Sunday 22 April 2018

Hairy Youth

Morning all,

What a difference a week makes. From donning multiple layers and a hat to discarding the lot (nearly). Cooled down a bit today which was a relief and next week looks pretty good, sensible spring weather. Sales took off big time as has the growth of the plants. The hedgerows have suddenly greened up and we spotted our first couple of swallows over the nursery on Wednesday. Our own swallows are yet to make an appearance but it looks like they may be on the way.

Big week coming up with the retirement of one of our first employees. It's going to be quite a change for all of us, but she has lots of grandchild and family fun to occupy her these days and for some reason mucking about on the nursery in the cold or heat isn't quite as appealing. I can't say how old Elaine is, as that would be poor form, but she will always be young and vibrant in our eyes and doesn't look a day older than when she joined us in 1985. We've picked a lovely carriage clock for the big day which will go down a storm! Not really, I'll let you know what we got next week but we're sure it will go down well and hopefully bring back memories of a misspent youth just those few years ago.

Apologies for being a bit later this week, I had to stand in with the potting team today to try and get caught up with all the work piling up and then had to go out and find a van to hire. It's suddenly all go. I will try and get back to an earlier posting next week.

Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.

We have been sending out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.

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

Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Dicentra spectabilis are making an attactive show with their early buds and flowers already on display. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing.

Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available.

The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into bud now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Primula japonica looking very chunky and flower buds are in evidence. Millers Crimson are particularly good. Last few Primula Wanda are ready, having exploded into growth and flower. I had been waiting to see how big they were going to get and after holding on to really short tight growth during all the cold weather they are now performing beautifully. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours looking fab. Dainty flowered Verbascum Phonecium Hybrids are unfurling their first flower stems. 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. Bright yellow flowers of Caltha palustris are beginning to open. Knautia Red Knight has suddenly shot out its flower shoots, but not many left so be quick. 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. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and colour visible, possibly the last week of these. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. The over-wintered Lupins and Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.

Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.

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