Hairy Fire

Hi,

Sorry, I missed out on my Thursday list send out. I just ran out of days this week, This is always a tough fortnight with two 4 day weeks on the trot pushing many tasks into a shorter timeframe and at a busy time of year too. I am not complaining, selling plants is what we are supposed to be doing and we all seem to be in a good run at the moment. This weekend might be a bit disrupted with a pretty wild night due tonight and very windy tomorrow with lots of rain further north. I think we are due some of the worst wind which is making me a bit tense, the hedges are laden with lovely fresh young foliage which I suspect will get ripped to shreds over the next 24 hrs. There is already quite a lot of broken shoots on the ground and it's hardly started. Fingers crossed it's not too bad. Hopefully the tunnel covers will still be there, I'm hoping we have replaced all the dodgy ones.

We have matching vans in the yard this week looking very smart. They are not ours, just a couple on hire. One is to cover the extra work at the moment, the other is to cover for the Peugeot which is in the garage again. Engine fault code that can only be read by a Peugeot garage machine, and they can't fit us in until the end of next week. Probably another warrantee job so not too much to pay but not exactly filled with confidence with the service or the van. Warrantee nearly up (100,000 miles) so what will happen when that runs out I dread to think. We have tried to get it sorted at our fab commercial lorry garage but they hit a brick wall (not literally). It's a shame because the low box design on the back and high payload works so well. Good job we are not busy, what fun.

Great but scary to see that the environment is still hitting the headlines, I am wondering if there is a bit more momentum gathering with the general public and even the politicians actually looking like they are embracing more urgency to move in the right direction. Sir David is talking about significant changes needed within 10 years and 16 year old Greta Thunberg saying she wants adults to act like their house is on fire, because it is!

There is still a shortage of herbs I'm afraid. This list is developing and expanding slightly and there are loads more on the way but we just need them to get growing a bit more before releasing them onto the unsuspecting world. Must go and print some more wooden labels, I just can't catch up at the moment. Luckily the wind is turning the turbines so free green power to run the machine and lights.

Have a great week, hope there isn't too much fallout for you from this storm.

Availability highlights

Camassia Maybelle showing plenty of bud now. A bit more compact than others of this type, it is a lovely blue once open although still in tight bud as we speak. I've a nice batch of this but it will sell out this week I think.

Dianthus Scent First varieties are back on line. Buds are thrusting through on most varieties although I have only marked those clearly showing at the moment.

The delightful pale yellow Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise flowers are close. Buds just beginning to appear on very busy plants. The ever popular Erysimum Bowles Mauve are looking fabulous as we get into spring. Very smart and colour showing now as the first flowers begin to open. Selling through fast so don't miss out.

Although not in flower, the Hostas are mostly up and looking smart. A fab range with the leaves just beginning to unfurl. The compact low growing Achillea Desert Eve range is now on line and coming into bud.

Lovely batches of the classic Geum Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are ready to go. Buds are on their way,

We still have a few really strong Japanese Anemone for sale. Chunky over wintered plants raring to go. One of my favourites. Rudbeckia Goldsturm and the various Echinacea varieties are selling well. They will be a while before they produce flower but they are great plants.

I have the first few Erigeron karv. Stallone in bud with a sprinkling of open flowers, but please don't get too excited, I don't have many in this first batch. There are thousands on the way, this is just a taster!

Best wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.