Morning all
Pre-season tension continues to build as we all get ready for the onset of some warmer weather and stronger light from that golden globe thing, I forget what it's called. It's going to go ballistic when it happens, I'm almost in dread of it but excited at the same time. At least it might take our minds of less positive ballistic issues going on around the world.
We have attracted a few more customers already this spring after all the anti-plastic coverage which is great, although I am trying to keep a fairly low profile as we don't really need too many more as we are not the biggest nursery on the planet and it could get a bit too exciting which isn't good for a man of my age in so many ways. Despite the low pro file policy we have been mentioned in the latest Gardens Illustrated, we are 'coming out' in Amateur Gardening shortly and in the last week we have been in Hort Week twice. Let's see if we can keep this a bit more to ourselves and not make too much fuss, we wouldn't want to appear too forward or pushy it might appear rude.
I got the first nematode application on last weekend despite the cool weather, it was overcast and damp which is perfect for keeping them alive while they find their way into the compost. They are sensitive little things, susceptible to drying out, temperature, UV light, drowning, and operator error, so our strategy of monthly half rate applications rather than one or two big ones spreads the risk of mistakes or the wrong weather keeping a constant background population going to catch out any of those invasive vine weevils.
Potting is bowling along in anticipation of future sales actually happening, Must keep positive, we've all got a bit of ground to make up and I'm sure the demand will come eventually, just need to hold our nerve and keep it jolly. Let's face it, we can't do much about the weather, so we can't take it out on anyone else, we are all in it together. Still no sign of swallows here despite reports of them just a few miles away down by the River Test and at Kingston Lacy in Dorset. Hoping they pitch up with the sunshine and kick off the spring for us. Tadpoles are about, the Beast from the East didn't seem to affect them too much, despite the spawn appearing only a day or two before.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
We have been sending out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Dicentra spectabilis are thrusting through with their early buds on display. Plenty of bud appearing on lovely Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria), looking great at the moment although selling through quickly. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing. Erysimum are looking great with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into bud now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky multiple buds bursting up through the compost. Best crop for ages, just in time for the improving weather. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with early flowers in evidence. Pulmonaria are showing bud and colour now, selling through quickly so don't hang about. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular short flowering Geums Cooky and Koi are now producing buds and a little bright orange flower. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and colour visible, possibly the last week of these. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. The over-wintered Lupins and Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Saturday, 14 April 2018
Monday, 9 April 2018
I am Hairy
Morning all,
Watch out spring is coming. It's sneaking up on us hidden behind the rain and damp but the slight rise in temperature has definitely got the sap rising. The buds are swelling in the hedgerows and trees, and the grass is greener. The first swallows have been spotted arriving in Cornwall over the last few days so we will be watching closely for them here very soon. Can't wait, their chattering on the wires over the nursery is so distinctive, filled with the warming promise of reduced fleece coverage. The first batch of bio-control predators were released this week. Felt a bit sorry for them as is was still pretty chilly but hopefully they will still have an appetite and the energy to make a start. We have reverted back to using a few more mixed mini tubes of aphid hunters in the propagation tunnels which we have tried before. The wider mix of species works well with their more diverse palete so hoovering up more pests, but it does come at quite a hike in cost. I particularly like the little blob of sugar rich gloop they put on the exit point of the tube to provide them with a bit of extra energy to get started. Our first 2,000 million vine weevil eating nematodes arrived too, although I have put them into storage for a day or two until I'm a bit more confident in some regular warmer temperatures. They will comfortably keep a week or two in the fridge awaiting the right night conditions to release them. An application once a month through the growing season over the last 3 years has slashed our vine weevil population, but they keep arriving form one source or another so we can't let up. We are working on the principle that the constant background population of a range of these predatory nematodes keeps the lid on things while also suppressing other compost pests too. With luck the wider uptake of this type of control will keep the lid on costs too.
You're never too old to pick up a new perspective. Watched a program on ageing rockers last night just to reinforce any doubt that I've past my prime. It was definitely a repeat, as several of the participants have sadly since left us, including I think all of the members of Motorhead, who made an appearance. One comment, I think it was Iggy Pop, that hit home with me was that initially in his career he would own up to 'what I do' but now after so long in the business this had turned into 'what I am'. It dawned on me why I feel uneasy answering the question 'what do you do', it is too impersonal, I'm afraid it is more tragic than that, this is' what I am'. Well for the moment anyway.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
We send out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic. We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Dicentra spectabilis and Goldheart are both thrusting through with their early buds on display. Plenty of bud appearing on lovely Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria), looking great at the moment although selling through quickly. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now. Erysimum are looking great with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky multiple buds bursting up through the compost. Best crop for ages, just in time for the improving weather.
Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with early flowers in evidence. Pulmonaria are showing bud and colour now, selling through quickly so don't hang about. We still have a few of our first batch of Armeria maritima left now with plenty of bud showing.
The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and some colour visible, possibly the last week of these as Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing stocks are dwindling.
Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Watch out spring is coming. It's sneaking up on us hidden behind the rain and damp but the slight rise in temperature has definitely got the sap rising. The buds are swelling in the hedgerows and trees, and the grass is greener. The first swallows have been spotted arriving in Cornwall over the last few days so we will be watching closely for them here very soon. Can't wait, their chattering on the wires over the nursery is so distinctive, filled with the warming promise of reduced fleece coverage. The first batch of bio-control predators were released this week. Felt a bit sorry for them as is was still pretty chilly but hopefully they will still have an appetite and the energy to make a start. We have reverted back to using a few more mixed mini tubes of aphid hunters in the propagation tunnels which we have tried before. The wider mix of species works well with their more diverse palete so hoovering up more pests, but it does come at quite a hike in cost. I particularly like the little blob of sugar rich gloop they put on the exit point of the tube to provide them with a bit of extra energy to get started. Our first 2,000 million vine weevil eating nematodes arrived too, although I have put them into storage for a day or two until I'm a bit more confident in some regular warmer temperatures. They will comfortably keep a week or two in the fridge awaiting the right night conditions to release them. An application once a month through the growing season over the last 3 years has slashed our vine weevil population, but they keep arriving form one source or another so we can't let up. We are working on the principle that the constant background population of a range of these predatory nematodes keeps the lid on things while also suppressing other compost pests too. With luck the wider uptake of this type of control will keep the lid on costs too.
You're never too old to pick up a new perspective. Watched a program on ageing rockers last night just to reinforce any doubt that I've past my prime. It was definitely a repeat, as several of the participants have sadly since left us, including I think all of the members of Motorhead, who made an appearance. One comment, I think it was Iggy Pop, that hit home with me was that initially in his career he would own up to 'what I do' but now after so long in the business this had turned into 'what I am'. It dawned on me why I feel uneasy answering the question 'what do you do', it is too impersonal, I'm afraid it is more tragic than that, this is' what I am'. Well for the moment anyway.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
We send out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic. We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Dicentra spectabilis and Goldheart are both thrusting through with their early buds on display. Plenty of bud appearing on lovely Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria), looking great at the moment although selling through quickly. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now. Erysimum are looking great with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky multiple buds bursting up through the compost. Best crop for ages, just in time for the improving weather.
Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with early flowers in evidence. Pulmonaria are showing bud and colour now, selling through quickly so don't hang about. We still have a few of our first batch of Armeria maritima left now with plenty of bud showing.
The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and some colour visible, possibly the last week of these as Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing stocks are dwindling.
Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Tuesday, 3 April 2018
Hairy Balance
Morning all,
Happy Easter one and all. Not the warmest or driest we seen but not quite as bad as predicted earlier in the week. Mondays forecast looks a bit bleak but it might blow over, fingers crossed.
The short weeks always makes Easter a bit more challenging but the rather damp and cool ambiance has kept the usual Easter madness in check and we managed to fit in a bit of early spring potting in anticipation of the 'good days' returning at some point and sales taking off. The forecast for the coming week continues in a similar mode but it looks like it is turning for the better for the following weekend so make sure you don't get caught short!
I will be around on Monday to organise any longer deliveries with our carrier so please do get your orders in nice and early as usual so you don't miss out on that weekend rush. Popped out for the weeks highlight this morning, a trip to the supermarket and a posh coffee for breakfast, It's a tough life in the fast lane. I was surprised at the number of chocolate eggs still on the shelves, I wonder if they have over done it this year? We certainly aren't buying the number we used to, partly because I get so wound up about the packaging and inefficiency of delivering chocolate in such a bonkers way. There must be an opportunity out there to make a thick but flat, egg shape, much better value, less waste, fewer breakages and more eco-packaging options, the benefits are endless.
The hockey season is just about over now and I wonder if it safe to reveal I have retired and taken up some new challenges. I failed to play all season with a slightly dodgy back, not quite getting strong enough to risk the exertion. I feel I have rather let the side down as I have ended up stopping before my mum, who still gets a run out most Saturdays. It's been great getting Saturdays back to myself, lots more time on the nursery sorting out all the loose ends or starting new projects. Sunday alone was never enough. I've moved 'off-nursery activities' to the evening over the last couple of years, with a weekly session on the yoga mat and a turn on the floor with a bit of modern jive. Neither of which I'm very good at, but I enjoy both which is the secret of any exercise. I am still really struggling to breathe through my feet, or stand on one leg and despite being shown/taught over 300 jive moves I can still count on one hand the number I can remember. They tell me it's the taking part that counts, although my bored partners may have a different opinion.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
Our new wooden POS boards have been making the rounds for a few weeks. We send out two similar sets, one larger sized that can be mounted in our wooden trays (acting as a frame) or separately, and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Not everyone will have the room to use them all and some may want more than one set, so feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of small wooden latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let your customers know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Plenty of bud appearing on lovely Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria), get them while they’re hot. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now. Despite the continuing cold weather the Erysimum are looking great with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky buds bursting up through the compost. Best crop for ages, just hoping the weather improves shortly to get them moving before they advance too far. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early flowers in evidence. Pulmonaria are showing bud and colour now, especially the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage and buds showing nicely with the odd splash of colour. Muscari varieties looking chunky with bud visible. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too. Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Happy Easter one and all. Not the warmest or driest we seen but not quite as bad as predicted earlier in the week. Mondays forecast looks a bit bleak but it might blow over, fingers crossed.
The short weeks always makes Easter a bit more challenging but the rather damp and cool ambiance has kept the usual Easter madness in check and we managed to fit in a bit of early spring potting in anticipation of the 'good days' returning at some point and sales taking off. The forecast for the coming week continues in a similar mode but it looks like it is turning for the better for the following weekend so make sure you don't get caught short!
I will be around on Monday to organise any longer deliveries with our carrier so please do get your orders in nice and early as usual so you don't miss out on that weekend rush. Popped out for the weeks highlight this morning, a trip to the supermarket and a posh coffee for breakfast, It's a tough life in the fast lane. I was surprised at the number of chocolate eggs still on the shelves, I wonder if they have over done it this year? We certainly aren't buying the number we used to, partly because I get so wound up about the packaging and inefficiency of delivering chocolate in such a bonkers way. There must be an opportunity out there to make a thick but flat, egg shape, much better value, less waste, fewer breakages and more eco-packaging options, the benefits are endless.
The hockey season is just about over now and I wonder if it safe to reveal I have retired and taken up some new challenges. I failed to play all season with a slightly dodgy back, not quite getting strong enough to risk the exertion. I feel I have rather let the side down as I have ended up stopping before my mum, who still gets a run out most Saturdays. It's been great getting Saturdays back to myself, lots more time on the nursery sorting out all the loose ends or starting new projects. Sunday alone was never enough. I've moved 'off-nursery activities' to the evening over the last couple of years, with a weekly session on the yoga mat and a turn on the floor with a bit of modern jive. Neither of which I'm very good at, but I enjoy both which is the secret of any exercise. I am still really struggling to breathe through my feet, or stand on one leg and despite being shown/taught over 300 jive moves I can still count on one hand the number I can remember. They tell me it's the taking part that counts, although my bored partners may have a different opinion.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
Our new wooden POS boards have been making the rounds for a few weeks. We send out two similar sets, one larger sized that can be mounted in our wooden trays (acting as a frame) or separately, and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Not everyone will have the room to use them all and some may want more than one set, so feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of small wooden latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let your customers know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Plenty of bud appearing on lovely Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria), get them while they’re hot. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now. Despite the continuing cold weather the Erysimum are looking great with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky buds bursting up through the compost. Best crop for ages, just hoping the weather improves shortly to get them moving before they advance too far. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early flowers in evidence. Pulmonaria are showing bud and colour now, especially the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage and buds showing nicely with the odd splash of colour. Muscari varieties looking chunky with bud visible. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too. Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Monday, 26 March 2018
Hairy Seaweed
Morning all,
What a difference a week makes, not quite a warm spring day but closer to expectations after last weekend's cold snap and white stuff. I should be positively forecasting a bright and jolly spring and Easter weekend coming up, to get those sales moving, but having had a quick look at the forecast I feel more comfortable predicting an overdose of chocolate and beer. Anything to distract from the disappointing spring weather so far. We're not panicking yet as the cold weather has slowed up the plant growth a bit too, so nothing has really gone to waste to date and once it all kicks off I'm sure we will make it all back up. Fingers crossed.
Managed to get the tunnel cover replaced that got ripped off during the previous visit from 'the beast' which was a relief. Although the tunnels are all net sided and are open at the ends, so they get nice and cold, the extra little bit of overhead protection they provide keeps the plants looking a lot better that when they are left unprotected and working conditions are marginally more comfortable!
We've had a very challenging time in our microprop lab over the last few months with a nightmare scenario of plants going backwards in their growth and multiplication rates. It would appear that we may have had a gradual deterioration in growth quality in there for a while but it came to a head just before Christmas when many varieties started showing signs of serious stress. The frustrating thing was that although we could see it was a problem with the media we were growing in, we couldn't pin it down to a single issue. There are quite a few ingredients in the gel we grow the plants in and we had to tested and change them all in the end, finally pinning it down to a problem with a particular make of agar gel (seaweed extract which makes a jelly when cool) when in combination with a particular make of MS salts (essential plant nutrients and vitamins). When we moved away from both, to new suppliers of each, we suddenly started seeing miraculous recoveries in growth, phew. The growth we are seeing now looks fab, better than we have seen for a while which just goes to show that (almost) every cloud has a silver lining. Now we need to rescue the plant stocks which will take a time and recover the losses which will take longer. Big thanks to all those who helped us out trying to get to the bottom of this especially Nigel at Gentech (another lab, one of the few left in the UK) and our customers who have been very understanding of the difficulties we have been facing.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
Our new wooden POS boards have been making the rounds over the last few weeks. Silk screen printed by my own fair hands, we hope they will help tell the hairy pot story a bit more clearly. We are sending out two similar sets, one larger sized set that can be mounted in our wooden trays (acting as a frame) or separately, and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Not everyone will have the room to use them all and some may what more than one set, so feel free to return any unused ones for us to reuse, or ask for another set if you need more. There are also a couple of small wooden latex allergy notices with each set which should be displayed to let your customers know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the wintery weather the Erysimum are looking great with plenty of bud in all the varieties now. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky buds bursting up through the compost. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now.Tulips are well up with Madame Lefeber already showing her red buds and flower. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early buds in evidence. The Pinwheel series are supposed to be a little earlier than the straight species although this year there seems little in it. They do hold their heads a bit more upright too which can make them more showy. Over the years they both make a spectacular spring flowering clump. Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage and buds showing nicely with the odd splash of colour. Plenty of bud appearing on the Fritillaria now, get them while they’re hot. Muscari Blue Magic looking chunky with bud visible, it will be a little while before colour shows but the promise is there. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too. Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing. Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
What a difference a week makes, not quite a warm spring day but closer to expectations after last weekend's cold snap and white stuff. I should be positively forecasting a bright and jolly spring and Easter weekend coming up, to get those sales moving, but having had a quick look at the forecast I feel more comfortable predicting an overdose of chocolate and beer. Anything to distract from the disappointing spring weather so far. We're not panicking yet as the cold weather has slowed up the plant growth a bit too, so nothing has really gone to waste to date and once it all kicks off I'm sure we will make it all back up. Fingers crossed.
Managed to get the tunnel cover replaced that got ripped off during the previous visit from 'the beast' which was a relief. Although the tunnels are all net sided and are open at the ends, so they get nice and cold, the extra little bit of overhead protection they provide keeps the plants looking a lot better that when they are left unprotected and working conditions are marginally more comfortable!
We've had a very challenging time in our microprop lab over the last few months with a nightmare scenario of plants going backwards in their growth and multiplication rates. It would appear that we may have had a gradual deterioration in growth quality in there for a while but it came to a head just before Christmas when many varieties started showing signs of serious stress. The frustrating thing was that although we could see it was a problem with the media we were growing in, we couldn't pin it down to a single issue. There are quite a few ingredients in the gel we grow the plants in and we had to tested and change them all in the end, finally pinning it down to a problem with a particular make of agar gel (seaweed extract which makes a jelly when cool) when in combination with a particular make of MS salts (essential plant nutrients and vitamins). When we moved away from both, to new suppliers of each, we suddenly started seeing miraculous recoveries in growth, phew. The growth we are seeing now looks fab, better than we have seen for a while which just goes to show that (almost) every cloud has a silver lining. Now we need to rescue the plant stocks which will take a time and recover the losses which will take longer. Big thanks to all those who helped us out trying to get to the bottom of this especially Nigel at Gentech (another lab, one of the few left in the UK) and our customers who have been very understanding of the difficulties we have been facing.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
Our new wooden POS boards have been making the rounds over the last few weeks. Silk screen printed by my own fair hands, we hope they will help tell the hairy pot story a bit more clearly. We are sending out two similar sets, one larger sized set that can be mounted in our wooden trays (acting as a frame) or separately, and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Not everyone will have the room to use them all and some may what more than one set, so feel free to return any unused ones for us to reuse, or ask for another set if you need more. There are also a couple of small wooden latex allergy notices with each set which should be displayed to let your customers know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the wintery weather the Erysimum are looking great with plenty of bud in all the varieties now. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky buds bursting up through the compost. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now.Tulips are well up with Madame Lefeber already showing her red buds and flower. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early buds in evidence. The Pinwheel series are supposed to be a little earlier than the straight species although this year there seems little in it. They do hold their heads a bit more upright too which can make them more showy. Over the years they both make a spectacular spring flowering clump. Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage and buds showing nicely with the odd splash of colour. Plenty of bud appearing on the Fritillaria now, get them while they’re hot. Muscari Blue Magic looking chunky with bud visible, it will be a little while before colour shows but the promise is there. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too. Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing. Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Sunday, 18 March 2018
Cool and Hairy
Morning all,
The snow is settling as I write this but with a bit of luck it should clear by very early in the week, just a quickie this time and hopefully not quite as cold. The fleece trousers have stayed locked away for the moment which is just as well because after a post ‘beast’ wash I can see the static potential had increased even higher and nothing would be safe from my touch.
It’s a shame the cold has returned quite so soon as the plants are showing signs of lovely growth with buds popping up all over the place. I suspect it will all happen with a bang this spring as we approach Easter in a couple of weeks and hopefully some more springy weather.
Our new wooden POS boards have been making the rounds over the last couple of weeks. Silk screen printed by a very skilled nursery person, yes okay, by me, we hope they will help tell the hairy pot story a bit more clearly. We are sending out two similar sets, one larger sized set that can be mounted in our wooden trays (acting as a frame) or separately, and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Not everyone will have the room to use them all and some may what more than one set, so feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if you need more. There are also a couple of small wooden latex allergy notices with each set which should be displayed to let your customers know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
Nice for us to see the widespread use of plastics still under pressure in the press, we have seen a real increase in interest in what we are up to and the trade as a whole seem to be looking to respond. I suppose we should be a bit anxious that everyone could be jumping on the plastic-free bandwagon and we could lose out to more competition, but let’s see how it develops. I suspect the resurgence of recycling pots and trays will be a relatively easy option to try and do something about the situation, and the promotion of the idea that many pots are made of recycled plastic anyway will help alleviate some responsibility but it is going to take a major change in approach to remove noticeable volumes of plastic waste. A big part of the problem is that plastic is such a cheap and amazingly versatile product, making life so easy and convenient for the producer and the consumer. For such a long time the cheap and easy option has always won out. Only now are we recognizing the price of that choice. I’m sure there will be plenty more revelations about how far the environment has been impacted by wide scale plastic use, probably in ways we haven’t even thought about because we don’t realise how a lot of stuff is made or where it goes at its end of life. Plastic in tea bags, fleece fibres in the washing machine water, these things just sneak up unnoticed. Time to start thinking outside the box a bit more. Loose tea leaves in a reusable mesh holder or in the pot, it’s a bit messier but can do the job better as you learn to judge the right amount of tea for your taste (also easier to compost). Better filters in washing machines/water systems, the list will grow but we can all do stuff to help, we can’t blame it all on takeaway coffee cups or pots.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the wintery weather the Erysimum are looking great with plenty of bud in all the varieties now. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky buds bursting up through the compost. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now. Erythronium Pagoda have appeared above ground with yellow bud already on show. Tulips are well up with Madame Lefeber already showing her red buds.
Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early buds in evidence. The Pinwheel series are supposed to be a little earlier than the straight species although this year there seems little in it. They do hold their heads a bit more upright too which can make them more showy. Over the years they both make a spectacular spring flowering clump.
Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage and buds showing nicely. Plenty of bud appearing on the Fritillaria now, get them while they’re hot. Muscari Blue Magic looking chunky with bud visible, it will be a little while before colour shows but the promise is there. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too. Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
The snow is settling as I write this but with a bit of luck it should clear by very early in the week, just a quickie this time and hopefully not quite as cold. The fleece trousers have stayed locked away for the moment which is just as well because after a post ‘beast’ wash I can see the static potential had increased even higher and nothing would be safe from my touch.
It’s a shame the cold has returned quite so soon as the plants are showing signs of lovely growth with buds popping up all over the place. I suspect it will all happen with a bang this spring as we approach Easter in a couple of weeks and hopefully some more springy weather.
Our new wooden POS boards have been making the rounds over the last couple of weeks. Silk screen printed by a very skilled nursery person, yes okay, by me, we hope they will help tell the hairy pot story a bit more clearly. We are sending out two similar sets, one larger sized set that can be mounted in our wooden trays (acting as a frame) or separately, and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Not everyone will have the room to use them all and some may what more than one set, so feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if you need more. There are also a couple of small wooden latex allergy notices with each set which should be displayed to let your customers know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
Nice for us to see the widespread use of plastics still under pressure in the press, we have seen a real increase in interest in what we are up to and the trade as a whole seem to be looking to respond. I suppose we should be a bit anxious that everyone could be jumping on the plastic-free bandwagon and we could lose out to more competition, but let’s see how it develops. I suspect the resurgence of recycling pots and trays will be a relatively easy option to try and do something about the situation, and the promotion of the idea that many pots are made of recycled plastic anyway will help alleviate some responsibility but it is going to take a major change in approach to remove noticeable volumes of plastic waste. A big part of the problem is that plastic is such a cheap and amazingly versatile product, making life so easy and convenient for the producer and the consumer. For such a long time the cheap and easy option has always won out. Only now are we recognizing the price of that choice. I’m sure there will be plenty more revelations about how far the environment has been impacted by wide scale plastic use, probably in ways we haven’t even thought about because we don’t realise how a lot of stuff is made or where it goes at its end of life. Plastic in tea bags, fleece fibres in the washing machine water, these things just sneak up unnoticed. Time to start thinking outside the box a bit more. Loose tea leaves in a reusable mesh holder or in the pot, it’s a bit messier but can do the job better as you learn to judge the right amount of tea for your taste (also easier to compost). Better filters in washing machines/water systems, the list will grow but we can all do stuff to help, we can’t blame it all on takeaway coffee cups or pots.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the wintery weather the Erysimum are looking great with plenty of bud in all the varieties now. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky buds bursting up through the compost. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now. Erythronium Pagoda have appeared above ground with yellow bud already on show. Tulips are well up with Madame Lefeber already showing her red buds.
Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early buds in evidence. The Pinwheel series are supposed to be a little earlier than the straight species although this year there seems little in it. They do hold their heads a bit more upright too which can make them more showy. Over the years they both make a spectacular spring flowering clump.
Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage and buds showing nicely. Plenty of bud appearing on the Fritillaria now, get them while they’re hot. Muscari Blue Magic looking chunky with bud visible, it will be a little while before colour shows but the promise is there. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too. Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Monday, 12 March 2018
Warm and Hairy
Morning all,
What a difference a week makes. The snow has just about disappeared from down here in the balmy south, although it looks like winter has hung about a bit longer further north. Hopefully you have all got away without too much disruption in the aftermath of the freeze. We had thought we had got off lightly with just a few days work lost but together with the thaw came a little trio of occasionally dramatic issues, one tunnel cover torn asunder in the wind, the tool shed electrics tripped after snow blew in under the roof and thawed over the buggy chargers and the irrigation tank feed supply fractured. The tunnel cover is in and ready to replace on a quiet day, the chargers are getting a new mini roof to live under and the pipe fitting that split was replaced and operational within hours, so not too bad. That cold blast certainly put the brakes on plant sales but with warm air moving in over the weekend I suspect spring will leap on us pretty quickly, if we could just avoid getting too wet please. The plants have certainly recovered very quickly with buds and fresh shoots popping up all over the place.
With a little extra time available this week and one warmer still day, we did manage a surprise tunnel cover replacement on an empty tunnel that had been ready for weeks, a nice bonus. Meanwhile the screen printing of the replacement POS wooden info boards and little latex allergy notices has been bowling along and we have sent out a few sets over the last week. I am just about to produce an extra set of three identical but smaller info boards to go along with them that some of you might find useful and easier to pop up around the plant area. As soon as I’ve finished them all I will take a picture or two and put them on the website to show them off. We will send out a set with each first order from now on, if you have your own POS and so don’t
need them all please do return them to our driver at some point so we can redistribute to others. If anyone needs any extras just let me know. They should last ages, so after an initial blast of preparation and printing we are hoping to be able to relax and get back to all the other spring tasks building up.
Big day today, presents over breakfast and pizza tonight. Thanks for all of you who remembered, both cards were greatly appreciated. Not looking forward to the next one much, it’s a biggie, that can’t be me surely. Still, a year to go before then, let’s see how much we can squeeze into this one.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the winter weather the Erysimum are still looking great. All the green leaved varieties are in tight bud already, leaving the two variegated forms slightly behind on the budding front but looking flashy in their fancy foliage. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now.
Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early buds in evidence. The Pinwheel series are supposed to be a little earlier than the straight species although this year there seems little in it. They do hold their heads a bit more upright too which can make them more showy. Over the years they both make a spectacular spring flowering clump.
More of the Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage showing nicely.
Euphorbias are looking good, retaining attractive foliage through the winter months before bursting into flower in early spring. There are two Lamium varieties flushing into a bright early show with their fresh silvery foliage. Some of the spring bulbs are making a break for it, the Alliums are well up (3/pot). Others putting on a spurt are Scilla, Camassia, Tulip and Ipheion. Plenty of bud appearing on the Fritillaria now, get them while they’re hot.
Muscari Blue Magic looking chunky with bud visible, it will be a little while before colour shows but the promise is there. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. We do need to sell these fairly early in the spring so that they don’t get too big for our pots, although the early cool weather should help to stop them running away on us. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing.Still have a few Primula looking nice with the denticulata types just about to make their colourful appearance.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
What a difference a week makes. The snow has just about disappeared from down here in the balmy south, although it looks like winter has hung about a bit longer further north. Hopefully you have all got away without too much disruption in the aftermath of the freeze. We had thought we had got off lightly with just a few days work lost but together with the thaw came a little trio of occasionally dramatic issues, one tunnel cover torn asunder in the wind, the tool shed electrics tripped after snow blew in under the roof and thawed over the buggy chargers and the irrigation tank feed supply fractured. The tunnel cover is in and ready to replace on a quiet day, the chargers are getting a new mini roof to live under and the pipe fitting that split was replaced and operational within hours, so not too bad. That cold blast certainly put the brakes on plant sales but with warm air moving in over the weekend I suspect spring will leap on us pretty quickly, if we could just avoid getting too wet please. The plants have certainly recovered very quickly with buds and fresh shoots popping up all over the place.
With a little extra time available this week and one warmer still day, we did manage a surprise tunnel cover replacement on an empty tunnel that had been ready for weeks, a nice bonus. Meanwhile the screen printing of the replacement POS wooden info boards and little latex allergy notices has been bowling along and we have sent out a few sets over the last week. I am just about to produce an extra set of three identical but smaller info boards to go along with them that some of you might find useful and easier to pop up around the plant area. As soon as I’ve finished them all I will take a picture or two and put them on the website to show them off. We will send out a set with each first order from now on, if you have your own POS and so don’t
need them all please do return them to our driver at some point so we can redistribute to others. If anyone needs any extras just let me know. They should last ages, so after an initial blast of preparation and printing we are hoping to be able to relax and get back to all the other spring tasks building up.
Big day today, presents over breakfast and pizza tonight. Thanks for all of you who remembered, both cards were greatly appreciated. Not looking forward to the next one much, it’s a biggie, that can’t be me surely. Still, a year to go before then, let’s see how much we can squeeze into this one.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the winter weather the Erysimum are still looking great. All the green leaved varieties are in tight bud already, leaving the two variegated forms slightly behind on the budding front but looking flashy in their fancy foliage. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. Buds are showing well now.
Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with their early buds in evidence. The Pinwheel series are supposed to be a little earlier than the straight species although this year there seems little in it. They do hold their heads a bit more upright too which can make them more showy. Over the years they both make a spectacular spring flowering clump.
More of the Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage showing nicely.
Euphorbias are looking good, retaining attractive foliage through the winter months before bursting into flower in early spring. There are two Lamium varieties flushing into a bright early show with their fresh silvery foliage. Some of the spring bulbs are making a break for it, the Alliums are well up (3/pot). Others putting on a spurt are Scilla, Camassia, Tulip and Ipheion. Plenty of bud appearing on the Fritillaria now, get them while they’re hot.
Muscari Blue Magic looking chunky with bud visible, it will be a little while before colour shows but the promise is there. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. We do need to sell these fairly early in the spring so that they don’t get too big for our pots, although the early cool weather should help to stop them running away on us. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Vinca minor are coming into flower doing their spring thing.Still have a few Primula looking nice with the denticulata types just about to make their colourful appearance.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Saturday, 3 March 2018
Hairy Beast
Morning all,
That was a nippy week, good to get it out of the way and hopefully move to slightly more spring like conditions. Still plenty of lying snow here this morning but the warmer temperatures and drop off of the easterly winds is getting a thaw under way. We had a few brave souls make it in for a shortened day on Thursday to keep the lab running, but Friday saw just three of us (living on site) beavering away on various warmer projects. Electric use was well up despite the lack of staff, with various heating systems battling it out to keep the cold at bay, but I’m glad to say that overall we still managed to generate more than we used with the turbines producing at near maximum output over the last few days. That easterly wind was perfect for a steady drive. Friday turned out to be the perfect opportunity to get going on our new screen printed wooden POS info boards. We had a whole day without interruption to perfect our new skills and managed to just about crack it. We started on the little ’Latex allergy notices’ so any mistakes weren’t too costly and that went pretty well, we got over 500 printed so just need to do a bit of drilling and waterproofing to have them ready to roll. I started on the bigger boards too but it took a while to get a new jig all set up to hold them in the right position so only a handful done so far. The ink seems to get everywhere, the squeegee we use to spread it over the screen does not discriminate in where else it deposits its load and once you’ve got it on a finger all hell breaks loose if you haven’t noticed and pick up the next clean board. I like to think it gives them a reassuringly ‘homemade’ appeal which is ok by me! Actually I’m really pleased with them, they are another step forward for us and I hope you like them. Perhaps a bit more personal input than I planned to get them into a usable state, but what’s new there.
It was so cold this week I broke out the fleece lined trousers which haven’t seen the light of day for years. So much so that the elastic had gone in the waistband warranting the need to attach braces (no belt loops) to prevent over exposure. It’s not a look I would be proud of, but needs must, and when I initially dragged them on I wondered why I didn’t wear them more often. The build up of warmth was almost instant but within half a dozen steps I remembered the pitfall of this design, I generated enough static to run a small town. Every now and then I would earth with a jolt which is pretty unnerving for me and the cat when you have forgotten what you are wearing. In the evening peeling them off was quite a relief although in the dark I was illuminated like a Christmas tree, complete with baubles! Nice to be back in cotton today.
Nice to see we made it into the NFU South East regional magazine last month. The regional area director was writing about putting together an NFU give-away pack of plastic bits and bobs in a plastic bag when he recognized the error of his ways. They were replaced with a couple of bottles of English Wine and some NFU wooden pencils in a sustainable bag, he said Derek and Caroline would be proud of him and he’s right. One mind-set adjusted, keep it up William, now who’s next?
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the winter weather the Erysimum are still looking great. All the green leaved varieties are in tight bud already, leaving the two variegated forms slightly behind on the budding front but looking flashy in their fancy foliage. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. The odd bud in sight already, many more will appear very shortly. More of the Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage showing nicely. Euphorbias are looking good, retaining attractive foliage through the winter months before bursting into flower in early spring. There are two Lamium varieties flushing into a bright early show with their fresh silvery foliage.
Some of the spring bulbs are making a break for it, the Alliums are well up (3/pot). Others putting on a spurt are Scilla, Camassia, Tulip, Muscari, Fritillaria and Ipheion. I haven’t marked the Fritillaria as being in bud yet but there are a few about. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. We do need to sell these fairly early in the spring so that they don’t get too big for our pots, although the early cool weather should help to stop them running away on us. The Digitalis and Delphiniums are looking strong and chunky too, along with a few staff members who have been following through their resolutions by dieting and working out.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
That was a nippy week, good to get it out of the way and hopefully move to slightly more spring like conditions. Still plenty of lying snow here this morning but the warmer temperatures and drop off of the easterly winds is getting a thaw under way. We had a few brave souls make it in for a shortened day on Thursday to keep the lab running, but Friday saw just three of us (living on site) beavering away on various warmer projects. Electric use was well up despite the lack of staff, with various heating systems battling it out to keep the cold at bay, but I’m glad to say that overall we still managed to generate more than we used with the turbines producing at near maximum output over the last few days. That easterly wind was perfect for a steady drive. Friday turned out to be the perfect opportunity to get going on our new screen printed wooden POS info boards. We had a whole day without interruption to perfect our new skills and managed to just about crack it. We started on the little ’Latex allergy notices’ so any mistakes weren’t too costly and that went pretty well, we got over 500 printed so just need to do a bit of drilling and waterproofing to have them ready to roll. I started on the bigger boards too but it took a while to get a new jig all set up to hold them in the right position so only a handful done so far. The ink seems to get everywhere, the squeegee we use to spread it over the screen does not discriminate in where else it deposits its load and once you’ve got it on a finger all hell breaks loose if you haven’t noticed and pick up the next clean board. I like to think it gives them a reassuringly ‘homemade’ appeal which is ok by me! Actually I’m really pleased with them, they are another step forward for us and I hope you like them. Perhaps a bit more personal input than I planned to get them into a usable state, but what’s new there.
It was so cold this week I broke out the fleece lined trousers which haven’t seen the light of day for years. So much so that the elastic had gone in the waistband warranting the need to attach braces (no belt loops) to prevent over exposure. It’s not a look I would be proud of, but needs must, and when I initially dragged them on I wondered why I didn’t wear them more often. The build up of warmth was almost instant but within half a dozen steps I remembered the pitfall of this design, I generated enough static to run a small town. Every now and then I would earth with a jolt which is pretty unnerving for me and the cat when you have forgotten what you are wearing. In the evening peeling them off was quite a relief although in the dark I was illuminated like a Christmas tree, complete with baubles! Nice to be back in cotton today.
Nice to see we made it into the NFU South East regional magazine last month. The regional area director was writing about putting together an NFU give-away pack of plastic bits and bobs in a plastic bag when he recognized the error of his ways. They were replaced with a couple of bottles of English Wine and some NFU wooden pencils in a sustainable bag, he said Derek and Caroline would be proud of him and he’s right. One mind-set adjusted, keep it up William, now who’s next?
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Despite the winter weather the Erysimum are still looking great. All the green leaved varieties are in tight bud already, leaving the two variegated forms slightly behind on the budding front but looking flashy in their fancy foliage. Really attractive finely cut bronzed foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent looking fab. The odd bud in sight already, many more will appear very shortly. More of the Pulmonaria are showing bud now, with little splash of colour in the Blue Ensign, a stunning dark blue, the others aren’t far behind with their nice tight variegated/silvered foliage showing nicely. Euphorbias are looking good, retaining attractive foliage through the winter months before bursting into flower in early spring. There are two Lamium varieties flushing into a bright early show with their fresh silvery foliage.
Some of the spring bulbs are making a break for it, the Alliums are well up (3/pot). Others putting on a spurt are Scilla, Camassia, Tulip, Muscari, Fritillaria and Ipheion. I haven’t marked the Fritillaria as being in bud yet but there are a few about. Spring is bursting despite the cool temperatures and our Lupins have all made delicious vigorous shoot growth from around the plant base. They seem to do so well as an overwintered crop, producing plenty of new chunky basal shoots with the potential for so much flower later in the season. We do need to sell these fairly early in the spring so that they don’t get too big for our pots, although the early cool weather should help to stop them running away on us. The Digitalis and Delphiniums are looking strong and chunky too, along with a few staff members who have been following through their resolutions by dieting and working out.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
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