Hairy Stones

Morning all,

Back to multiply fleece layers, at least it's not raining yet. Monday looks a shocker but clearing up after that with luck so hopefully the bank holiday will be a big one.
Last week was so busy, lots of orders and lots going on, all adding to that list of challenges that makes running your own nursery so attractive. Checked out a hire van last weekend to make sure we had something suitable and reliable over the next couple of months rather than relying on nicking the old farm transit which never really filled any of us with confidence when setting off on a delivery. Picked out a nice 2 year old van with a tail lift, not as much payload as we would like but low mileage and the right dimensions. Took it out a few times during the week and all went well until the longest trip to Cornwall on Friday when it broke down at about 9.00am just halfway there. A very kind and thoughtful chap helped tow the van to a safe position in his Discovery which stopped us being a traffic hazard for which we are all very grateful. An alternator electrical fault meant a tow back to base to repair it, but we did manage to swap vans in situ and eventually got the delivery made although Greg didn't make it back until gone 10.00pm. A big thanks to all who helped out, making and accepting the later than planned delivery, replacing the hire van and keeping the roads safe.
Elaine's last day was on Thursday celebrated with a massive chocolate cake and other goodies. 33 years on the nursery will mean she leaves a big hole on her retirement but we gave her a good send off with the secret highlight going down a storm. Two tickets to see The Rolling Stones in Southampton was the perfect surprise and I'm sure she will enjoy the occasion. Do take care out there, life whizzes by, make the most of it and learn from Elaine, look for the bright side.

Junk folder or safe sender
I have been found out and many of last week's lists got sent to customers junk folders. I have changed my signature this week which might help but if you do wish to receive these messages please add me to your safe senders list. Thanks. If anyone would like to be removed from my list just let me know and I will adjust at this end.

Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.

Availability highlights
Strong and chunky Camassia Maybelle looking perfect. Flower spikes are on show, no blue colour yet but best at this stage before they get too far out. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing.
Leucanthemum May Queen is a single flowered classic taller variety, whereas Freak is a short double. selling through quickly. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into flower now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Pretty blue flowers will soon be on show from the Catananche with flower stems appearing rapidly. Early flowering Erigeron karvenskianus Wayne Roderick looking strong and flower shoots are on show. A bigger flowering form of this popular low grower. No colour yet but it won't be long. Pyrethrum in red and pink forms are showing bud now, we don't have many so they won't be around long.
Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Paprika is now showing flower shoots too. Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise is in bud. Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now.
Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geums Cooky and Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are not far behind with flower shoots bursting out. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.