That was a breezy one, The turbines must be close to a record week despite having a brief unproductive few minutes when the gusts got a bit too strong and they shut down. I was a bit anxious at what I was going to find as I set off up the hill towards the stationary blades, but as I got halfway there they started up again. I had forgotten that they wait for 10 minutes of safe wind speeds before automatically starting up again.
We lost one tunnel cover over last weekend which resulted in a bit of reallocation of space to some of the crops that were in there so that they didn't get too beaten up and a third of the tunnel is still effectively covered by the remains of the sheet so there is still some protection. A bit frustrating when I had thought our spring tunnel covering was already complete but such is life. A new cover is on order and hopefully we might get it back on early next week if the forecast remains as it is.
We had a slightly quieter week this week on the sales front, I can't imagine why, but we did get a lot of potting done which is great. Seeds got sown and cuttings taken so it must be spring and I even got back into the swing of label printing which did get desperately behind during the office construction and moving. Still got one or two labels to print but should get another good run over the weekend so should alleviated the pressure a bit. No potting gang this weekend, it looks too wild on Saturday to make it a sensible day to be here messing about with compost and trolleys so we are saving ourselves for the coming better weather. Next week looks like a good one, hold on to your hats.
Availability highlights
Our variegated Brunnera have emerged looking strong. The pretty blue 'forget-me-not' flowers will be just around the corner. The green form are showing tight bud already and the stunning variegated batch are looking smart. Our wild primrose (Primula vulgaris) are also bursting into flower, spring is springing. Bronzed and ferny foliage of the Polemonium Heaven Scent looks great and tight flower buds are adding to their appeal but not many left. Primula grandiflora Rosea are putting on a show, flashes of vibrant colour showing and plenty coming.
Primula denticulata is not far behind with big fat buds bursting through the compost surface and colour in evidence. Spring flowering Pulmonarias are all showing bud now with most now with pretty opening flowers. The ever popular Erysimums are looking fresh and strong as we approach the spring. I have marked nearly all varieties with bud and colour is close for many, there is the odd open flower on the Super Bowl Mauve, looking very smart. Masses of buds on show with our Ajuga Chocolate chips, looking full of spring vim and vigour.
We have some lovely spring flowering bulbs showing signs of good growth and even the odd bud on a few. Lots more to follow. Pushkinia are up this week and showing bud and some pretty colour as are the Amemone blanda White Splendour. We don't have a huge number of the Anemone as we have had issues with these over the past years, but this year is looking better so I will up the numbers again for next time.
The Iphieons are showing the occasional bud, it spreads nicely making a good groundcover and flowers here repeatedly through the spring and summer. Muscari varieties are looking really strong with plenty of young buds showing. The latifolium blue is deep and intense, one of my favourites.
The ever popular Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria meleagris) have their first buds. Their drooping heads are a joy in the garden.
Aquilegia Spring Magic Rose and Ivory are now in bud. This strain is an early one. The other colours are thinking about it. The spring flowering and super scented Viola oderata varieties are flushing up well after their winter haircut. Plenty of flower bud to come and a few already showing and smelling amazing. We can smell them as we walk past the outside of the tunnel and they make Despatch a delight to work in.
Early flowering Symphytum Wisley Blue are flushing in the little bit of warmth and bud is evident. Subtle pale blue flowers. Euphorbia martinii are looking great with short strong arching stems producing their early spring display. The crop/potting timing and the winter weather seem to have combined perfectly this year to produce a great crop. E. robbiae and E. purpurea are following close behind.
The Pulsatilla are here, they are just bursting through and the almost the first growth to emerge are the spring flower buds. I've not got huge numbers yet but if the weather doesn't get too harsh they are going to romp away. Stonking chunky Lupins on the list this week, having been cut back over winter they are now leaping into strong growth. Digitalis are always evergreen so get off to a head start on many other perennials, we have a good selection of this popular garden plant and they are looking really strong, difficult to believe they stand out in all that cold weather and still look so good. A few of the Dianthus Scent First varieties are carrying flower bud already, full of promise.
Have a great week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
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