Morning all,
Temperatures have slipped back this weekend which is nice for us. I hope you’re not getting too wet out there, I know there have been some monster showers in the last few days although so far we have missed them all.
I did get caught in a small deluge of my own making earlier in the week but luckily it was warm enough to dry off without a complete change of clothing. It was the classic situation of lots of water demand so a good time for the irrigation to throw a wobbly. One of the solenoids was refusing to shut off the water supply, usually a sign of a bit of muck in the system. I had just distributed millions of nematodes through the lines so it can happen that an undissolved lump of them gets stuck in a critical spot. Sure enough having dismantled the valve there it was, a tiny bit of debris, which I hoped would sort out the issue. Just to check I thought I’ll just turn the water on a smidge to clean it through. The valve wouldn’t budge and then it did. A 2 inch wide column of water shot vertically out of the pipe above my head as I was trying to turn the valve off again. Just as the valve went off, gravity finished its job depositing the column of water right on the top of my head. Surprised and suddenly very wet I suspect I may have vocalised my distress, but luckily it was the weekend and Caroline was working well out of earshot.
Therapy session last week with our NBIS meeting. After scaring ourselves a bit looking at the first quarters figures, seeing the effect of the long cold spring (seems so long ago now), we moved on to the main topic of the day ‘Managing Change’. We had pre-prepared notes on our main business changes of the last two years, the current and anticipated challenges and how we were going to manage our way through them all. Believe me there were a lot of them. At the end of the session we all felt a lot better, there is nothing like getting into the open all your worries and woes although it was a bit of a downer when it was suggested that the topic for the next meeting should be the formulation of exit strategies! Good job we all have a healthy sense of humour if not a healthy bank balance.
Availability highlights
Liatris spicata producing it’s flower spikes now, it will be a week or two before any colour shows but raring to go. Veronica Inspire Blue has suddenly produced a flush of flower bud, Red Fox is just getting started.
We have a fresh crop of very short and bushy Coreopsis Moonshine and Zagreb this week, no bud just yet but a lovely thick show of their feathery foliage to get you started.
Many of the Echinacea varieties are starting to produce their upright flower stem, no colour yet but it won’t be long. Strong purple foliage of Oxalis triangularis contrasts fantastically with delicate pale pink flowers which are just beginning to appear. Iron Cross with its dramatic darkly marked green leaves are now showing their first of many deep pink blooms. Our range of Dianthus are now all in bud and looking neat, with a great range to pick from. The very short Delpinium Delfix Blue is now in bud and about to show colour. The other taller varieties are strong and budding up too. The Gaillardia varieties are producing masses of bud now, a blaze of colour to come. It must be summer, the Hemerocallis varieties are now producing their first flower shoots, no colour yet but with each flower so short lived best get them early.
Both colours of the Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) have masses of bud over neat green mounds of foliage.
The first tiny buds of the short Campanula carpatica are there. It always surprises me how big the flowers get on such a neat little plant. Only the white form is left now and selling fast. We have a couple of very strong Anemone japonica varieties already producing flower shoots, they must think it’s summer. Seranade and Hadspen Abundance, both pink in colour. Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue and Gold making it a popular choice. Plenty of bud and flower on the Achillea both the short Dessert Eve series and the taller ones too. We have a lovely crop of Coreopsis Sunfire ready with buds just appearing. A bright two tone flower makes a good show. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age. The Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds are already there. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. In bud are the three colours of Fanal (deep red), Deutschland (white) and Europa (strong pink).
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 13 June 2016
Monday, 6 June 2016
Hairy Sheds of Grey
Morning all,
Summer is here, well on the calendar anyway. Looks like it will warm up a bit over the next few days, it will be nice to get the fleece and vest off again. Good gardening weather, bit damp and not too hot.
Too much to do again this week with one man down and only 4 days in the full week. Bank holidays are great in some ways, it’s nice to have the nursery to ourselves for an extra day but not matter how hard you try you don’t get as much done as when all 18 bodies are in! It’s all in the head. You think you will have a catch up in that extra time but in fact it pushes all the proper work up into a shorter time slot. Most bits went to plan, if there was one, we got everything out and we have a gang in tomorrow to get a bit more potting done. I got nearly all 15,000 labels printed over the weekend and Caroline caught up on the accounts as well as managing to get to see Judie Tzuke on Saturday night as her birthday treat. Judie was delightful and sang beautifully, the theatre (The Haymarket in Basingstoke) was great, a new venue for us, full of character but acoustically good too. Definitely an audience of a ‘certain age’ but who cares, it was class stuff. Need to sign off now, the third batch of nematodes are waiting to be released through the irrigation system and I have to set it all going as the sun descends rather than during the day (nematodes don’t like UV light). Should be all on by 10.30 if all goes to plan and then the following irrigation run will wash them in with luck..
Availability highlights
Incarvillea are suddenly producing flower buds, an exotic but hardy splash for the front of the border, get them quick before they are all gone. Liatris spicata producing it’s flower spikes now, it will be a week or two before any colour shows but raring to go. Veronica Inspire Blue has suddenly produced a flush of flower bud, Red Fox is just getting started. Strong purple foliage of Oxalis triangularis contrasts fantastically with delicate pale pink flowers which are just beginning to appear. Iron Cross with its dramatic darkly marked green leaves are now showing their first of many deep pink blooms. Our range of Dianthus are now all in bud and looking neat, with a great range to pick from. For some reason Slap and Tickle is always very popular and Romance less so! Confirmation this week with S and T outselling Romance by 4:1. I still blame 50 Sheds of Grey. Both colours of the Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) have masses of bud over neat green mounds of foliage.
We have a rampant Ajuga selection at the moment. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good. Erysimum Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. They will flower the whole summer long, a great garden favourite.
The first tiny buds of the short Campanula carpatica are there. It always surprises me how big the flowers get on such a neat little plant. Available in blue or white. We have a couple of very strong Anemone japonica varieties already producing flower shoots, they must think it’s summer. Seranade and Hadspen Abundance, both pink in colour. Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue and Gold making it a popular choice. The lovely red’s; Achillea Paprika and Red Velvet have produced their first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots. The orange Achillea Peggy Sue is also getting started with loads of bud. Primula beesiana (pale purple) are showing their mauve/purple flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. We have a lovely crop of Coreopsis Sunfire ready with buds just appearing. A bright two tone flower makes a good show. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age. Geum Lady Stratheden are always popular and have their first buds are opening now. Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums, Digitalis and Lupins ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour. Lets us know if you would like colour showing and we will oblige where we can. (Tend to be taller). The Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds are already there. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. In bud are the three colours of Fanal (deep red), Deutschland (white) and Europa (strong pink).
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Summer is here, well on the calendar anyway. Looks like it will warm up a bit over the next few days, it will be nice to get the fleece and vest off again. Good gardening weather, bit damp and not too hot.
Too much to do again this week with one man down and only 4 days in the full week. Bank holidays are great in some ways, it’s nice to have the nursery to ourselves for an extra day but not matter how hard you try you don’t get as much done as when all 18 bodies are in! It’s all in the head. You think you will have a catch up in that extra time but in fact it pushes all the proper work up into a shorter time slot. Most bits went to plan, if there was one, we got everything out and we have a gang in tomorrow to get a bit more potting done. I got nearly all 15,000 labels printed over the weekend and Caroline caught up on the accounts as well as managing to get to see Judie Tzuke on Saturday night as her birthday treat. Judie was delightful and sang beautifully, the theatre (The Haymarket in Basingstoke) was great, a new venue for us, full of character but acoustically good too. Definitely an audience of a ‘certain age’ but who cares, it was class stuff. Need to sign off now, the third batch of nematodes are waiting to be released through the irrigation system and I have to set it all going as the sun descends rather than during the day (nematodes don’t like UV light). Should be all on by 10.30 if all goes to plan and then the following irrigation run will wash them in with luck..
Availability highlights
Incarvillea are suddenly producing flower buds, an exotic but hardy splash for the front of the border, get them quick before they are all gone. Liatris spicata producing it’s flower spikes now, it will be a week or two before any colour shows but raring to go. Veronica Inspire Blue has suddenly produced a flush of flower bud, Red Fox is just getting started. Strong purple foliage of Oxalis triangularis contrasts fantastically with delicate pale pink flowers which are just beginning to appear. Iron Cross with its dramatic darkly marked green leaves are now showing their first of many deep pink blooms. Our range of Dianthus are now all in bud and looking neat, with a great range to pick from. For some reason Slap and Tickle is always very popular and Romance less so! Confirmation this week with S and T outselling Romance by 4:1. I still blame 50 Sheds of Grey. Both colours of the Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) have masses of bud over neat green mounds of foliage.
We have a rampant Ajuga selection at the moment. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good. Erysimum Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. They will flower the whole summer long, a great garden favourite.
The first tiny buds of the short Campanula carpatica are there. It always surprises me how big the flowers get on such a neat little plant. Available in blue or white. We have a couple of very strong Anemone japonica varieties already producing flower shoots, they must think it’s summer. Seranade and Hadspen Abundance, both pink in colour. Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue and Gold making it a popular choice. The lovely red’s; Achillea Paprika and Red Velvet have produced their first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots. The orange Achillea Peggy Sue is also getting started with loads of bud. Primula beesiana (pale purple) are showing their mauve/purple flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. We have a lovely crop of Coreopsis Sunfire ready with buds just appearing. A bright two tone flower makes a good show. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age. Geum Lady Stratheden are always popular and have their first buds are opening now. Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums, Digitalis and Lupins ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour. Lets us know if you would like colour showing and we will oblige where we can. (Tend to be taller). The Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds are already there. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. In bud are the three colours of Fanal (deep red), Deutschland (white) and Europa (strong pink).
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Hairy Romance
Morning all,
No time, so much to do. I know everyone is in the same boat at this time, spring springing, temperatures rising, plants growing, wallets opening and the sun making an appearance on and off. After such a long cold spring it’s a huge relief to see things take off although we will struggle to make up for the lost time earlier. Just got to get through the current manic period as it comes, which can be a challenge all round as am sure you are aware. At least it’s a positive direction which is great, if not tricky sometimes to recognise when hours are short.
Unfortunately for Caroline this rush has timed itself brilliantly for her birthday so here we are on the big day battling away trying to get it all done. At least I managed to get a card in time, just. Present to follow! Off out to a gig tonight but just the two of us, no-one else wanted to see Judie Tzuke, and quite a few had never heard of her. Back in the 80’s she was pretty popular, if any of you can remember that far back. She was our first gig together when we first met at college so it’s a bit special, perhaps better that it is just the two of us.
Lots of great Chelsea coverage this week so hopefully that combination of inspiration, nice weather and the bank holiday will keep those plants flying out of the door. Hope your weekend goes well and you can enjoy the excitement of being trendy, cool and popular. Back to the potting and label printing now. Just the 15,000 to print before Tuesday, one at a time under the pad printer, it’s what bank holidays were meant for.
Availability highlights
Incarvillea are suddenly producing flower buds, an exotic but hardy splash for the front of the border, get them quick before they are all gone. Strong purple foliage of Oxalis triangularis contrasts fantastically with delicate pale pink flowers which are just beginning to appear. Iron Cross with its dramatic darkly marked green leaves are now showing their first of many deep pink blooms. Short and very bushy, the Erigeron Sea Breeze have masses of bud about to explode, not a lot left so don’t hold back.
Our range of Dianthus are now all in bud and looking neat, with a good range to pick from. For some reason Slap and Tickle is always very popular and Romance less so! Both colours of the Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) have masses of bud over neat green mounds of foliage. We have a rampant Ajuga selection at the moment. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good. Erysimum Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. They will flower the whole summer long, a great garden favourite.
Most of the Leucanthemum varieties are threatening there first buds, we have a tasteful range from pale yellow through to white’s, some with simple single flowers and some fancier doubles. We have a mini version of Alchemilla mollis for the first time this season. Alchemilla erith. Alma is a pretty but understated, compact form and has just started putting out its first spring flower stems. The first tiny buds of the short Campanula carpatica are there. It always surprises me how big the flowers get on such a neat little plant. Available in blue or white. There are some lovely fresh strong white Campanula persicifolia and Talkion White in bud again, but be quick. Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue & Gold making it a popular choice. The lovely red’s Achillea Paprika and Red Velvet have produced their first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots. The orange Achillea Peggy Sue is also just getting started. Primula beesiana (pale purple) are just showing their flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. We have a lovely crop of Coreopsis Sunfire ready with buds just appearing. A bright two tone flower makes a very jolly summer display. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age. Geum Lady Stratheden are always popular and have their first buds are opening now.Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums, Digitalis and Lupins ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour. The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds are already there. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. In bud are the three colours of Fanal (deep red), Deutschland (white) and Europa (strong pink).
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
No time, so much to do. I know everyone is in the same boat at this time, spring springing, temperatures rising, plants growing, wallets opening and the sun making an appearance on and off. After such a long cold spring it’s a huge relief to see things take off although we will struggle to make up for the lost time earlier. Just got to get through the current manic period as it comes, which can be a challenge all round as am sure you are aware. At least it’s a positive direction which is great, if not tricky sometimes to recognise when hours are short.
Unfortunately for Caroline this rush has timed itself brilliantly for her birthday so here we are on the big day battling away trying to get it all done. At least I managed to get a card in time, just. Present to follow! Off out to a gig tonight but just the two of us, no-one else wanted to see Judie Tzuke, and quite a few had never heard of her. Back in the 80’s she was pretty popular, if any of you can remember that far back. She was our first gig together when we first met at college so it’s a bit special, perhaps better that it is just the two of us.
Lots of great Chelsea coverage this week so hopefully that combination of inspiration, nice weather and the bank holiday will keep those plants flying out of the door. Hope your weekend goes well and you can enjoy the excitement of being trendy, cool and popular. Back to the potting and label printing now. Just the 15,000 to print before Tuesday, one at a time under the pad printer, it’s what bank holidays were meant for.
Availability highlights
Incarvillea are suddenly producing flower buds, an exotic but hardy splash for the front of the border, get them quick before they are all gone. Strong purple foliage of Oxalis triangularis contrasts fantastically with delicate pale pink flowers which are just beginning to appear. Iron Cross with its dramatic darkly marked green leaves are now showing their first of many deep pink blooms. Short and very bushy, the Erigeron Sea Breeze have masses of bud about to explode, not a lot left so don’t hold back.
Our range of Dianthus are now all in bud and looking neat, with a good range to pick from. For some reason Slap and Tickle is always very popular and Romance less so! Both colours of the Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) have masses of bud over neat green mounds of foliage. We have a rampant Ajuga selection at the moment. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good. Erysimum Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. They will flower the whole summer long, a great garden favourite.
Most of the Leucanthemum varieties are threatening there first buds, we have a tasteful range from pale yellow through to white’s, some with simple single flowers and some fancier doubles. We have a mini version of Alchemilla mollis for the first time this season. Alchemilla erith. Alma is a pretty but understated, compact form and has just started putting out its first spring flower stems. The first tiny buds of the short Campanula carpatica are there. It always surprises me how big the flowers get on such a neat little plant. Available in blue or white. There are some lovely fresh strong white Campanula persicifolia and Talkion White in bud again, but be quick. Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue & Gold making it a popular choice. The lovely red’s Achillea Paprika and Red Velvet have produced their first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots. The orange Achillea Peggy Sue is also just getting started. Primula beesiana (pale purple) are just showing their flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. We have a lovely crop of Coreopsis Sunfire ready with buds just appearing. A bright two tone flower makes a very jolly summer display. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age. Geum Lady Stratheden are always popular and have their first buds are opening now.Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums, Digitalis and Lupins ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour. The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds are already there. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. In bud are the three colours of Fanal (deep red), Deutschland (white) and Europa (strong pink).
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 23 May 2016
Hairy and Dalmationed
Morning all,
Nice bit of rain to keep the soil moist and not too much heat to send everyone to the beach, just the gardening ticket. Chelsea and a bank holiday to come let’s rock and roll. Little room or time for waffle today with spring well and truly under way at last. Nursery is bowling along, plant whizzing out and potting in full swing again after the successful repairs of last week. Our first pair of blackcaps appear to be nesting somewhere in the garden. We have seen them on the feeders and heard their song a lot (identified from our reliable cd of british bird song). Not quite as exotic as the Dalmation Pelican in West Cornwall, a possible first for the UK in the modern era, although I had heard they were about in the Middle Ages (Caroline’s Dad remembers them well!). Quite tempted to go and see it, but the potting beckons.
Availability highlights
New for us this season is Salvia Hot Lips, a summer stunner. They flower for ages with plenty of striking red and white blooms (although for short periods they can flower all red or all white). They are fairly hardy in the south and in sheltered positions further north. Incarvillea are suddenly producing flower buds, an exotic but hardy splash for the front of the border, get them quick before they are all gone.
The strong purple foliage of Oxalis triangularis contrasts fantastically with the delicate pale pink flowers that are just beginning to appear. Fresh crops of Ajuga are coming into flower. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. Fresh bushy batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud/flower again.
Most of the Leucanthemum varieties are threatening there first buds, we have a tasteful range with pale yellow through to white’s, some with simple single flowers and some more fancy doubles. We have a mini version of Alchemilla mollis for the first time this season. Alchemilla erith. Alma is a pretty but understated,
compact form and has just started putting out its first spring flower stems. The strong deep blue flowers of Aquilegia alpina are the last aquilegia of our season and in colour now.
There are some lovely fresh strong Campanula persicifolia in bud again, but be quick there aren’t many. The shorter Campanula glomerata forms are also looking good with colour just showing or very close.
Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue and Gold making it a popular choice. The strong yellow flat flower heads of Achillea Moonshine contrast so well with its grey green foliage, always a favourite. The buds are there and the colour won’t be far behind. The lovely red’s Achillea Paprika and Red Velvet have also produced its first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots.
Primula beesiana (pale purple) and Primula x bullesiana (mixed colours) are just showing their flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. We have a lovely crop of Coreopsis Sunfire ready with buds just appearing. A bright two tone flower makes a very jolly summer display. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age.
The Verbascum Phoenician Hybrids have now showing their flower stems. A mix of colours they come quickly into bud producing pretty spikes of flower. Geum Lady Stratheden are always popular and have their first flower stems appearing. Dramatic Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage. Geranium sangineum are showing a few buds now as temperatures rise.
Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums and Lupins ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour.
The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds are already there. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Nice bit of rain to keep the soil moist and not too much heat to send everyone to the beach, just the gardening ticket. Chelsea and a bank holiday to come let’s rock and roll. Little room or time for waffle today with spring well and truly under way at last. Nursery is bowling along, plant whizzing out and potting in full swing again after the successful repairs of last week. Our first pair of blackcaps appear to be nesting somewhere in the garden. We have seen them on the feeders and heard their song a lot (identified from our reliable cd of british bird song). Not quite as exotic as the Dalmation Pelican in West Cornwall, a possible first for the UK in the modern era, although I had heard they were about in the Middle Ages (Caroline’s Dad remembers them well!). Quite tempted to go and see it, but the potting beckons.
Availability highlights
New for us this season is Salvia Hot Lips, a summer stunner. They flower for ages with plenty of striking red and white blooms (although for short periods they can flower all red or all white). They are fairly hardy in the south and in sheltered positions further north. Incarvillea are suddenly producing flower buds, an exotic but hardy splash for the front of the border, get them quick before they are all gone.
The strong purple foliage of Oxalis triangularis contrasts fantastically with the delicate pale pink flowers that are just beginning to appear. Fresh crops of Ajuga are coming into flower. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. Fresh bushy batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud/flower again.
Most of the Leucanthemum varieties are threatening there first buds, we have a tasteful range with pale yellow through to white’s, some with simple single flowers and some more fancy doubles. We have a mini version of Alchemilla mollis for the first time this season. Alchemilla erith. Alma is a pretty but understated,
compact form and has just started putting out its first spring flower stems. The strong deep blue flowers of Aquilegia alpina are the last aquilegia of our season and in colour now.
There are some lovely fresh strong Campanula persicifolia in bud again, but be quick there aren’t many. The shorter Campanula glomerata forms are also looking good with colour just showing or very close.
Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue and Gold making it a popular choice. The strong yellow flat flower heads of Achillea Moonshine contrast so well with its grey green foliage, always a favourite. The buds are there and the colour won’t be far behind. The lovely red’s Achillea Paprika and Red Velvet have also produced its first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots.
Primula beesiana (pale purple) and Primula x bullesiana (mixed colours) are just showing their flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. We have a lovely crop of Coreopsis Sunfire ready with buds just appearing. A bright two tone flower makes a very jolly summer display. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age.
The Verbascum Phoenician Hybrids have now showing their flower stems. A mix of colours they come quickly into bud producing pretty spikes of flower. Geum Lady Stratheden are always popular and have their first flower stems appearing. Dramatic Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage. Geranium sangineum are showing a few buds now as temperatures rise.
Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums and Lupins ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour.
The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds are already there. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Hairy Things
Morning all,
Nice bit of weather to kick things off. Luckily the temperatures are not going too mad yet so here’s hoping for a sustained emptying of the gardeners wallet. We’ve certainly been pretty hectic getting all the plants out there and trying to keep some sort of production going at this end. With some relief we got the potting machine back up and running earlier today so only a few days missed really and we did do a bit of hand potting just to get a few desperate things into compost. We are going to try and catch up a bit over the weekend and with the better growing weather they should soon catch up.
Still managed to fit in a bit of R and R among all the nursery activity, variety is the spice and all that. The weekly yoga lesson is proving a great relaxer, we come out feeling like it’s Friday night before a long weekend, so get home and tuck straight into the crisps and beer. I was asleep in the chair by 8.30, missing out on rhubarb and ice cream and then in bed spark out by 9.30. Isn’t that how Friday night is supposed to be? Meanwhile my real Friday night is here and now, getting the potting set up for tomorrow, and all this stuff sorted. Best not think too much about what we’ll get up to on our weekend, mostly potting, printing labels and packing tubs and lids for sterilisation for the microprop lab, still, it is the weekend, hurrah.
Late night on Thursday, went to Basingstoke to see Eric Bibb who we’ve not seen before but was just sensational. He has released over 40 albums, of which we had one which we love, now we have another couple! A distinctive individual style, very easy to listen to but challenging at the same time. He had it all, style, talent, modesty, and made you think. He’s on tour at the moment and well worth a visit so don’t miss out, get out there. Now I’m over-tired and in danger of losing it. Just had to correct a little typo in the opening line where somehow things had become thongs, which read a little differently.
Availability highlights
We have a small number of the Anemone coronaria varieties grown this spring. Masses of growth and now coming into flower. Very colourful blooms, there aren’t many to go round so don’t hold back. Fresh crops of Ajuga are coming into flower. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good. The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. Fresh bushy batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again.
We have a mini version of Alchemilla mollis for the first time this season. Alchemilla erith. Alma is a pretty but understated, compact form and has just started putting out its first spring flower stems. Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue and Gold making it a popular choice. The strong yellow flat flower heads of Achillea Moonshine contrast so well with its grey green foliage, always a favourite. The buds are there and the colour won’t be far behind. The lovely red Achillea Paprika has also produced its first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots.
The Primula japonica Millers Crimson are monsters, full of vigour with the brightly coloured flower heads appearing above the heart of the lush foliage. Primula beesiana (pale purple) and Primula x bullesiana (mixed colours) are just showing their flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age.
The Verbascum Phoenician Hybrids have just started showing their flower stems. A mix of colours they come quickly into bud producing pretty spikes of flower. Pyrethrum’s in both red and pink forms have buds just appearing above their ferny foliage, best now before they get tall. The short, neat and bright orange Geum variety Koi have their first of many flowers. Mrs Bradshaw and Lady Stratheden are close behind with flower stems appearing. Dramatic Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage.
Geranium sangineum are showing a few buds now as temperatures rise. Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour.
The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. The overwintered Lupin’s and Digitalis are all looking full of promise and vigour with flower spikes starting on many. Get them quick before they get too tall to send.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Nice bit of weather to kick things off. Luckily the temperatures are not going too mad yet so here’s hoping for a sustained emptying of the gardeners wallet. We’ve certainly been pretty hectic getting all the plants out there and trying to keep some sort of production going at this end. With some relief we got the potting machine back up and running earlier today so only a few days missed really and we did do a bit of hand potting just to get a few desperate things into compost. We are going to try and catch up a bit over the weekend and with the better growing weather they should soon catch up.
Still managed to fit in a bit of R and R among all the nursery activity, variety is the spice and all that. The weekly yoga lesson is proving a great relaxer, we come out feeling like it’s Friday night before a long weekend, so get home and tuck straight into the crisps and beer. I was asleep in the chair by 8.30, missing out on rhubarb and ice cream and then in bed spark out by 9.30. Isn’t that how Friday night is supposed to be? Meanwhile my real Friday night is here and now, getting the potting set up for tomorrow, and all this stuff sorted. Best not think too much about what we’ll get up to on our weekend, mostly potting, printing labels and packing tubs and lids for sterilisation for the microprop lab, still, it is the weekend, hurrah.
Late night on Thursday, went to Basingstoke to see Eric Bibb who we’ve not seen before but was just sensational. He has released over 40 albums, of which we had one which we love, now we have another couple! A distinctive individual style, very easy to listen to but challenging at the same time. He had it all, style, talent, modesty, and made you think. He’s on tour at the moment and well worth a visit so don’t miss out, get out there. Now I’m over-tired and in danger of losing it. Just had to correct a little typo in the opening line where somehow things had become thongs, which read a little differently.
Availability highlights
We have a small number of the Anemone coronaria varieties grown this spring. Masses of growth and now coming into flower. Very colourful blooms, there aren’t many to go round so don’t hold back. Fresh crops of Ajuga are coming into flower. Great ground cover in a range of foliage colours. Black Scallop and Sugar Plum are strong new varieties and looking particularly good. The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Bowles Mauve, are still looking great. Fresh bushy batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again.
We have a mini version of Alchemilla mollis for the first time this season. Alchemilla erith. Alma is a pretty but understated, compact form and has just started putting out its first spring flower stems. Bright gold foliage contrasts nicely with the deep blue flowers of Tradescantia Blue and Gold making it a popular choice. The strong yellow flat flower heads of Achillea Moonshine contrast so well with its grey green foliage, always a favourite. The buds are there and the colour won’t be far behind. The lovely red Achillea Paprika has also produced its first flower stems and several of the dwarf Dessert Eve series are producing flower shoots.
The Primula japonica Millers Crimson are monsters, full of vigour with the brightly coloured flower heads appearing above the heart of the lush foliage. Primula beesiana (pale purple) and Primula x bullesiana (mixed colours) are just showing their flower heads among their strong rosettes of leaves. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age.
The Verbascum Phoenician Hybrids have just started showing their flower stems. A mix of colours they come quickly into bud producing pretty spikes of flower. Pyrethrum’s in both red and pink forms have buds just appearing above their ferny foliage, best now before they get tall. The short, neat and bright orange Geum variety Koi have their first of many flowers. Mrs Bradshaw and Lady Stratheden are close behind with flower stems appearing. Dramatic Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage.
Geranium sangineum are showing a few buds now as temperatures rise. Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums ready now. Chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour.
The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and their flower buds. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. The overwintered Lupin’s and Digitalis are all looking full of promise and vigour with flower spikes starting on many. Get them quick before they get too tall to send.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 9 May 2016
Hairy Sunshine
Morning all,
Coat and hat are off, at least for a few days anyway. Quick heat wave this weekend, in the south east at least which comes just in time to kick start the bedding season in a big way. In many plant areas, for the first few weeks of May, this often comes at the expense of space for other stock like ours, which is quite understandable, just a bit frustrating having waited so long for some nice weather to appear and then we might miss out. Heh ho, we can’t do much about the weather so not too worried really, just glad that people will get out in the gardens again and catch that spring bug.
Not just the sun to make us smile this week, two House Martins have come back this week with hopefully more to follow and Leicester City won the League which is just brilliant for the city and for football. It even gives us hope here that Southampton could do this one day, a lovely moment for sport and the underdog. The overdraft slipped back off its limit last week, not by a lot but still a pleasant relief and the chance to pay off a few outstanding bills. Had an inspiring email posting earlier from one of our suppliers which I have to pass on. It went along the lines of; ‘Take a look at our fantastic irrigation systems, you will wet your plants’. Well it appealed to me.
All this love and joy even curbed the disappointment of the potting machine giving up over the holiday weekend, luckily just as we had finished for the day. Stretched chains and worn sprockets are not good news but then I can take a pill for that, but for the machine it’s a bit more serious. The mending chaps are in next week to sort it out providing I throw a large wad their way, but hoping to be back on it by the end of the week. Great timing, not busy at all!
Availability highlights
Dicentra Goldheart with its bright yellow leaves and beautifully contrasting pink and white flowers are ready to go this week. The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers. These are flying out at the moment so won’t be around for long. The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with lots of bud and a bit of colour showing. Fresh bushy batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again. The strong yellow flat flower heads of Achillea Moonshine contrast so well with its grey green foliage, always a favourite. The buds are there and the colour won’t be long. The lovely red Achillea Paprika has also produced its first flower stems. The Primula japonica varieties are an impressive candelabra type, our best batch form being Millers Crimson which are monsters, full of vigour with the brightly coloured flower heads just appearing in the heart of the foliage.
We have just a few blue Camassia left, looking strong and fresh. The flower buds are just appearing but this will be the last week as stocks are low. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age. The Verbascum Phoenician Hybrids have just started showing their flower stems. A mix of colours they come quickly into bud producing pretty spikes of flower. Still got some fantastic Pulsatilla’s which are producing bud and flower. Lovely bushy plants.
Campanula glomerata are beginning to produce their flower spikes with bud appearing and the odd flash of colour. The more scrambly Campanula posharskyana look rampant with lush foliage and bud showing.
Pyrethrum’s in both red and pink forms have buds just appearing above their ferny foliage, best now before they get tall. The short, neat & bright orange Geum varieties of Koi and Queen of Orange have their first of many flowers. Mrs Bradshaw and Lady Stratheden are close behind with flower stems appearing.
The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Dramatic Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage.
One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage. Geranium sangineum are showing a few buds now as temperatures rise.
Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums ready now. Short and chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour.
The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and flower buds. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. The overwintered Lupin’s and Digitalis are all looking full of promise and vigour with flower spikes starting on many. Get them quick before they get too tall to send.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Coat and hat are off, at least for a few days anyway. Quick heat wave this weekend, in the south east at least which comes just in time to kick start the bedding season in a big way. In many plant areas, for the first few weeks of May, this often comes at the expense of space for other stock like ours, which is quite understandable, just a bit frustrating having waited so long for some nice weather to appear and then we might miss out. Heh ho, we can’t do much about the weather so not too worried really, just glad that people will get out in the gardens again and catch that spring bug.
Not just the sun to make us smile this week, two House Martins have come back this week with hopefully more to follow and Leicester City won the League which is just brilliant for the city and for football. It even gives us hope here that Southampton could do this one day, a lovely moment for sport and the underdog. The overdraft slipped back off its limit last week, not by a lot but still a pleasant relief and the chance to pay off a few outstanding bills. Had an inspiring email posting earlier from one of our suppliers which I have to pass on. It went along the lines of; ‘Take a look at our fantastic irrigation systems, you will wet your plants’. Well it appealed to me.
All this love and joy even curbed the disappointment of the potting machine giving up over the holiday weekend, luckily just as we had finished for the day. Stretched chains and worn sprockets are not good news but then I can take a pill for that, but for the machine it’s a bit more serious. The mending chaps are in next week to sort it out providing I throw a large wad their way, but hoping to be back on it by the end of the week. Great timing, not busy at all!
Availability highlights
Dicentra Goldheart with its bright yellow leaves and beautifully contrasting pink and white flowers are ready to go this week. The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers. These are flying out at the moment so won’t be around for long. The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with lots of bud and a bit of colour showing. Fresh bushy batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again. The strong yellow flat flower heads of Achillea Moonshine contrast so well with its grey green foliage, always a favourite. The buds are there and the colour won’t be long. The lovely red Achillea Paprika has also produced its first flower stems. The Primula japonica varieties are an impressive candelabra type, our best batch form being Millers Crimson which are monsters, full of vigour with the brightly coloured flower heads just appearing in the heart of the foliage.
We have just a few blue Camassia left, looking strong and fresh. The flower buds are just appearing but this will be the last week as stocks are low. The pretty little Foam Flower (Tiarella) are producing plenty of bud and flower now. They flower for an age. The Verbascum Phoenician Hybrids have just started showing their flower stems. A mix of colours they come quickly into bud producing pretty spikes of flower. Still got some fantastic Pulsatilla’s which are producing bud and flower. Lovely bushy plants.
Campanula glomerata are beginning to produce their flower spikes with bud appearing and the odd flash of colour. The more scrambly Campanula posharskyana look rampant with lush foliage and bud showing.
Pyrethrum’s in both red and pink forms have buds just appearing above their ferny foliage, best now before they get tall. The short, neat & bright orange Geum varieties of Koi and Queen of Orange have their first of many flowers. Mrs Bradshaw and Lady Stratheden are close behind with flower stems appearing.
The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Dramatic Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage.
One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage. Geranium sangineum are showing a few buds now as temperatures rise.
Fabulous crops of fresh Delphiniums ready now. Short and chunky, fresh and full of vim and vigour.
The first Astilbes are showing strong fresh growth and flower buds. Top tip; Take care to water regularly avoiding full sun and drying winds to prevent the buds drying out. The overwintered Lupin’s and Digitalis are all looking full of promise and vigour with flower spikes starting on many. Get them quick before they get too tall to send.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
Hairy Head
Morning all,
Bank holiday weekend is upon us and the forecast doesn’t look too bad down here in the balmy south. Looking forward to taking off my fleece and hat soon. Summer must be close, we have two swallows back here this week and roosting in the donkey shed as usual. Bit anxious that their food might be in short supply with the cold weather holding back the flying insects but with rising temperatures over the next few days I’m sure they will cope. There are signs of more vigorous plant growth in the offing and that slight improvement in the weather should produce a real flush of growth, just hoping it doesn’t all come at once. Our second big batch of pest predators were released last week, another part of the plan likely to be hindered by the cold, just hoping we haven’t wasted all that expense and sentenced them to an icy demise. Best not think about it too much.
In Caroline’s wealth of spare time she does a bit of short term cat fostering for a charity and because we have a bit of space here we tend to get used for the area warehousing for supplies. We took in a huge pallet of reject/damaged cat food this week which sat neatly in the barn. The next morning Spare cat didn’t want any breakfast which was unusual but the reason became apparent later when I caught him perched on top of the pallet licking his lips. Several packets were well open and munched, including those addictive Dreamies. Talk about the cat getting the cream.
My turn last night, celebrated our wedding anniversary with a meeting of the Up Somborne Gentlemens Book Club (set up in response to the ladies version). Held this time at the Flacks Brewery in Romsey, while being given a very entertaining tour of the premises complete with associated sampling of the various products being produced. Delicious but not easy getting up the next morning!
If anyone from further afield is amassing a good collection of our wooden boxes (60+) and wants to shift them (we are not getting out as much with our own transport over the longer distances at the moment) you are quite welcome to wrap them on a pallet, drop us an email and we will organise a pallet company to collect them to clear them out of the way. Box stocks are getting lower this end, so any returns gratefully received from everyone. Thanks. Box cleaning, drying & mending at this end is going well, just about keeping on top of demand at the moment.
Availability highlights
Dicentra spectabilis are looking great and probably at their best, shoots bushy and are nicely above the surface and buds with a bit of colour already showing on this fleshy exotic. Not many left. Dicentra Goldheart with its bright yellow leaves and beautifully contrasting pink and white flowers are ready to go this week. The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers. The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling and a bit of colour showing. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again.
The Primula japonica varieties are just showing their strong flower heads. An impressive candelabra type, our best batch being the Millers Crimson which are monsters, full of vigour with the flower heads just appearing in the heart of the foliage. Still got some fantastic Pulsatilla’s which have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best? Campanula glomerata are beginning to produce their flower spikes with bud appearing and the odd flash of colour. The more scrambly Campanula posharskyana look rampant with lush foliage and bud showing. Pyrethrum’s in both red and pink forms have buds just appearing above their ferny foliage, best now before they get tall. The short, neat and bright orange Geum varieties of Koi and Queen of Orange have their first of many flowers. Caltha palustris are showing their early yellow buds among the healthy green shoots. The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage. One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage.The overwintered Lupin’s and Digitalis are all looking full of promise and vigour with flower spikes starting on many.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Bank holiday weekend is upon us and the forecast doesn’t look too bad down here in the balmy south. Looking forward to taking off my fleece and hat soon. Summer must be close, we have two swallows back here this week and roosting in the donkey shed as usual. Bit anxious that their food might be in short supply with the cold weather holding back the flying insects but with rising temperatures over the next few days I’m sure they will cope. There are signs of more vigorous plant growth in the offing and that slight improvement in the weather should produce a real flush of growth, just hoping it doesn’t all come at once. Our second big batch of pest predators were released last week, another part of the plan likely to be hindered by the cold, just hoping we haven’t wasted all that expense and sentenced them to an icy demise. Best not think about it too much.
In Caroline’s wealth of spare time she does a bit of short term cat fostering for a charity and because we have a bit of space here we tend to get used for the area warehousing for supplies. We took in a huge pallet of reject/damaged cat food this week which sat neatly in the barn. The next morning Spare cat didn’t want any breakfast which was unusual but the reason became apparent later when I caught him perched on top of the pallet licking his lips. Several packets were well open and munched, including those addictive Dreamies. Talk about the cat getting the cream.
My turn last night, celebrated our wedding anniversary with a meeting of the Up Somborne Gentlemens Book Club (set up in response to the ladies version). Held this time at the Flacks Brewery in Romsey, while being given a very entertaining tour of the premises complete with associated sampling of the various products being produced. Delicious but not easy getting up the next morning!
If anyone from further afield is amassing a good collection of our wooden boxes (60+) and wants to shift them (we are not getting out as much with our own transport over the longer distances at the moment) you are quite welcome to wrap them on a pallet, drop us an email and we will organise a pallet company to collect them to clear them out of the way. Box stocks are getting lower this end, so any returns gratefully received from everyone. Thanks. Box cleaning, drying & mending at this end is going well, just about keeping on top of demand at the moment.
Availability highlights
Dicentra spectabilis are looking great and probably at their best, shoots bushy and are nicely above the surface and buds with a bit of colour already showing on this fleshy exotic. Not many left. Dicentra Goldheart with its bright yellow leaves and beautifully contrasting pink and white flowers are ready to go this week. The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers. The ever popular Erysimum’s are still doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling and a bit of colour showing. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again.
The Primula japonica varieties are just showing their strong flower heads. An impressive candelabra type, our best batch being the Millers Crimson which are monsters, full of vigour with the flower heads just appearing in the heart of the foliage. Still got some fantastic Pulsatilla’s which have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best? Campanula glomerata are beginning to produce their flower spikes with bud appearing and the odd flash of colour. The more scrambly Campanula posharskyana look rampant with lush foliage and bud showing. Pyrethrum’s in both red and pink forms have buds just appearing above their ferny foliage, best now before they get tall. The short, neat and bright orange Geum varieties of Koi and Queen of Orange have their first of many flowers. Caltha palustris are showing their early yellow buds among the healthy green shoots. The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Thalictrum flower shoots looking good above their aquilegia-like foliage. One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage.The overwintered Lupin’s and Digitalis are all looking full of promise and vigour with flower spikes starting on many.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
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