Hairy Hats

Morning all,
Not much room for news this week with plenty of stock coming into flower.
A slight pause in sales after a disappointing weekends weather lulled me into a false sense of have plenty of time this week, and now it’s Friday. The warmer weather over the few days did bring a flurry of late sales which made us feel better but stopped me getting as much potting done as I had hoped, still at least there is some income coming in soon.
Luckily the quieter week coincided with several social events, Railsplitters, a bluegrass band from Colorado in the village hall, a 70th birthday bash on Sunday where I had to get my 4 lane Scalextric set going as part of the entertainment, jive dancing on Tuesday and ending the week with a brilliant gig in Andover with Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson. The only sad bit was the lack of bodies at the last gig, so much talent and entertainment going to waste, still we all had a good time.

Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures still not doing a lot. Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive, the white a little smaller and not quite as advanced on the flowering front. Get them while they are hot. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best. Dicentra spectabilis are looking great and probably at their best, shoots bushy and are nicely above the surface and buds with a bit of colour already showing on this fleshy exotic. Two forms at the moment, the classic pink/white and the pure white. We hope to have the dramatic yellow leaved variety Goldheart a little later, assuming it does as it should.
The Bergenia Bressingham White are now producing their springtime bud and the odd flash of colour, but not huge numbers left. Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, delightful forget-me-not blue flowers heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long. The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again.
Plenty of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing strong flower heads with plenty of bud and good colour in white, purple and violet red.
Caltha palustris are showing their early yellow buds amoung the healthy green shoots.
White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming out on the charming Pulmonaria Opal.
It seems early but Erigeron karvenskianus have already got bud showing, it will be a little while before they open but it’s a great plant, just going on and on, flowering the whole summer.
Just a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left, nicely in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year. The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Leucanthemum May Queen as the name suggests is close to flowering, the buds are there ready to burst. The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers.
One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing it’s dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage. Heuchera varieties Firefly and Ruby Bells are both producing numerous flower stems with plenty of bud. The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, particularly pleased with these. Aquilegia are showing signs of the occasional flower stem, a little way off colour yet but raring to go. Did I mention how good the red and purple Pulsatilla are at the moment, I wouldn’t want you to miss out! There are a few new lines this week showing signs of flowering, so watch out for those.

Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries