Hairy bulbs

Morning all,

Nine Red Kites were circling over the nursery a couple of hours ago, the most I have ever seen together in these parts. What a difference a few years makes, it wasn't long ago when they were a major rarity. It was perfect weather for them, a stiff breeze and clear, bright visibility, they were just scouting the ground and dancing on the wind, a lovely sight.

Back down to earth and we are nearly through with the annual stocktaking, just a few more tunnels to count. Our usual stock-taker is off work at the moment so two new ones have been armed with clipboards and calculators and sent off into the wilds. They are doing a grand job but just as I thought we might get it all tied up, one got called away and the other distracted by us selling some of the stock! Not a bad thing at this time of year as the bank balance lurches back in the wrong direction and a long winter looms. Luckily our 'Spring' sales get going in January, weather permitting, so not too long to wait before it all kicks off again.

Finished potting the spring bulbs today which was a relief for all. It always starts off as a bit of a novelty, counting the bulbs into the pots and getting them the right way up, but after a couple of weeks of it we can't wait for it to end. That should mark the end of this year's potting, but I just might slip a few modules though the machine on Monday to finish up the last tiny bit of compost in the compost bay. Then we can have a proper end of season clear up in the potting tunnel, clean and service the machine and perhaps update the facilities again so we can be even more efficient next spring. Then a round of buns might be the order of the day, in celebration of another milestone in the production season. Any excuse will do.

After being unable to tempt any ground-works contractors to help us out getting our water recycling sumps, pumps, pipe- works and tanks installed, I suddenly have two on the hook at the same time. I have been in contact with both for months but after one site visit from each, nothing happened. I was beginning to think it was my long lived talent resurfacing, for being unable to get the attention of the waiter, but this week has seen a flurry of visits and correspondence and I think something might actually get done in the not too distant future. I have had all the kit lying about and paid for since March so it will be good to see some action.

One of the big winter jobs coming up is constructing another new batch of our wooden marketing trays to keep stock levels healthy. We can't afford to run out during the season as it makes life really difficult and it simply isn't practical to construct them during those hectic months. Luckily timber prices have dropped back slightly, although still at levels 4 times higher than we were paying 3 years ago, and today we took delivery of 6 pallets of component parts all ready to print, treat and construct over the next 4 months. That will be enough to replace or repair about 10% of our stock and give us a few spares just in case. Although the total cost of a new box is now pushing past £10, the long term economics of using them still work for us. The average life of a box is currently 12+ years and we reuse the box just over three times each year, so we are averaging 40 uses out of each tray. I know we are achieving many more uses out of a lot of the boxes where we are able to get them back quickly, so special thanks to all those returning theirs in a timely manner, it only works with your help.

Wooden box returns

We have collecting up lots of our wooden boxes already, but if you have some ready for collection, just drop me a line and I will add you to the list for a visit. It may take a week or two to get round to you as we will be trying to tie them in with deliveries at the same time, to keep those transport costs in check. Thanks.

Availability list highlights

Japanese Anemones are flushing nice. Plenty of strong flower stems although the plants are getting quite tall now. Erigeron Stallone is still in flower. For us it is often still showing colour at Christmas! Autumns' flowerers are on the march with more and more Asters coming into bud and colour.

We have a range of Helleborus in stock to stretch those Autumn sales. Not a lot of flower yet but full of winter promise. Tiarella with it's pretty 'foam flowers' are looking great. Lovely coloured foliage on Ajuga's and Heuchera. Evergreen Lithodora looking smart as are the Liriope. I added a range of hardy Agapanthus varieties which are mostly evergreen, they are looking so strong I thought, why not?

Best wishes,

from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries