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.