Monday 23 March 2015

Meaty and Hairy

Morning all,

Not a bad day, nice bit of spring sunshine this morning although a bit dull and cool this afternoon. It’s great to feel some spring warmth when the sun breaks through although we haven’t seen much of it over the last few days. A shame we missed out on the eclipse too, a really grey, cold and dull morning we couldn’t even tell where the sun was in the sky. I even missed it on the i-player live coverage, at the critical point the pictures were buffered and we missed it. I was glad the day passed well, we had no mishaps here, but the omens weren’t good with the eclipse, a super moon and the spring equinox all on one day, good job I ran three times round the May tree with my vest on inside out.
The cool weather so far is holding back some of the stock a bit but most things are showing lovely spring shoots. The lupins look stonking with chunky strong overwintered shoot filling up the pots really well. The early potting is rooting through already and the overtime is well underway as we get everything set for bumper sales.
We are just about to try out our plant tonic treatment as temperatures rise. A happy cocktail of biological leaf stimulants/protectors to knock back any early pest and disease and a bit of seaweed extract for an extra boost. A mix recommended to us to try out through the irrigation system, boosting plant health and reduce the application of other sprays. We will be applying it regularly through the growing season to improve the levels of bio-protection and hopefully improve overall plant health and grade out levels. It’s the improvement in grade outs that pays for it all so we need to see a difference. The first of the predator release is drawing close, just need a degree or two on the temperatures to get them active and effective.
Storming my way through my mixed grill selections from last week’s birthday present and a full roast on Mother’s Day I’m not sure if my body knows what has hit it. The staff are wondering if I may have overdosed such is my excitement, I was repeatedly describing the lemon tart dessert as lamb tart and on Saturday I managed a sausage intake for three meals on the trot! I may have to lay off it for a bit and go cold turkey, mmmm delicious, might get one for Easter. Must go and check out the rugby, it looks like it’s building up to a big final game for England. Need to sow some seeds too so the excellent radio coverage will have to cover that.

Availability
Erysimum Bowles Mauve is showing well and is always such a favourite and a great long lasting garden performer. New batches of Apricot Twist and Pastel Patchwork are back on the list with nice tight buds appearing.
Polemonium Heaven Scent is looking great and the first flower shoots are being held above the lovely verdant bronzed foliage, be quick they won’t hang around long.
Those spring markers Primula denticulata and Pulsatlla vulgaris are beginning to come to life. Both are showing early signs of bud appearance but not quite extended vertically yet to show much colour at this stage, but it won’t be long. The Lupins are putting on their first flush of fresh, bushy, early growth, they are monster plants. We always have to sell this batch fairly smartly as they will outgrow the pot too quickly if left until the warmer weather. They are all looking fantastically strong and chunky. The Digitalis range is looking great, strong pot full’s of monster plants.Doronicum Little Leo is a good early performer, lots of fresh green foliage with buds to follow shortly. The Pyrethrum (Tanacetum) varieties are bushy and strong, the fresh ferny foliage provides a nice pot full.
The overwintered Phlox varieties are beginning to show their first strong shoots as spring draws close, more varieties are appearing as they emerge from winter slumber. We seem to have an ever expanding range of Aquilegia as the sales of stock in bud have been very strong over the last couple of seasons. At the moment they are bulking up nicely as they prepare for their early summer show, don’t miss out on this perennial classic. Dicentra spectabilis and alba has just burst through and there are a few early buds showing.
The first few herbs are now available as spring growth begins. It is still early days for mega growth, we want to keep them tough and not too soft to put up with the last of the winter cold.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries

No comments:

Post a Comment