyn said...

A lovely post Jenny. I do like your stitchery and the beautiful wall art. I have tried to grow a Chatham Islands Forget me Not but haven't yet had success. Maybe I'll have to try again - it really is a beautiful plant.

Nancy J said...

A beautiful bird on the wall, love the shine, and the stitching, perfect spot for Gemma to rets.

Janice said...

Another lovely stitchery to add to the collection and interesting to learn about the flower. The bird was a very thoughtful gift.

Connie said...

Your Forget Me Not is beautiful, I've never seen that before. It's fun seeing the foliage of other countries. Your stitchery is gorgeous, you do such nice work.

Michelle Ridgway said...

Your block is beautiful! We just watched COAST NEW ZEALAND and it was all about Chatham Island. Amazing place! Love your sweet birdie xx

Rose Marie said...

Your embroidery block is lovely! Your kitten is so adorable. Love to see photos of her.

Karen S said...

Great work finishing the block and lovely stitching.
Your new bird art looks great. So lovely to have these around your home.