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.