Happy New Year to all.
A lovely bright start to the year, just right for a potter about in the garden. Even our free draining chalk soil is struggling to cope with the frequent downpours at the moment. Looks like it might quieten down a bit as we go through the week so that is something to look forward to.
I don’t usually think there is much very special about a new year, after all it is just the next day, but there was is a definite feeling that seeing the back of two very tricky years and starting afresh a new season of hope and enthusiasm would be like a new start. 2013 finished off brilliantly with a 5 day power cut in the house over Christmas and several tunnel covers damaged in the wind. Luckily the refreshing of the screws in the tunnel sides we did before Christmas worked so it wasn’t as bad as it might have been. One of the turbines needed its wing tips resetting on Christmas morning, after power was restored to the
nursery so that was a new experience. Then Caroline had to go up again on Saturday after another short power cut. She is getting a lot more confident now we have done it a few times. The harness equipment is very solid and much easier to get on now we are more used to it and the ladder is definitely shaking less as I hold it for the dismount. It’s all go.
We really missed having electricity for so many days. It is fairly easy to cope for a short while but the lack of thermostatic controls, heating pumps, lights, and all those helpful electrical appliances and gadgets really does change things. We had heat from the wood burner, slow cooking on the Aga (on manual override) and lights from candles so we were luckier than some.
We did lots of visiting to cover the big day, some meals and to get a hot shower or two but it’s only when you go over to candlelight at 4.15 and no telly that you suddenly realise how long the evenings are at this time of year. My body clock had me ready for bed by 8.30.
So along comes a new year and we keep a close eye out for all those little pointers that say what a good year it is going to be. Just in the first few days we have had the electric saw switch break, the main computer failed to start up, the scanner refused to scan, the fan that inflates the twin skinned tunnel has stopped, the irons died (after only 29 years) and the scales must be malfunctioning. Looks like a memorable year to me. Still at least there is a lot of the year left for things to blossom.
The turbines are doing a good dollop of generating at the moment after a quiet November and early December. A steady breeze tends to suit them better rather than strong and gusty but at least they are all going thanks to our new super wing tip re-setter.
If you would like to see a quick preview of the new 2014 catalogue try the following link which takes you to a downloadable version or visit our website https://www.dropbox.com/s/gm72fckfp2f2wbm/herbaceous%26herb%20catalogue%202014%20Oct%2013%20full%20DL%20no%20pr.pdf
Availability
I know it’s very early in the year but the wild weather has at least kept things fairly mild so we have some very nice looking stock at the moment should you wish to do a little restocking after Christmas, ready for the start of mega 2014 plant sales.
Growth is generally fairly tight as is usual at this time of year but there are definite signs of growth and even the odd bud or two on some lines.
This seasons Euphorbia’s are looking great and the Erysimums are already showing signs of budding up.
The Helleborus niger have a few buds too and the primroses are showing spring colour already.
Box returns
Lots of boxes have been successfully repatriated so thanks for the great response to the appeal I sent out for their return. I know there are still a few out there so please do let us know if you have any ready to collect and we will schedule them in f or collection when we are next close by. Alternatively if there aren’t too many we may elect to pick them up on the next delivery in the up and coming spring rush!
Cheers.
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