Relaxed and Hairy

Hi,
A very short note this week as I am well aware that time is against me today. It's quite a challenge keeping up at the moment there is just so much to do.
It's funny how nearly everyone else views the springtime bank holidays as days of leisure and they all get into the holiday relaxation mode and we all see it in a mad panic trying to get all the jobs done in time, with fewer days to get it all completed. And then at moments like this, spanners get thrown in to add to the excitement. Most of this week we had two vans of our 4 vans out of action due to mechanical issues, one got repaired for another to develop a fault the following day. Still got one off the road for a warrantee repair being done, they are awaiting parts and it won't be back until the end of next week. The parts are coming all the way from France hence the long delay! Still at least everyone is safe and well  and all the plants got to their destinations eventually which is what counts.
We dashed out on Tuesday night over to Salisbury to see Jools Holland and his R & B Orchestra. We just got there in time to see a great show, I could have done with a beer to relax me first, I was still mentally printing labels and tidying plants so it took a while to let go. Never did get to the bar, but still good to step out into the real world for an hour or two.
Swallows appeared this week, always a thrill seeing their return. One on Monday and a pair yesterday. They were flying in and out of the barn a lot, but perhaps it was not to their taste as there was no sign of them today. Our House Martins are usually a week or two later, so we were glad to get the bedroom window repairs completed before their arrival.
Time to lie down, potting gang in Saturday and Monday so hoping to catch up a bit, hope your weekend goes well, nice and relaxing!

Availability highlights
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. We are now into a later potted batch with the first flowers close to opening but not much colour showing at the moment just loads of promising buds.
Although not in flower, the Hostas are up and looking smart. A fab range with the leaves just now unfurled. 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 well 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. The next batches of the Salvia nemerosa Sensation series are coming on line with buds pushing through. A good range of colours which just keep coming.
Best wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.