Good morning all.

Another load of stuff crammed into a four day week. Deliveries flying out left right and centre and just about got round everywhere, another week under our belts. Looking forward to getting back that extra day in the coming week, we miss everyone on those ‘holiday’ days, the two of us struggle to get as much done on those days. Having the place to ourselves for a three day weekend is a nice change and a change is as good as a rest they say.

Having a better run of weather this spring has lifted confidence and spirits no end and suddenly we are thinking of the next batch of tweeks we can make to improve further the whole hairy pot deal. We have been following up some pot design improvements, which is a constant ongoing process. Over the years we have made the pots thinner and softer (less latex) to help out with quicker stronger plant and root establishment for the end consumer, but this has slightly compromised the life expectancy of the pot rim which tends to break apart first, creating a weaker feeling pot edge. The pots are all individually handmade so tend to vary a bit anyway but it looks like the idea of rim strengthening has been picked up by the Sri Lankan ladies who make them and we should see a gradual change in the pot rims over the next year. Unfortunately the time scale is quite long due to a combination of production time, batch sizes and existing stock clearance. They are still fab now, but will be even better later!

The coir pots can sometimes be a challenge to insert labels into due to their hairy nature, the labels don’t just slide down the inside wall or stick on as they would with a plastic pot. When the root -balls are established label reinsertion by customers can be tricky especially as plastic label design seems to have reduced the strength and length of the tongue. We are currently taking a look at having a bespoke set of labels made where we may be able to combine them with our stronger wooden label to help insertion and staying power. There are a number of other possible benefits which could come with this development, variety specific barcodes, QR codes, using more sustainable label materials and getting more hairy pot info onto the label, which could all help improve service and reduce some of our own printing demands. The balancing challenge may be the labour needed to combine the wooden and plastic components, I was wondering what to do on those long winter evenings. Still early days, watch this space.

King Somborne village hall was the venue for a blistering gig by a young reggae band from Leicester, By the Rivers. Sore feet and ears this morning, but well worth it. Off to my first Southampton game of the year later, last game of the season against Manchester United so hope to see some goals and maybe Ryan Giggs play his last game. It’s all go.

Availability

Achilleas are just showing their first buds, including the new delightful compact Desert Eve series. Stunning flowers on the Primula japonica Millers Crimson and a good show on the Primula vialli too. Early buds are plentiful on most of the bushy Salvia varieties this week.

Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.

Plenty of buds appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.

Erigeron Azure Beauty and Pink Jewel have their first buds appearing. The Sea Breeze varieties are poised too, looking verdant.

Fresh and chunky Papaver Garden Gnome are showing plenty of bud, but there is limited stock and only a few left. Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, displaying their delightful pale blue flowers.

Trollius Golden Queen is a late emerger but rushes up to bud once it is up, and here they are.

Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, Brookside with the first flowers opening and lots of bud and flower colour on the cant. Cambridge (deep pink), Biovoka (near white) and Karmina (very dark pink). The clear pink flowers of sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium, the stunning white form has a few buds appearing too. Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.

New batches of short fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know. Fresh short bushy Delphs and Hollyhocks (Alcea) raring to go but won’t hang around long.

The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come.

Fabulous, good looking, very strong and popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Alchemilla, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, don’t miss out.

Purple foliage of Lychnis Firecracker, Heuhera Palace Purple and Ligularia Desdemona are impressive and striking pot full’s.

Nature ramblings

More House Martins have pitched up, phew. Fattening tadpoles in the ponds and lots of newts out on the nursery. Springtime.

Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries