Hairy speed dating

Hi,

Dawn chorus this morning and the Song Thrush is back at the top of the tree proclaiming his kingdom and hoping to attract a mate. Those were the days, unstoppable confidence and an eye for the prize. We had a great turnout for the Big Garden Birdwatch a couple of weekends ago, not quite as busy as the previous week which was much colder, but still a good range with healthy numbers. A stunning Redwing pitched up the week before but no sign of it on the day of the count, although a fieldfare did pop in for a bit of apple. The notable tick for us this year was a siskin which we hadn't noticed before in the garden, but have seen several times since. It doesn't hang about long was easy to miss. Nice to find an excuse to stop and watch for a while.

Sales still bowling along despite the weather turning damp again. Hopefully this weekend won't be a washout, we need to keep those trolleys trundling out. The warmer temperatures are definitely encouraging plant growth, so our availability list is swelling and the bud and flower numbers blooming. One thing about our stock is that it is pretty tough, well for softy southerners anyway, so it tends to be quite tight in growth habit at this time of year. We do keep the worst of the weather off it, but it is well wintered. I have seen quite a lot of stock in the last few days, from other sources, that have been glasshouse raised which are weeks ahead of their normal flowering time and look like they have been kept frost free or more to get the desired growth and flower. It potentially looks great on the sales bench but you have to wonder how they are going to perform in the garden if we get anything like a cold snap.

I don't generally get out very much, but we did show stock at a couple of gatherings this week, together with other nursery/garden centre suppliers. We tend to be a bit isolated in our little patch in Hampshire so I don't always see what direction other growers are heading in, so to attend a little show is a nice quick snapshot of where we stand in the grand scheme of things. One thing that jumped out to me was the remaining sea of coloured plastic that promoted the plant sales for many nurseries. The combination of trays, pots, large labels and posters certainly made a splash, but with some of them you could barely see the plants. It takes all sorts I suppose, but I was in a way relieved that our little offering still stood out as being a bit different.

The other gathering was on the same day as luck would have it, and we had to release our driver Richard into the fray, armed with a mixed trolley of plants and a second 'Trolley of Knowledge'. I haven't had a full report yet but he was very impressed with the very efficient 'speed dating' style organisation, although talking continually for so long nearly finished him off! He came back very excited so I'm told, I await a full debrief on Monday and hopefully the odd order or two!

Nearly all vans back on the road. One back for more warranty work tonight (3rd time) so if they can sort it out properly this time we will be raring to go. The new one now has its KFN number plate, the oldest Fiat has new tyres, windscreen and a fresh MOT, The Peugeot is wearing it's new engine well and they all have a new set of racket straps, lucky them. 

Availability list.

Sown from self collected seed from our wood on top of the hill our wild Primula vulgaris are showing their first flowers. They are followed close behind by the Primula grand. Rosea which are now opening their very first violet-pink little flowers. The bronzed green ferny leaves of Polemonium Heaven Scent are expanding nicely, making an attractive show. Flower buds follow very quickly so a great plant for late winter sales. Cyclamen coum are showing good flower and bud. These will usually flower from October through until well into Spring, with a tasteful sprinkling of flowers rather than being drowned in them.

There are flowers on most of the Helleborus niger varieties now. H. orientalis are producing a few buds, but numbers are dwindling on some varieties as sales bowl along. Many of the spring bulbs are in action now with many of the small Narcissus we grow in early bud. Both forms of the petticoat daffodil (Narcissus bulbocodium consp. and White Petticoat) already showing well and producing low down fat flower buds. Scilla mischtschenkoana is showing great colour with a pale blue splash of light. Don't miss out they won't be around for long. Allium Purple Rain has made an appearance and looks full of promise. It emerges a few weeks before the ever popular Purple Sensation but is just as attractive. Allium christophii is up too.

We are not having much success with ordinary snowdrops, but the giant version (Leucojum) that sold out in a week last year are now shooting. We planted a lot more this year so should be plenty to go round. Ever popular Fritillaria meleagris (Snakes head Lilly) has pushed through and are already coming into bud. Just the first few up at the moment but if this mild weather keeps up we will have loads. Erysimum's are already looking perky with bud showing on many. Pulmonaria are putting on a little spurt of fresh growth and buds are coming into view. 

Best wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.