Morning all,


Run out of things to say about the spring weather. At least in the cool temperatures things aren’t running away on the growth front, the plants seem to be waiting for the great plant buying public to make an appearance. Let’s hope it’s not too far away and this is just a bit of a late start. Panic has not quite set in here but I know there are many growers suffering significant losses already where early crops have not shifted and the follow on ones are not being potted with no obvious pick up in the weather anticipated. Cash-flow for everyone is a worry especially with the losses suffered last year, the last thing we growers really needed was a late spring. Even when things kick off, it will still be weeks before we see the pressure on cash availability lift which just adds to the usual spring excitement. So here is an appeal to anyone with available cash, help your desperate plant suppliers by paying up as soon as you can. They may be too embarrassed to ask for early settlement but I know they will greatly appreciate it and will I’m sure return the favour with even better service in the future. Please don’t be tempted to ask for discounts while offering help, it would be like kicking a man when he is down. The whole production system is on a knife edge so let’s work together to get through this tricky time.

Enough of the real world, back to our happy little universe of all things rosy and hairy. Easter is here and we are ready for a little extra splurge of orders to rush out this coming week. We will endeavour to get everything delivered before Friday but we may have to slip a few out later if demand goes bonkers anticipating a sunny spring weekend. We live in hope. If you can get your orders in ASAP that will help immensely in organising the week. Thanks.

No metal detecting yet, too wet and cold on the odd day I have had time to do anything, but watched some You-Tube videos to pick up some tips. Bought a little treasure digging spade in readiness and looking forward to my first hoard which seem to appear all the time if you believe the videos! I feel a slide into train-spotting mode coming over me. Still it will hopefully be safer than hockey. Picked up a spectacular bruise last weekend after catching the end of a stick at the top of my thigh. A white shape appears from one side of the large circular bruise and the words of Baldrick in Black Adder 2 sprang to mind: ‘Not to worry my lord, the arrow didn't in fact enter my body. No, by a thousand to one chance my willy got in the way.’ Feeling more comfortable now and only one more game to play after Easter.

Off to the Winchester beer festival tonight to sample some local produce and see a band so hope to drown some sorrows there. Must not overdo it, got some seed sowing to do on Sunday anticipating some super sales in a few weeks time.

Availability

Super range of chunky Aquilegias looking full of life and vigour.

Polemonium Heaven Scent is a great spring performer. The strong chunky dark bronze-flushed early shoots are SO attractive in this early period and the first flower buds are already nestling among the leaves. STUNNING AT THE MOMENT.

Pulmonaria’s are in bud and showing colour although only a few left.

Erysimums are great, especially the Bowles Mauve which flowers endlessly and the strongly variegated Peach variety.

Last few Primula veris in bud, just a few trays left.

The border bulbs are looking strong, with most Camassia’s and Alliums up and the hardy Gladiolus Byzantinus looking perky.

Anemone blanda showing some bud and a flower or two. Still lovely bud and flowers on the Helleborus niger too.

Eco news

Didcot coal power station shut down this week. The chap running it blamed EEC rules rather than the polluting effects of running such installations which was a bit distracting. Hopefully they can find enough replacement capacity to see us through the next few years, the investment needed is a bit slow arriving and the possibility of lights going out may be a bit closer than is comfortable. Gas supplies into the country were disrupted this week by a breakdown which resulted in some panic, luckily it came back on line quickly but it makes you realise just how vulnerable we are to supply hiccups whether they are mechanical or financial. Meanwhile the nuclear investors are looking to drag out the start of work on new installations until they can be guaranteed high enough returns by the government. They could suddenly make renewables look cheap. Value your energy and use less.

Nature notes

Bird song deafening at times this week, hopefully they know something we don’t.

If you need a fax list please let us know, pick it up from the website or alternately send an email address.

Have a good week, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries