Hairy and hot

Hi

This is just too hot for me, roll on the rain I say. Looks like it's cooling off slightly after tomorrows peak so hopefully a bit easier to get some work done. It's been a bit of a struggle this week for those of us who don't cope well with the heat especially when we grow everything under cover, there just aren't enough jobs to do under the fans and shade in despatch. The one thing I am desperate to get on with is the tunnel clearance, irrigation line refurb updates and potting of next year's stock which are all really hot jobs in this weather. The longer the stock sits around in modules the worse condition the plants get into and we lose a few too which doesn't help. A couple of weeks ago we were well in control of potting and now massive deliveries are descending on us and we just can't run the potting machine for enough hours in the week. The microprop lab officially closed at the end of May, but in reality we still have stock to finish rooting out and wean, so that soaks up a few people when I had hoped they would be helping us by now on the hairy pot crops. At least it's still productive work and done in an air conditioned room!

It really did feel like the end was nigh for the lab this week, as the first of a series of nurseries descend on us to take away some of the lab equipment. At least some of it is going to a good home rather than onto the scrap heap. This week it was several banks of growth room shelving complete with grow-lights and all the wiring etc. There is a slightly sad emptiness to the cold-store where they were dismantled, but it does prelude change and moving forward, so a mixture of emotions.

We have added another pest to our list of critters that have it in for us. A couple of crows have taken to walking the tunnels and tipping over the pots in search of grubs. They are remarkably strong, actually lifting them out of the production tray before tipping them over. We initially blamed expanding hare population or possibly the rabbits, although the rabbits have mostly met their maker now. The hare's are delightful if a little annoying when they nibble off the buds from your prize stock, but they tend to stick to generalised grazing here and there, so for the moment we put up with them. We have driven a few out back into the field through the gates, but we have seen them come straight back in again so until we can fortify our defences over the winter there isn't must point doing any more of that.

Even though I suffer a bit in this heat I usually get away with just one or two insect bites per season, but at the moment I seem to be under permanent attack, mostly from overnight mosquito raids. I am peppered, must be close to a hundred by now and worst of all I end up half the night chasing them around with a swatter, which wakes me right up and ends up with the bedroom wall looking like it's been shot with all the little red splats. Last night I resorted to insect death spray which definitely helped, either that or I was so tired I slept through all the buzzing. Both neighbours are suffering the same attacks but with slightly less impact, one has a mosquito net over the bed and the other a cream to put them off. I may have to change tactics.

The hot weather should be good for the local fete attendances and there are a lot about this weekend. We had twenty trays to collect together for various events to be collected today. It's surprising how many end of line plants come into flower just in time for these collections which we do most weeks through the spring and summer, but this is the peak. It saves too many plants going to waste and keep the locals from being revolting. Did I accidentally slip in an extra word there, oops.

Availability list.

The summer flowering Allium Millenium is looking great. This very worthwhile allium is much tidier in habit and longer lasting than the spring flowering types, a proper impressive border plant. A very popular designer plant Sanguisorba Tanna makes great ground cover and is now bursting with flower buds.

Low growing Sedum Spot On Pink and Deep Rose are just breaking into colour, not many left so don't miss out. Digitalis Arctic Fox Rose is a smart grower, much tidier than the purpurea types with its long deep green leaves and strong compact flower stems. Bud is now on show but they won't hang about so don't hold back.

Fresh batches of the compact Achillea Milly Rock series are on line, three lovely colours available. Big flowering but compact, strong and stocky Gaillardia Guapa series, looking at their best with colour on show. Oxalis Iron Cross are looking great with its two tone leaves with the deep pink blooms.

Nemesia Wisley Vanilla is back on the list again, with its pretty creamy white flowers and heady vanilla scent. Summer is well on the way with all the Bidens range showing particularly well, with a strong splashes flower. Rhodanthemums are in bud, and several Coreopsis are ready to do their thing. Strong bushy Osteospermum Tresco Purple are now budding up nicely. More to come so no need to overdo it straight away.

Liatris spicata are not far away from colour with strong flower stems extending and buds on show. Our massive Hosta range is looking great. A big range of leaf colours and sizes. A fab range of the compact Helenium Hay Day series are budding well now, with colour showing.

Take care, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.