Hairy Spring (finally)

Morning all, 

Spring arrived today, sun came out, the wind turned warm and the temperature became bearable without a coat on!

Looks like this might be it, not really a heat wave but I'm sure there will be a growth spurt for the plants and a big rise in retail activity which in theory should be good news. Any signs of a slowdown in sales due to the cost of living crisis seem to be evaporating as we struggle to keep up with supplies, even with the rubbish weather. Hindsight is a lovely thing and if only we had known we could have potted a few more plants in anticipation, on the other hand we might have lost more plants through a challenging winter.

The very warm late Autumn followed quickly by a prolonged very cold spell really hit some plants hard, even those we would consider pretty hardy down here. We lost a good dollop of several lines where entire batches were wiped out, yet some lines we would usually consider a bit tender actually coped better. What fun growing plants for a living is. Two vans in the garage again this week but all back on the road again now and going well, touch wood.

No time this week so this will be brief, it is already late and there was some muttering about anniversaries so I suspect we may have to splash out on a late night takeaway in celebration. A phone call from Caroline's mum this morning reminded us and another from my mum rubbed it in, so we can't spend all day ignoring it. Unfortunately it just too busy at this time of year to think of much else than organising and juggling plant deliveries and production, we should have got hitched in the Autumn, but too late now. It's a big one next year (40) (I was a child groom), so might need to finish an hour earlier to make the most of it, but the likelihood of riotous celebrations is non existent, we will have to delay until later in the year.

Saw my first swallow of the year today, wheeling over the nursery and flying in and out of the barn. Just great to hear their summer chirping again. Song thrushes, skylarks, robins and blackbirds are all singing away as I sit here, who needs a party with all that going on outside the window. Double birding excitement today with my first sighting of a whitethroat. I know they aren't rare but I hadn't seen one before, or at least hadn't recognised one. I caught sight of him in the hedge outside the kitchen window, not a stunner so it was more of an initial realisation that it looked a bit different to our usual fare. It posed nicely while I reached for binoculars for a better look. It had a pale throat so I Googled 'whitethroat' and sure enough there was a perfect matching image. Big tick for me.

Shorter working week for the next two weeks (for most) so not quite sure how things will pan out on the deliveries front, we will fly by the seat of our pants as usual, it usually works out ok.

Availability list highlights.

Not much to report on the 'highlight front' other than we do have a reasonable amount of stock of perennials, it just isn't in flower. Anything with a hint of a flower has sold out over the last few weeks. Frustratingly cool weather and low light levels is slowing growth of the fresh stock but things are coming on line again gradually. Lots more to come over the next few months. Herbs are frustratingly a bit short after high demand, some winter losses/damage on some lines and a lack of growth on the fresh stock. There will be lots to come but not for a week or two.

Phlox paniculata are shooting strongly. A great overwintered crop in a good range of colours. Lots of Echinacea in a good range. A late one to appear but then goes nuts. Currently nicely within the pot! Some lovely Asters, very strong overwintered stock, but quite a while from flowering. A batch of super strong Sedum Autumn Joy, a great one for the pollinators later in the summer. 

Best wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.