Hairy Christmas

Hi

Too many jobs on the go to comfortably stop for Christmas, but despite this the nursery is already feeling like an abandoned ship, with nearly everyone taking advantage of using up some holiday time. With so few sales at this time of year here, it is an ideal time really so I can't complain too loudly.

It was probably a long time ago, but I distinctly remember nearly everyone working right up to lunchtime on Christmas Eve, but those days are long gone. Many a Christmas eve afternoon I have rushed around town trying to find something to slip under the tree for Caroline, only to find most of the shops shutting early and very little stock on the shelves. What a difference having the internet makes, although I still find I've left it all too late. Luckily this year we have already done our main gifts, Caroline got a very cheerful little tray filler and I got a seeding machine! Good job I don't have to wrap those.

Both the above items arrived early this week and are already in position, wired up and plumbed in, very nearly ready for action. Just need a bit more instruction on how it actually all works in practice, but that will have to wait until the New Year. The bills from the storm of a couple of weeks ago are racking up. I thought we had got off lightly but with two tunnel covers, new timber sides and this week, the recovering of the irrigation tank, it all adds up. The discovery that the centre support pole had snapped and the weight of water on the collapsed cover had bent in the top steel edges of the tank, means we are going to have rebuild the top corrugated steel ring, replace the support pole and change the old impervious cover with an anti algae permeable cover to prevent similar events in the future. Future proofing is nice, but it does initially hurt!

The electrician has been in most days this week and made great progress with heaters repaired, twin skin covers now inflated and new machinery ready to run. Still loads for him to do before spring sales get going, but a great start.

Bit tired after a hectic social week with a very tasty nursery Christmas lunch at The Plough in Sparsholt, and for me, the Posh and Sparkly Ball at the Guildhall in Winchester. Despite not being allowed to dance in the main hall we took over most of the rest of the building and 360 revellers had a real good time. So much activity, joy and laughter, it is an inspirational event to attend, it just illustrates how much you can get out of life without breaking the bank or tearing up the planet. I spoke to one lovely dancer who was telling me about her very difficult year, suffering from breast cancer (luckily caught early), arthritis and osteoporosis, yet she was looking decidedly flushed and grinning from ear to ear having had such a good evening. All those natural chemicals released by a good dance were better than most painkillers and antidepressants, at least for a while (her words not mine). Get out there and do it!

Christmas is mostly set up here, definitely going to try and not be on the nursery every day, and have already booked in lots of relatives to visit us and hopefully make a start on decorating the recently re-plastered conservatory. Should get the tree up tomorrow, it is still in one piece even after 15 years, although it will be a new set of lights this time after the old set fell apart. Just that bit of tinsel to wrap around the tray filling machine and Caroline's festive joy will be complete.

Hope you all have a great break and we will see you all in the New Year.

Christmas closure timings

There will be one or two people about on the nursery from the 23rd Dec and 2nd and 3rd Jan 2025 should anyone need any emergency plants, but we will be back to full operation from Jan 6th.

Availability list.

I know coming into the New Year it's not a great time of year for a lot of outdoor plant sales, but just to get you in the mood for later we already have some very promising growth and bud activity. Some of the spring bulbs are poking through so will bee added to the list very soon.

We only have one Cyclamen coum variety this winter (Silver Leaved) but they are now producing loads of buds and the very occasional flower is opening. They will go on right through until April so no rush!

There are a few trays of Wild Primrose (P. vulgaris) in bud already, with lots more to follow over the next couple of months. Another winter star is the Helleborus range, a few varieties already showing the occasional signs of flowering but it's a bit early for most. Good strong plants with plenty of potential.

In theory a late winter flurry of Erysimum bud and flowers usually gets everyone going on thoughts of spring, but this year they are already budding up! They have happily sat through the few frosts we have and are still looking remarkably fresh, green and bushy. The first of many flower-heads are already in tight bud and there is even the odd flash of colour.

Christmas wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.

Hairy installation

Hi

That was an action packed week, some of it planned and some not. Last weekend's storm proved a little more intrusive than I expected, I hope it didn't knock you all back too far. I know a lot of attractions and events closed over what should have been a bumper Christmas weekend, so commiserations to all those affected and I hope the quieter weather now will help make it up a bit.

We had a bit of damage with a few branches down and trolleys blown over, but worst of all was the loss of two tunnel covers and the collapse of the cover over the irrigation storage tank, which was replaced only a few months ago. The tank covering team are due in next week to try and retrieve the situation above the tank, but it was up to us to sort out the tunnels before anything spoiled on the now open beds. The covers had come adrift where the wooden sides had partially rotted and the fixing strip broke away. Unfortunately the flapping plastic also destroyed the overhead irrigation spray-lines, but they are relatively easily repaired with a few new pipes and a pot of glue. Luckily the stars really lined up this week and we managed to buy in fresh timber and two new covers, re-timber the sides, refit the fixing strip and get the new covers fully attached by the end of the week. Quick deliveries and the right weather all fell into line, very satisfying, if not altogether planned.

What was planned was the installation of the solar panels, which went brilliantly. The chaps from Cornish Rocker were here over three days anchoring and erecting the tilting frames before mounting the bifacial panels. Looks impressive, but no generation until the electrician fits all the invertors, batteries and control kit, which won't happen until the New Year.

We have had a practice on the panel tilting and it is really easy and quick to do. They will send us an email at the appropriate times of year, with instructions as to what angle we should set them at for that period, so we can harvest at peak rates. The only hiccup is that if gale-force winds are predicted we have to lower the angle to summer time levels to reduce turbulence, not great but workable.

Tom our favourite tree-man was back with his team and more fancy lifts, to take out our old conifers by the entrance. They were becoming a bit of a road hazard and forever shedding big branches in strong winds. Now it's nice and clear again we will replant with some more native hedging to keep the wildlife happy. The team were fuelled on pastries and proper coffee which they make in their own shiny coffee machine. None of those fancy pods, it's all grinding, pressing and steaming. It powered them through the work, very impressive.

A garden shed arrived this week, ready to erect over the sand filter and electric board down by the rainwater collection sump. In theory they can all be left outside but I'm a bit anxious about the pipe-work bursting in the cold weather, so better safe than sorry. That's another job for next week.

Seed sower and tray filling machines plus an electrician (non-solar) are due in next week for more excitement, but the acid tank replacement and climate control computer have both been delayed until the New Year due to over-running other works. Who needs Christmas with so much going on?

Feeling a bit sorry for our dance group today, as the Winchester Guildhall have now closed the main hall for a further two months to repair the ceiling, rather messing up the Christmas Ball next Tuesday. It was always the biggest night of the year with over 360 tickets sold and the main hall out of action. Another much smaller room has been offered with a temporary dance-floor, to add to the other three rooms already booked, so it will still go ahead, it just won't be quite as grand. With the early weeks of the New Year also lost to our normal weekly sessions, it's going to be a challenge to keep any New Year's resolution momentum going, and so disappointing when the classes only restarted after the covid break a couple of months ago. Luckily, a bit like gardening, dancing is one of those 'multiple win' pastimes with fitness, mental wellbeing and social interaction scoring highly and all at a reasonable price, so the future should still be bright. Just wondering if we should start up an annual 'Hairy Ball' event and combine the best of both worlds. Maybe not.

Availability list.

I know it's not a time of year for a lot of outdoor plant sales, but just to get you in the mood for later we already have some very promising growth and bud activity.

We only have one Cyclamen coum variety this winter (Silver Leaved) but they are now producing loads of buds and the very occasional flower is opening. They will go on right through until April so no rush!

Another winter star is the Helleborus range, a few varieties already showing the occasional signs of flowering but it's a bit early for most. Good strong plants with plenty of potential.

In theory a late winter flurry of Erysimum bud and flowers usually gets everyone going on thoughts of spring, but this year they are already budding up! They have happily sat through the frosts we have and are still looking remarkably fresh, green and bushy. The first of many flower-heads are already in tight bud and there is even the odd flash of colour.

Best wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.

Hairy Jive

Hi

Another week flies by and it seems Christmas might be on the way. I'm sure a lot of you will have massive projects revolving around the build up to the big day, but I'm relieved to say it is a quieter time for us. So many of both the retailers and visitor centres, really do make the most of this time of year, with massive displays of festive products, merriment and light shows. I do hope all goes well, it would be good to end such a challenging year on a high! Having said that, it doesn't look like the weather is playing ball this coming weekend, with more wind and rain on the way. Fingers crossed it's not too bad.

Next week looks more settled and we are looking to press on with a few outdoor jobs and projects of our own, despite the fact that they all seem to swallow up the cash, rather than rake it in.

I have a feeling that it is all going to kick off over the next couple of weeks, the solar panel tilting frames are due for installation on Monday, they have already marked out the site with pegs and strings, so after what seems like years of planning it looks like something is actually going to happen. The panels should then get mounted, the tray filler and sowing machines are rumoured to be in transit, and an electrician, to upgrade several bits of kit, is due in next week. The forklift rams are being refurbished, so that is out of action for at least a week, and the compost bucket, which fits onto it, is getting a 'makeover'. It must be an antique by now and it's age is showing where the water sits and extra wear occurs, it has multiple holes and misshapen edges. I know how it feels, but sadly a full nurseryman refurb is not on the 'to do' list.

The replacement climate change computer is due the week after next, the acid tank replacement must come very soon. There is a new little insulated shed arriving next week, for us to construct around the water recycling sand filter, so we can keep the pipe-work frost protected and the electrics will need installing to provide the necessary heat. Then there is the prop tunnel which is in need of upgrading to cope with more in-house rooting to increase our peat-free module range. A mist line needs installing to achieve more controlled humidity levels, making sure as much stock as possible successfully roots. Definitely not going to be enough hours in this month!

One thing I hugely value is a regular distraction from doing all this nursery stuff. It is so easy for the day job to totally dominate every thought, day or night, whether we are in the heat of the main season or like now, rushing about trying to prepare everything to make the following season even better. Sometimes I feel I'm not a particularly effective manager, I take everything way too personally for a start, and that makes it really important for everything we do to be as good as we can get it. Inevitably not everything goes to plan and I then can't help but blame myself. This could be a recipe for losing the plot, but if I can break those thought processes and slow my internal cycle of blame, then everything gets a chance to reset. 

My distraction is my, now twice weekly, modern jive dancing. A complete mental and physical break from the day job, my brain is occupied from the first moment, learning new moves while trying to remember the old ones (and failing). My muscles ache from all the exercise, my social buttons are all pressed, greeting my regular dance partners plus meeting new ones, and all this is tied together with throwing a few moves to the beat of some great tunes, classic and otherwise, from 1940's to current day. It might have taken me 15 years to get properly comfortable on the dance-floor, but now I just love it. We are very lucky to be in an independent jive group run by one man with a drive to get people having fun dancing. Apparently a lot of jive groups are currently struggling after possibly taking their dancing a little too seriously. Many have followed a path of artistic and expressive passion where the music is slower, more sensual and the dance style more intimate. It can look great, if you like that sort of thing, but not something you can easily fall into as a relaxing fun night out. Danny's more upbeat music, and energetic vibe makes you want to come back for more, his moves are more realistic in expectation level and intimacy, ideal for couples dancing together who may not know each other that well. We are in Britain after all!

Availability list.

I know it's not a time of year for a lot of outdoor plant sales, but just to get you in the mood for later we already have some very promising growth and bud activity.

We only have one Cyclamen coum variety this winter (Silver Leaved) but they are now producing loads of buds and the very occasional flower is opening. They will go on right through until April so no rush!

Another winter star is the Helleborus range, a few varieties already showing the occasional signs of flowering but it's a bit early for most. Good strong plants with plenty of potential.

In theory a late winter flurry of Erysimum bud and flowers usually gets everyone going on thoughts of spring, but this year they are already budding up! They have happily sat through the frosts we have and are still looking remarkably fresh, green and bushy. The first of many flower-heads are already in tight bud and there is even the odd flash of colour.

Best wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.

Hairy learning

Hi

Considering this is supposed to be a quiet time there still aren't enough days in the week. I always picture our winter quiet period to be 3 or 4 months, full of catching up on all the chores we didn't get to during the main season and getting stuck into lots of exciting projects. Without the pressure of huge sales activity we are always going to have loads of time and end up starting the season so well organised and refreshed. In reality everything takes three times longer than expected and most of the skilled trades we need to complete things are in short supply and never available when you really need them.

We have already started on a list of van repairs with three out of action this week, 2 with battery issues, despite regular trips out, and one with the dreaded engine management light showing with the message 'check engine'. The 'engine issue' van is less than a year old and needs to go back to the dealer to be diagnosed and their initial response was that they could fit us in sometime in January! After a short discussion we are booked in on Dec 12th, but absolutely no idea what is wrong with it.

The prop tunnel climate control computer is limping along, awaiting its replacement. Ordered in mid October it isn't available until Dec 16th, so hoping the cold weather doesn't return before then. Good job we don't have critical crops in there!

More positive news on the solar panel front, with the tilting frame installers threatening an appearance on the 9th Dec. They should be able to get most of the installation done including the panel mounting and electrics. The stumbling block is likely to be connecting it all to the grid with all the associated permissions and kit needing to be given the nod by SSE. I am ever hopeful that they will be really quick and efficient at get us plugged in, but previous experience has taught me not to raise hopes too high!

We should be taking delivery of a module tray filler and seed sowing machines in the next week or two. We ordered them back in April and they are going to get here just 3 or 4 weeks before the deadline for the RPA grant we won runs out. All a bit tense! It's all go.

This past week was pretty hectic with a couple of big events. The RHS Peat-free Conference at Wisley was very well attended and a great source of the latest peat-free news. After the initial welcome and general backslapping encouragement at all the positive progress being made, there were reports on the latest trials done over several nurseries using compost from most of the larger manufacturers. There was a lot of technical detail and data in there, which went over my head, but the unsurprising end message (to me anyway) seemed to be that, it can work very well, but all nurseries, crops and composts are different. You need to find the compost that is best for you in your situation, so talk to a supplier and start trialling. Luckily for us we have been doing that for 13 years so feeling fairly confident, although we are always looking to tweak improvements here and there.

Several workshops followed where I definitely picked up a few useful ideas to bring home. The most reassuring session involved debunking some of the myths behind the use of coir in horticulture. The use of excess water for cleaning the fibres, child labour, high carbon footprint in processing and transport from India/Sri Lanka, deforestation to plant coconut trees etc. I am going to wait until the conference notes come out before I pass on the details, so I get it right, but even I was impressed and reassured that we are doing the right thing. I will try and put the highlights on the website too, as a future reference point. 

A key part of the week, and the year really, was renegotiating our overdraft facility with the bank. An annual review to look back at the year, forward to winter projects and the prospects for 2025. A great opportunity to exercise my creative storytelling and rose tinted presentation of figures. The bank have gone through another restructure so instead of a personal visit from a specialist manager, we had a conference call from a lovely chap in Edinburgh. Luckily I have done this for a long time and am quite good at pressing the right buttons, so a couple of days putting together a report on 'all of the above' with a few graphs, gives a good outline of how we have done and what the plans are. Our overdraft management has always been pretty good and since covid, we have managed to avoid pushing it to its extreme. This allows me to get away with not producing a cash-flow projection which is a relief as we rarely used to stuck to it anyway. All went well so we are free to go through another season with a nice fat OD facility.

Got a new part-time job starting in March next year. The pay rate is very attractive and work conditions definitely appealing. Thanks go to the Department of Works and Pensions, I can't wait. 

Availability list.

Unfortunately after a poor seed harvest we only have one Cyclamen coum variety this winter (Silver Leaved) but they are now producing loads of buds and the very occasional flower is opening. They will go on right through until April so no rush! The other winter star is the Helleborus range, a few varieties already showing the occasional signs of flowering but it's a bit early for most. Good strong plants with plenty of potential.

Best wishes from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.