Good morning all.
Slightly over ‘a drop of rain’ this week, but today has not been as damp as forecast so hopefully the sales won’t be hit too hard over the last of the spring bank holidays. Might have a beer tonight as it’s a holiday.
Too many flowers to talk about to mention the toiling of this week. In summary very busy, bit tired, but looking forward to finding a present for Caroline’s birthday next week. Might need something good to make up for the lack of 30th anniversary frivolities. Luckily some friends have organised an evening out in a Winchester pub to see a local singer, so that’s the social side sorted, just need something more exotic than the bag of spinach I got one year (it was organic).
Availability
Strong, short, fresh stock of Digitalis Dalmation are just starting on flower production, ideal just now.
Echinacea varieties already producing a few buds, but not a lot left as the popularity of these plants has mushroomed.
New Leucanthemum varieties to us (Lacrosse and Banana Creme) are showing their first signs of flowering, as are the pale yellow Broadway Lights and white Snowcap. There are just a few of the taller classic white May Queen left in colour.
Achilleas are just showing their first buds, including the new delightful compact Desert Eve series of which the pale yellow is now showing good colour.
The more traditional style Dianthus, the garden pinks, are also producing bud, the new ‘Scent First’ (SF) series are compact and as the name suggests fantastically scented with some lovely colour combinations. By far the most popular variety last week was ‘Slap and Tickle’, way above ‘Romance’ and ‘Coconut Sundae’. Is there a message there?
Catananche are coming into bud now, their delightful papery blue flowers just a moment away. We have a few of the white form as well this year which is also in bud.
Liatris spicata are stonking plants with potential for numerous flower spikes, the first of which are appearing. Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.
A good show of fresh flowers on the Primula vialli, looking very exotic, for a primula! Only a few left, don’t miss out.
Early flower and loads of bud on all of the bushy Salvia varieties this week. The short ‘Deep Rose’ looks almost luminous. The dark stemmed Caradonna variety is very dramatic and becoming increasingly popular with garden designers. Coreopsis Sunfire has plenty of bud nestling in its fresh green foliage, with Sunray and Corey Yellow close behind.
The Dianthus deltoids varieties have their flowers opening, tiny little things but really eye catching, especially the red varieties of Flashing Light and Brilliancy.
The more unusual Oxalis triangularis are up and displaying their vibrant purple foliage with the first pink flower buds appearing.
Another unusual plant is Limonium (Sea Lavender) which, for the first time for us, is throwing up strong flower shoots above its rosettes of flat leaves.
Strong and dramatic are the flower spikes of the Thalictrum diptocarpum, an impressive show of early summer vigour. The classic Alchemilla mollis are showing their first flower shoots of subtle yellow.
Still plenty of buds and the odd open flower appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.
Erigeron Azure Beauty and Pink Jewel have their first buds appearing. The Sea Breeze varieties are poised too, looking verdant.
New batches of fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know.
Geraniums are showing colour, Brookside with flowers open and bud and colour on the G. cant. Karmina (very dark pink).
The stunning clear pink flowers of Geranium sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium and the striking white form.
Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and early colour but only a few left. Fresh bushy Delphs and Hollyhocks (Alcea) raring to go but won’t hang around long.
Fabulous, good looking, very strong and popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Verbena bonariensis Lollipop, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Phlox varieties, don’t miss out.
Edibles
Meanwhile the strawberries are beginning to do their summer thing, first flowers now and fruit on the horizon. We are having a play with a couple of new strawberry lines to us, Toscana and Roman, both with strongly coloured red/pink flowers and long flowering and fruiting seasons. They are just starting to flower now and look great even without the tempting fruit.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
Morning all
Summer has arrived with some great weather down here this weekend. Quite glad that a drop of rain might pitch up next week just to freshen up the gardens again for plant sales to keep up their momentum.
Not much room to impart too many ramblings this week due to the large amount of fab looking stuff to bring to everyone’s attention. We had a new sample batch of pots in this week with strengthened rims which looked great, it will take a while to work through the system but it’s another tweek in the right direction to make life a bit easier for all. Another development that might come off in another area is a new label design which took several steps forward this week with negotiations and desig n advances from some unlikely sources including a specialist catering skewer supplier. It’s always a bit of a challenge when trying to overcome problems that others haven’t yet had to face, but I suppose that’s a price we pay for being a bit different,and it does allow my Blue Peter spirit to shine. Hopefully we might have something to show at the National Plant Show in late June in the way of some mock ups etc. Watch this space.
Concerts seem to be flavour of the month, another two this week, King King on Thursday, a brilliant young and very loud blues band and the sensational boogie-woogie Ben Waters Band last night. Ears and feet suffering this week.
Availability
Achilleas are just showing their first buds, including the new delightful compact Desert Eve series. Catananche are coming into bud now, their delightful papery blue flowers just a moment away. Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.
A good show of fresh flowers on the Primula vialli, looking very exotic, for a primula!
Early flower and loads of bud on all of the bushy Salvia varieties this week. The dark stemmed Caradonna variety very dramatic and becoming increasingly popular with garden designers. Coreopsis Sunfire has plenty of bud nestling in its fresh green foliage.
The Dianthus deltoids varieties have their first flowers opening, tiny little things but really eye catching, especially the red varieties of Flashing Light and Brilliancy.
The more traditional style Dianthus, the garden pinks, are also producing bud, the new ‘Scent First’ (SF) series are compact and as the name suggests fantastically scented with some lovely colour combinations.
The more unusual Oxalis triangularis are up and displaying their vibrant purple foliage with the first pink flower buds appearing.
Another unusual plant is Limonium (Sea Lavender) which, for the first time for us, is throwing up strong flower shoots above its rosettes of flat leaves.
Strong and dramatic are the flower spikes of the Thalictrum diptocarpum, an impressive show of early summer vigour. The classic Alchemilla mollis are showing their first flower shoots of subtle yellow.
Plenty of buds and the odd open flower appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.
Erigeron Azure Beauty and Pink Jewel have their first buds appearing. The Sea Breeze varieties are poised too, looking verdant.
New batches of fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know.
Geraniums are showing colour, Brookside with flowers opening and bud and colour on the G. cant. Karmina (very dark pink).
The stunning clear pink flowers of Geranium sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium and the stunning white form.
Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and early colour.
Fresh bushy Delphs and Hollyhocks (Alcea) raring to go but won’t hang around long.
Fabulous, good looking, very strong and popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Verbena bonariensis Lollipop, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Phlox varieties, don’t miss out.
Purple foliage of Lychnis Firecracker, Heuhera Palace Purple and Ligularia Desdemona are impressive and striking pot full’s.
Edibles
The herbs continue to excite with a good range and the promise of the summer lines (mostly Basil’s) just around the corner.
Meanwhile the strawberries are beginning to do their summer thing, first flowers now and fruit on the horizon. We are having a play with a couple of new strawberry lines to us, Toscana and Roman, both with strongly coloured red/pink flowers and long flowering and fruiting seasons. They are just starting to flower now and look great even without the tempting fruit.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Summer has arrived with some great weather down here this weekend. Quite glad that a drop of rain might pitch up next week just to freshen up the gardens again for plant sales to keep up their momentum.
Not much room to impart too many ramblings this week due to the large amount of fab looking stuff to bring to everyone’s attention. We had a new sample batch of pots in this week with strengthened rims which looked great, it will take a while to work through the system but it’s another tweek in the right direction to make life a bit easier for all. Another development that might come off in another area is a new label design which took several steps forward this week with negotiations and desig n advances from some unlikely sources including a specialist catering skewer supplier. It’s always a bit of a challenge when trying to overcome problems that others haven’t yet had to face, but I suppose that’s a price we pay for being a bit different,and it does allow my Blue Peter spirit to shine. Hopefully we might have something to show at the National Plant Show in late June in the way of some mock ups etc. Watch this space.
Concerts seem to be flavour of the month, another two this week, King King on Thursday, a brilliant young and very loud blues band and the sensational boogie-woogie Ben Waters Band last night. Ears and feet suffering this week.
Availability
Achilleas are just showing their first buds, including the new delightful compact Desert Eve series. Catananche are coming into bud now, their delightful papery blue flowers just a moment away. Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.
A good show of fresh flowers on the Primula vialli, looking very exotic, for a primula!
Early flower and loads of bud on all of the bushy Salvia varieties this week. The dark stemmed Caradonna variety very dramatic and becoming increasingly popular with garden designers. Coreopsis Sunfire has plenty of bud nestling in its fresh green foliage.
The Dianthus deltoids varieties have their first flowers opening, tiny little things but really eye catching, especially the red varieties of Flashing Light and Brilliancy.
The more traditional style Dianthus, the garden pinks, are also producing bud, the new ‘Scent First’ (SF) series are compact and as the name suggests fantastically scented with some lovely colour combinations.
The more unusual Oxalis triangularis are up and displaying their vibrant purple foliage with the first pink flower buds appearing.
Another unusual plant is Limonium (Sea Lavender) which, for the first time for us, is throwing up strong flower shoots above its rosettes of flat leaves.
Strong and dramatic are the flower spikes of the Thalictrum diptocarpum, an impressive show of early summer vigour. The classic Alchemilla mollis are showing their first flower shoots of subtle yellow.
Plenty of buds and the odd open flower appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.
Erigeron Azure Beauty and Pink Jewel have their first buds appearing. The Sea Breeze varieties are poised too, looking verdant.
New batches of fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know.
Geraniums are showing colour, Brookside with flowers opening and bud and colour on the G. cant. Karmina (very dark pink).
The stunning clear pink flowers of Geranium sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium and the stunning white form.
Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and early colour.
Fresh bushy Delphs and Hollyhocks (Alcea) raring to go but won’t hang around long.
Fabulous, good looking, very strong and popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Verbena bonariensis Lollipop, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Phlox varieties, don’t miss out.
Purple foliage of Lychnis Firecracker, Heuhera Palace Purple and Ligularia Desdemona are impressive and striking pot full’s.
Edibles
The herbs continue to excite with a good range and the promise of the summer lines (mostly Basil’s) just around the corner.
Meanwhile the strawberries are beginning to do their summer thing, first flowers now and fruit on the horizon. We are having a play with a couple of new strawberry lines to us, Toscana and Roman, both with strongly coloured red/pink flowers and long flowering and fruiting seasons. They are just starting to flower now and look great even without the tempting fruit.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 12 May 2014
Good morning all.
Another load of stuff crammed into a four day week. Deliveries flying out left right and centre and just about got round everywhere, another week under our belts. Looking forward to getting back that extra day in the coming week, we miss everyone on those ‘holiday’ days, the two of us struggle to get as much done on those days. Having the place to ourselves for a three day weekend is a nice change and a change is as good as a rest they say.
Having a better run of weather this spring has lifted confidence and spirits no end and suddenly we are thinking of the next batch of tweeks we can make to improve further the whole hairy pot deal. We have been following up some pot design improvements, which is a constant ongoing process. Over the years we have made the pots thinner and softer (less latex) to help out with quicker stronger plant and root establishment for the end consumer, but this has slightly compromised the life expectancy of the pot rim which tends to break apart first, creating a weaker feeling pot edge. The pots are all individually handmade so tend to vary a bit anyway but it looks like the idea of rim strengthening has been picked up by the Sri Lankan ladies who make them and we should see a gradual change in the pot rims over the next year. Unfortunately the time scale is quite long due to a combination of production time, batch sizes and existing stock clearance. They are still fab now, but will be even better later!
The coir pots can sometimes be a challenge to insert labels into due to their hairy nature, the labels don’t just slide down the inside wall or stick on as they would with a plastic pot. When the root -balls are established label reinsertion by customers can be tricky especially as plastic label design seems to have reduced the strength and length of the tongue. We are currently taking a look at having a bespoke set of labels made where we may be able to combine them with our stronger wooden label to help insertion and staying power. There are a number of other possible benefits which could come with this development, variety specific barcodes, QR codes, using more sustainable label materials and getting more hairy pot info onto the label, which could all help improve service and reduce some of our own printing demands. The balancing challenge may be the labour needed to combine the wooden and plastic components, I was wondering what to do on those long winter evenings. Still early days, watch this space.
King Somborne village hall was the venue for a blistering gig by a young reggae band from Leicester, By the Rivers. Sore feet and ears this morning, but well worth it. Off to my first Southampton game of the year later, last game of the season against Manchester United so hope to see some goals and maybe Ryan Giggs play his last game. It’s all go.
Availability
Achilleas are just showing their first buds, including the new delightful compact Desert Eve series. Stunning flowers on the Primula japonica Millers Crimson and a good show on the Primula vialli too. Early buds are plentiful on most of the bushy Salvia varieties this week.
Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.
Plenty of buds appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.
Erigeron Azure Beauty and Pink Jewel have their first buds appearing. The Sea Breeze varieties are poised too, looking verdant.
Fresh and chunky Papaver Garden Gnome are showing plenty of bud, but there is limited stock and only a few left. Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, displaying their delightful pale blue flowers.
Trollius Golden Queen is a late emerger but rushes up to bud once it is up, and here they are.
Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, Brookside with the first flowers opening and lots of bud and flower colour on the cant. Cambridge (deep pink), Biovoka (near white) and Karmina (very dark pink). The clear pink flowers of sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium, the stunning white form has a few buds appearing too. Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
New batches of short fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know. Fresh short bushy Delphs and Hollyhocks (Alcea) raring to go but won’t hang around long.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come.
Fabulous, good looking, very strong and popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Alchemilla, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, don’t miss out.
Purple foliage of Lychnis Firecracker, Heuhera Palace Purple and Ligularia Desdemona are impressive and striking pot full’s.
Nature ramblings
More House Martins have pitched up, phew. Fattening tadpoles in the ponds and lots of newts out on the nursery. Springtime.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Another load of stuff crammed into a four day week. Deliveries flying out left right and centre and just about got round everywhere, another week under our belts. Looking forward to getting back that extra day in the coming week, we miss everyone on those ‘holiday’ days, the two of us struggle to get as much done on those days. Having the place to ourselves for a three day weekend is a nice change and a change is as good as a rest they say.
Having a better run of weather this spring has lifted confidence and spirits no end and suddenly we are thinking of the next batch of tweeks we can make to improve further the whole hairy pot deal. We have been following up some pot design improvements, which is a constant ongoing process. Over the years we have made the pots thinner and softer (less latex) to help out with quicker stronger plant and root establishment for the end consumer, but this has slightly compromised the life expectancy of the pot rim which tends to break apart first, creating a weaker feeling pot edge. The pots are all individually handmade so tend to vary a bit anyway but it looks like the idea of rim strengthening has been picked up by the Sri Lankan ladies who make them and we should see a gradual change in the pot rims over the next year. Unfortunately the time scale is quite long due to a combination of production time, batch sizes and existing stock clearance. They are still fab now, but will be even better later!
The coir pots can sometimes be a challenge to insert labels into due to their hairy nature, the labels don’t just slide down the inside wall or stick on as they would with a plastic pot. When the root -balls are established label reinsertion by customers can be tricky especially as plastic label design seems to have reduced the strength and length of the tongue. We are currently taking a look at having a bespoke set of labels made where we may be able to combine them with our stronger wooden label to help insertion and staying power. There are a number of other possible benefits which could come with this development, variety specific barcodes, QR codes, using more sustainable label materials and getting more hairy pot info onto the label, which could all help improve service and reduce some of our own printing demands. The balancing challenge may be the labour needed to combine the wooden and plastic components, I was wondering what to do on those long winter evenings. Still early days, watch this space.
King Somborne village hall was the venue for a blistering gig by a young reggae band from Leicester, By the Rivers. Sore feet and ears this morning, but well worth it. Off to my first Southampton game of the year later, last game of the season against Manchester United so hope to see some goals and maybe Ryan Giggs play his last game. It’s all go.
Availability
Achilleas are just showing their first buds, including the new delightful compact Desert Eve series. Stunning flowers on the Primula japonica Millers Crimson and a good show on the Primula vialli too. Early buds are plentiful on most of the bushy Salvia varieties this week.
Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.
Plenty of buds appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.
Erigeron Azure Beauty and Pink Jewel have their first buds appearing. The Sea Breeze varieties are poised too, looking verdant.
Fresh and chunky Papaver Garden Gnome are showing plenty of bud, but there is limited stock and only a few left. Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, displaying their delightful pale blue flowers.
Trollius Golden Queen is a late emerger but rushes up to bud once it is up, and here they are.
Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, Brookside with the first flowers opening and lots of bud and flower colour on the cant. Cambridge (deep pink), Biovoka (near white) and Karmina (very dark pink). The clear pink flowers of sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium, the stunning white form has a few buds appearing too. Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
New batches of short fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know. Fresh short bushy Delphs and Hollyhocks (Alcea) raring to go but won’t hang around long.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come.
Fabulous, good looking, very strong and popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Alchemilla, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, don’t miss out.
Purple foliage of Lychnis Firecracker, Heuhera Palace Purple and Ligularia Desdemona are impressive and striking pot full’s.
Nature ramblings
More House Martins have pitched up, phew. Fattening tadpoles in the ponds and lots of newts out on the nursery. Springtime.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
Kirton Looking Sharp
Good morning all.
Looks like a reasonable holiday weekend weather-wise. Let’s hope that plant buying doesn’t waiver just yet, we still have a nursery full of lovely stuff to ship out over the next few months! I can’t believe it is May already, where does all the time go? Summer is well on the way, I spotted my first swift of the season gliding about over Stockbridge High Street as I waited to pick up a curry, another high culture night out for me.
As ever it’s monster busy , too much to do and not enough hours in the day or days in the week. Getting the orders out is always the priority as we never know what’s coming in from week to week or even day to day, it’s always a bit of a juggle as we respond to customer demands. I always have grand plans of all the jobs we are going to get done in the coming week but it rarely goes to plan as the day to day readjustments happen. It can be frustrating if you let it, but to be honest we are just grateful at the moment for some steady sales in the good weather, we can adjust other stuff as we go. Nothing is ever going to go perfectly when we are so in the hands of what nature and plant buyers are going to throw at us.
A lot has been happening this week on top of the workload, with a couple of funerals, a staff member moving on and our 30th wedding anniversary. A time for a bit of reflection, but of looking forward too, lots of stuff still to improve on and get ex cited about. Caroline took revenge on the lack of anniversary surprises by giving me a rather sharp haircut on Tuesday evening. She says she ‘misread’ the clipper comb, I normally have a grade 3 (9.5mm), tidied up with a grade 2 around the edges but she ‘misread’ the 3mm (grade 1) for grade 3 before leaping in with a long run up the back of my head. ‘Oh, that’s a bit short’ and after a second go, ‘yes, something’s not quite right’. Mistake identified, there was no going back and I now only have to buff my head in the morning. Still at my age I’m lucky to have enough to cut, there was a definite shortage in the audience at the excellent Robert Cray concert we went to on Friday.
Availability
Stunning flowers on the Primula japonica Millers Crimson and a good show on the Primula vialli too.
Early buds are plentiful on most of the bushy Salvia varieties this week. Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.
Buds are appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll. Erigeron Azure Beauty has its first purple buds appearing on strong plants.
Fresh and chunky Papaver Garden Gnome are showing plenty of bud, but there is limited stock.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, beginning to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtle beauty of the real thing. Trollius Golden Queen is a late emerger but rushes up to bud once it is up, and here they are.
Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, Brookside with the first flowers opening and lots of bud and flower colour on
the cant. Cambridge (deep pink), Biovoka (near white) and Karmina (very dark pink) . The clear pink flowers of sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium, the stunning white form will be a week or two later. Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
New batches of short fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know.
Fresh short bushy Delphs raring to go but won’t hang around long.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come.
White Armeria maritima have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full, but only a few left. Fabulous, good looking, very strong and very popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Alchemilla, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, don’t miss out.
Purple foliage colour of Lychnis Firecracker and Ligularia Desdemona are both impressive and striking pot full’s.
Nature rambling
Robins have hatched. Still only 4 House Martins so far, a bit disappointing after seeing 40 or 50 leave in the autumn.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Looks like a reasonable holiday weekend weather-wise. Let’s hope that plant buying doesn’t waiver just yet, we still have a nursery full of lovely stuff to ship out over the next few months! I can’t believe it is May already, where does all the time go? Summer is well on the way, I spotted my first swift of the season gliding about over Stockbridge High Street as I waited to pick up a curry, another high culture night out for me.
As ever it’s monster busy , too much to do and not enough hours in the day or days in the week. Getting the orders out is always the priority as we never know what’s coming in from week to week or even day to day, it’s always a bit of a juggle as we respond to customer demands. I always have grand plans of all the jobs we are going to get done in the coming week but it rarely goes to plan as the day to day readjustments happen. It can be frustrating if you let it, but to be honest we are just grateful at the moment for some steady sales in the good weather, we can adjust other stuff as we go. Nothing is ever going to go perfectly when we are so in the hands of what nature and plant buyers are going to throw at us.
A lot has been happening this week on top of the workload, with a couple of funerals, a staff member moving on and our 30th wedding anniversary. A time for a bit of reflection, but of looking forward too, lots of stuff still to improve on and get ex cited about. Caroline took revenge on the lack of anniversary surprises by giving me a rather sharp haircut on Tuesday evening. She says she ‘misread’ the clipper comb, I normally have a grade 3 (9.5mm), tidied up with a grade 2 around the edges but she ‘misread’ the 3mm (grade 1) for grade 3 before leaping in with a long run up the back of my head. ‘Oh, that’s a bit short’ and after a second go, ‘yes, something’s not quite right’. Mistake identified, there was no going back and I now only have to buff my head in the morning. Still at my age I’m lucky to have enough to cut, there was a definite shortage in the audience at the excellent Robert Cray concert we went to on Friday.
Availability
Stunning flowers on the Primula japonica Millers Crimson and a good show on the Primula vialli too.
Early buds are plentiful on most of the bushy Salvia varieties this week. Astilbe varieties are now in bud and looking fresh and vigorous.
Buds are appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll. Erigeron Azure Beauty has its first purple buds appearing on strong plants.
Fresh and chunky Papaver Garden Gnome are showing plenty of bud, but there is limited stock.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, beginning to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtle beauty of the real thing. Trollius Golden Queen is a late emerger but rushes up to bud once it is up, and here they are.
Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, Brookside with the first flowers opening and lots of bud and flower colour on
the cant. Cambridge (deep pink), Biovoka (near white) and Karmina (very dark pink) . The clear pink flowers of sang. Striatum are just beginning to open together with the purple sanguinium, the stunning white form will be a week or two later. Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
New batches of short fresh bushy Lupins are looking fabulous. If you would rather have the strong older stock which is in bud just let us know.
Fresh short bushy Delphs raring to go but won’t hang around long.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come.
White Armeria maritima have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full, but only a few left. Fabulous, good looking, very strong and very popular non-flowering plants at the moment include, Alchemilla, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, don’t miss out.
Purple foliage colour of Lychnis Firecracker and Ligularia Desdemona are both impressive and striking pot full’s.
Nature rambling
Robins have hatched. Still only 4 House Martins so far, a bit disappointing after seeing 40 or 50 leave in the autumn.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 28 April 2014
Good morning all.
Just a quick one, too much to do. Lovely to have a long weekend last week but two four day weeks does put the pressure on a bit at this time of year, especially when the weather is kind to us. I’m not quite sure why a bank holiday seems like a break for me, I suppose the change in staffing levels makes a change and a change is as good as a rest. To be fair we only worked half the day on Sunday so we could fit in the roast lunch which was fabulous. The rest of the weekend was very productive with various shifts coming in, various jobs getting tidied up and the orders that came in being sorted out. I can’t believe there is another one next weekend, time flies.
Lots of nematodes applied over the nursery over the last week to combat the vine weevil and slugs, an evening job to keep the bugs from being damaged by the ultra violet light of the sun and put on through the irrigation lines via the diluter. My Blue Peter training paid up again producing a very effective bubbling bucket which keeps the nematode mix thoroughly mixed and aerated before disappearing up the diluter tube. All with the help of some air compressor pipe and fittings, a pressure control valve, some old aluminium scrap and a couple of bulldog clips a masterpiece of engineering. We are using a mix of nematodes to extend the effectiveness and applying at half rate, three times in the spring and again three times in late summer/autumn to get extra coverage.
Availability
Buds are appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.
The short Scabious Blue Note we have are neat and showing their first buds.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, beginning to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtle beauty of the real thing.
Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, with a few Gravetye left, carrying bud and a few brilliant blue flowers. The Geranium cantabriense varieties have their first flowers opening with lots of bud to follow.
Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
Monster Lupins, very strong and the taller varieties are showing the first signs of flower buds. A funny line, quite often requested as small plants for a longer shelf life by the garden centre buyers but the first to disappear as a budded plant at any plant show and in big numbers.
Flower stems and buds on the Aquilegia Barlow range. The super dark Barlow Black is always a favourite but only a few left.
Delphs are always a pain to grow, shooting up so quickly when the mood takes them. We have a fresh batch of short bushy stock as well as a few taller ones showing bud and colour. Those in colour are restricted in range and number so please express your desires on your order (just letting me know if you want ‘taller colour’ or short and bushy will be fine, and we will sor t it) The ever popular Geum’s are producing flower shoots. No colour yet but it won’t be long.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come. Brunnera varigata are producing their spring vibrant blue flowers, looking perky, just a very few left.
White Armeria maritima have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full. Both Pyrethrum (Red & roseum(pink)) are close to colour with nice fat buds shooting up.
Fabulous, good looking, very strong and very popular non-flowering plants at the moment include,Alchemilla, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, don’t miss out.
Nature ramblings
Exactly two weeks after the swallows arrived, the first house martins are back. Not many yet, hoping for more as so many left here at the end of last year. Hopefully the Maltese haven’t shot them as they journeyed back. I noticed the Maltese travel promoters are plugging themselves as a holiday destination on the TV at the moment, we sent them an email to say that we wouldn’t consider it until they did something about this pointless slaughter. No response yet!
We have two nests spotted on site so far, a robin in a crate of scrap pots and a pied wagtail in my luxury wood store. Both nearly got done away with before being spotted, as we were about to empty the crate and I was clearing the wood store. Now we have to wait, a good excuse to avoid tidying up I suppose. Difficult to resist having a peak, the robins nest is in a very busy spot but she seems quite comfortable with the large number of visits.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Just a quick one, too much to do. Lovely to have a long weekend last week but two four day weeks does put the pressure on a bit at this time of year, especially when the weather is kind to us. I’m not quite sure why a bank holiday seems like a break for me, I suppose the change in staffing levels makes a change and a change is as good as a rest. To be fair we only worked half the day on Sunday so we could fit in the roast lunch which was fabulous. The rest of the weekend was very productive with various shifts coming in, various jobs getting tidied up and the orders that came in being sorted out. I can’t believe there is another one next weekend, time flies.
Lots of nematodes applied over the nursery over the last week to combat the vine weevil and slugs, an evening job to keep the bugs from being damaged by the ultra violet light of the sun and put on through the irrigation lines via the diluter. My Blue Peter training paid up again producing a very effective bubbling bucket which keeps the nematode mix thoroughly mixed and aerated before disappearing up the diluter tube. All with the help of some air compressor pipe and fittings, a pressure control valve, some old aluminium scrap and a couple of bulldog clips a masterpiece of engineering. We are using a mix of nematodes to extend the effectiveness and applying at half rate, three times in the spring and again three times in late summer/autumn to get extra coverage.
Availability
Buds are appearing on the Centaurea dealbata, stonking plants ready to roll.
The short Scabious Blue Note we have are neat and showing their first buds.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, beginning to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtle beauty of the real thing.
Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, with a few Gravetye left, carrying bud and a few brilliant blue flowers. The Geranium cantabriense varieties have their first flowers opening with lots of bud to follow.
Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
Monster Lupins, very strong and the taller varieties are showing the first signs of flower buds. A funny line, quite often requested as small plants for a longer shelf life by the garden centre buyers but the first to disappear as a budded plant at any plant show and in big numbers.
Flower stems and buds on the Aquilegia Barlow range. The super dark Barlow Black is always a favourite but only a few left.
Delphs are always a pain to grow, shooting up so quickly when the mood takes them. We have a fresh batch of short bushy stock as well as a few taller ones showing bud and colour. Those in colour are restricted in range and number so please express your desires on your order (just letting me know if you want ‘taller colour’ or short and bushy will be fine, and we will sor t it) The ever popular Geum’s are producing flower shoots. No colour yet but it won’t be long.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come. Brunnera varigata are producing their spring vibrant blue flowers, looking perky, just a very few left.
White Armeria maritima have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full. Both Pyrethrum (Red & roseum(pink)) are close to colour with nice fat buds shooting up.
Fabulous, good looking, very strong and very popular non-flowering plants at the moment include,Alchemilla, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, don’t miss out.
Nature ramblings
Exactly two weeks after the swallows arrived, the first house martins are back. Not many yet, hoping for more as so many left here at the end of last year. Hopefully the Maltese haven’t shot them as they journeyed back. I noticed the Maltese travel promoters are plugging themselves as a holiday destination on the TV at the moment, we sent them an email to say that we wouldn’t consider it until they did something about this pointless slaughter. No response yet!
We have two nests spotted on site so far, a robin in a crate of scrap pots and a pied wagtail in my luxury wood store. Both nearly got done away with before being spotted, as we were about to empty the crate and I was clearing the wood store. Now we have to wait, a good excuse to avoid tidying up I suppose. Difficult to resist having a peak, the robins nest is in a very busy spot but she seems quite comfortable with the large number of visits.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 21 April 2014
Hairy Easter
Happy Easter to all.
Last week went swimmingly despite some traffic issues and nearly all the orders made it out before Friday. Just one hiccup where one didn’t appear at this end, not my fault this time, clerical/driver error at source! We were even organised enough to send out a few really late ones although we were scuppered getting one onto a ferry in time, just a few hours too late in getting the order. A few extra hands and an extra emergency van coped well with the short week leaving us free to catch up on a bit of tidying up, pricking out and potting and Friday and Saturday which was great. Just me today, as Caroline knocks up a nut roast to take down the road where the rest of us will get stuck into roast with legs on. I can taste it already. Just hoping Caroline remembers to put the nuts in this time, there is just so much going on at this time of year and there is only so much room in the shrinking brain at our age. Can you tell she doesn’t read this?
I saw on the telly this morning that the HTA are pushing for a relaxation of Garden Centre opening times on Easter Sunday. It always used to be a mega weekend before the restrictions came in and although Easter is a special time for many it would be nice to see a bit more flexibility in the system and a return to pampering to the excitement of the spring gardener. Gardening is such a positive hobby it would be great to encourage it more as a natural, earthy and healthy holiday activity. We got a surprise parcel this week from the HTA, with a pack of promotional giveaways for the National Plant Show which is on June 24th and 25th this year. This will be the first time we are going to show there so excitement is building as this will be our first show since the demise of Woking and GAN a few years ago. We are looking to get our more sustainable ways and plant sales message across to a wider audience and although we want to keep to a fairly local catchment area this national event is reall y our best trade show option. Come and see us there, we might be desperately looking for someone to talk to! The arrival of the promotional stuff brought home to me how far we have to go in our industry. The organisers have obviously gone to a lot of trouble to put over a stylish and modern image which is great and I love the logo bits, but surely in these days sustainability should be at the heart of our planning for the future. I have bundles of plastic logoed pens and packs of apparently non - recycled notepads and cards, come on boys and girls, sustainability isn’t a hobby it’s a theme that has to run through everything we do, otherwise nothing will change. We are in a naturally green industry we should be at the forefront of influencing the way people treat their world.
Availability
Allium varieties are really strong and chunky, perfect for planting out and buds just appearing, be quick they don’t look this good for very long.
The trendy Camassias are beginning to produce strong flower shoots and colour, just beautiful in the garden.
The ever favourite and long flowering Erysimum Bowles Mauve still looks absolutely fantastic, bushy and budding strongly, first colour showing. Even better than last year’s stunners but not many left now.
Flower stems and buds on the Aquilegia Barlow range now. The super dark Barlow Black is always a favourite and the deep blue of Blue Barlow looks strong.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, about to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtle beauty of the real thing. Delphs are always a pain to grow, shooting up so quickly when the mood takes them. We have a fresh batch of short bushy stock as well as a few taller ones showing bud & colour. Those in colour are restricted in range and number so please express your desires on your order (just letting me know if you want ‘taller colour’ or short and bushy will be fine, and we will sort it) Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, with Gravetye carrying plenty of bud and brilliant blue flowers just opening. The ever popular Geum’s are producing flower shoots. No colour yet but it won’t be long.
Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come.
Brunnera varigata are producing their spring buds and vibrant blue flowers, looking perky, just a few left.
New Tradescantia Blue and Gold showing bud and flower, but restricted numbers available.
White Armeria maritima have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full.
Verbascums are getting started on flower stem production, full of vigour.
Both Pyrethrum (Red; roseum(pink) is close to colour with nice fat buds shooting up.
Ajuga Burgundy Glow are producing lots of flower shoots, looking good but very few left. Lots of pink and white colour on the delightful Dicentra spectabilis.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Last week went swimmingly despite some traffic issues and nearly all the orders made it out before Friday. Just one hiccup where one didn’t appear at this end, not my fault this time, clerical/driver error at source! We were even organised enough to send out a few really late ones although we were scuppered getting one onto a ferry in time, just a few hours too late in getting the order. A few extra hands and an extra emergency van coped well with the short week leaving us free to catch up on a bit of tidying up, pricking out and potting and Friday and Saturday which was great. Just me today, as Caroline knocks up a nut roast to take down the road where the rest of us will get stuck into roast with legs on. I can taste it already. Just hoping Caroline remembers to put the nuts in this time, there is just so much going on at this time of year and there is only so much room in the shrinking brain at our age. Can you tell she doesn’t read this?
I saw on the telly this morning that the HTA are pushing for a relaxation of Garden Centre opening times on Easter Sunday. It always used to be a mega weekend before the restrictions came in and although Easter is a special time for many it would be nice to see a bit more flexibility in the system and a return to pampering to the excitement of the spring gardener. Gardening is such a positive hobby it would be great to encourage it more as a natural, earthy and healthy holiday activity. We got a surprise parcel this week from the HTA, with a pack of promotional giveaways for the National Plant Show which is on June 24th and 25th this year. This will be the first time we are going to show there so excitement is building as this will be our first show since the demise of Woking and GAN a few years ago. We are looking to get our more sustainable ways and plant sales message across to a wider audience and although we want to keep to a fairly local catchment area this national event is reall y our best trade show option. Come and see us there, we might be desperately looking for someone to talk to! The arrival of the promotional stuff brought home to me how far we have to go in our industry. The organisers have obviously gone to a lot of trouble to put over a stylish and modern image which is great and I love the logo bits, but surely in these days sustainability should be at the heart of our planning for the future. I have bundles of plastic logoed pens and packs of apparently non - recycled notepads and cards, come on boys and girls, sustainability isn’t a hobby it’s a theme that has to run through everything we do, otherwise nothing will change. We are in a naturally green industry we should be at the forefront of influencing the way people treat their world.
Availability
Allium varieties are really strong and chunky, perfect for planting out and buds just appearing, be quick they don’t look this good for very long.
The trendy Camassias are beginning to produce strong flower shoots and colour, just beautiful in the garden.
The ever favourite and long flowering Erysimum Bowles Mauve still looks absolutely fantastic, bushy and budding strongly, first colour showing. Even better than last year’s stunners but not many left now.
Flower stems and buds on the Aquilegia Barlow range now. The super dark Barlow Black is always a favourite and the deep blue of Blue Barlow looks strong.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, about to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtle beauty of the real thing. Delphs are always a pain to grow, shooting up so quickly when the mood takes them. We have a fresh batch of short bushy stock as well as a few taller ones showing bud & colour. Those in colour are restricted in range and number so please express your desires on your order (just letting me know if you want ‘taller colour’ or short and bushy will be fine, and we will sort it) Lots Geraniums are showing bud and first colour, with Gravetye carrying plenty of bud and brilliant blue flowers just opening. The ever popular Geum’s are producing flower shoots. No colour yet but it won’t be long.
Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
The first of the Salvias are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, with the promise of lots more to come.
Brunnera varigata are producing their spring buds and vibrant blue flowers, looking perky, just a few left.
New Tradescantia Blue and Gold showing bud and flower, but restricted numbers available.
White Armeria maritima have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full.
Verbascums are getting started on flower stem production, full of vigour.
Both Pyrethrum (Red; roseum(pink) is close to colour with nice fat buds shooting up.
Ajuga Burgundy Glow are producing lots of flower shoots, looking good but very few left. Lots of pink and white colour on the delightful Dicentra spectabilis.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 14 April 2014
Morning all
I suspect a bonkers week next week as we approach Easter, so I will keep this brief. I have a team of potters in need of me so I must be quick. A quick alert that we may well be delivering as late as Friday this week if bonkersness arrives in force!
A relatively smooth week with just the one major moment of panic. One of the drivers phoned in one morning to report the van was ‘wrecked’. This was on the longest journey of the week, full up, and a long way from base. Big adrenalin rush as I tried to calmly ascertain the details. It turned out not to be too bad really just a cut in the aluminium panel in the side of the van were it had caught on something metallic at very low speed. Not very pretty, but out of harm’s way and perfectly safe, no structural damage and no damage to anything else. These things happen occasionally, and as long as everyone is ok, safe and not too distressed and the vehicle is still operational, that is a result in my books. Even the garage said it would be a cheap and simple patch up, so not too much of a financial penalty either. Best of all we got all the way round to The Eden Project so I got my favourite bread fix last night as an appetiser before dinner. Had a bit more for breakfast too. You’re supposed build up the carbs before a big event like the London Marathon so I feel vindicated. OK, I’m not actually running, does that make a difference? I can already taste the lunchtime sandwich.
The moral of the above story must be that when imparting bad news, make is sound far worse initially then when the truth comes out it doesn’t seem so bad. Must remember that one.
Summer is close to hand. First swallow arrived here on Monday, and there are now two. Both roosting in the donkey shed and cheerily chattering away around the nursery during the day. Another few days and the house martins should pitch up too. I’ve filled the puddle in the yard in anticipation.
Availability
Inspirational flower and bud appearing on many lines as well as healthy spring foliage bursting forth elsewhere.
Fabulous Polemonium Heaven Scent are coming into their own with a delightful bushy show of bronzy green foliage and showing a few open blue flowers. A spring stunner but not many left. Lots of pink and white colour on the delightful Dicentra spectabilis.
Allium varieties are really strong and chunky, perfect for planting out and buds just appearing, be quick they don’t look this good for very long.
The trendy Camassias are beginning to produce strong flower shoots.
The ever favourite and long flowering Erysimum Bowles Mauve looks absolutely fantastic, bushy and budding strongly, first colour just beginning to show. Even better than last year’s stunners.
Flower stems and buds on most of the Aquilegias now. Strong and good looking. The super dark Barlow Black is always a favourite. The mixed colours of the Mckana Hybrids are very pretty and showing first colour.
Many Geraniums are beginning to show bud with Gravetye carrying plenty of bud and I saw one brilliant blue flower open this morning.
The ever popular Geum’s are producing flower shoots. No colour yet but it won’t be long. Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
The first of the Salvias (May Night and Blue Queen) are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, the promise of lots more to come.
Erodium Bishops form is in flower, nicely compact with its vibrant deep pink blooms.
Brunnera varigata are producing their spring buds and vibrant blue flowers, looking perky, what a great blue.
Digitalis and Lupin ranges are all looking mega fresh and vigorous all raring to go. The digitalis wouldn’t look out of place in a 3li pot, there are so strong. The Lupins are ready to put on a big summer splash, perfect for planting now and signs of the occasional bud appearing.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, about to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtly of the real thing. Both Armeria maritima varieties have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full. Verbascums are getting started on flower stem production, full of vigour.
The pink Pyrethrum (roseum) is close to colour with nice fat buds shooting up.
Ajuga Burgundy Glow are producing lots of flower shoots, looking good but not many left.
Have a great pre Easter week
From all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
I suspect a bonkers week next week as we approach Easter, so I will keep this brief. I have a team of potters in need of me so I must be quick. A quick alert that we may well be delivering as late as Friday this week if bonkersness arrives in force!
A relatively smooth week with just the one major moment of panic. One of the drivers phoned in one morning to report the van was ‘wrecked’. This was on the longest journey of the week, full up, and a long way from base. Big adrenalin rush as I tried to calmly ascertain the details. It turned out not to be too bad really just a cut in the aluminium panel in the side of the van were it had caught on something metallic at very low speed. Not very pretty, but out of harm’s way and perfectly safe, no structural damage and no damage to anything else. These things happen occasionally, and as long as everyone is ok, safe and not too distressed and the vehicle is still operational, that is a result in my books. Even the garage said it would be a cheap and simple patch up, so not too much of a financial penalty either. Best of all we got all the way round to The Eden Project so I got my favourite bread fix last night as an appetiser before dinner. Had a bit more for breakfast too. You’re supposed build up the carbs before a big event like the London Marathon so I feel vindicated. OK, I’m not actually running, does that make a difference? I can already taste the lunchtime sandwich.
The moral of the above story must be that when imparting bad news, make is sound far worse initially then when the truth comes out it doesn’t seem so bad. Must remember that one.
Summer is close to hand. First swallow arrived here on Monday, and there are now two. Both roosting in the donkey shed and cheerily chattering away around the nursery during the day. Another few days and the house martins should pitch up too. I’ve filled the puddle in the yard in anticipation.
Availability
Inspirational flower and bud appearing on many lines as well as healthy spring foliage bursting forth elsewhere.
Fabulous Polemonium Heaven Scent are coming into their own with a delightful bushy show of bronzy green foliage and showing a few open blue flowers. A spring stunner but not many left. Lots of pink and white colour on the delightful Dicentra spectabilis.
Allium varieties are really strong and chunky, perfect for planting out and buds just appearing, be quick they don’t look this good for very long.
The trendy Camassias are beginning to produce strong flower shoots.
The ever favourite and long flowering Erysimum Bowles Mauve looks absolutely fantastic, bushy and budding strongly, first colour just beginning to show. Even better than last year’s stunners.
Flower stems and buds on most of the Aquilegias now. Strong and good looking. The super dark Barlow Black is always a favourite. The mixed colours of the Mckana Hybrids are very pretty and showing first colour.
Many Geraniums are beginning to show bud with Gravetye carrying plenty of bud and I saw one brilliant blue flower open this morning.
The ever popular Geum’s are producing flower shoots. No colour yet but it won’t be long. Campanula glomerata varieties are showing plenty of bud and some early colour.
The first of the Salvias (May Night and Blue Queen) are throwing up their first flower stems and buds, the promise of lots more to come.
Erodium Bishops form is in flower, nicely compact with its vibrant deep pink blooms.
Brunnera varigata are producing their spring buds and vibrant blue flowers, looking perky, what a great blue.
Digitalis and Lupin ranges are all looking mega fresh and vigorous all raring to go. The digitalis wouldn’t look out of place in a 3li pot, there are so strong. The Lupins are ready to put on a big summer splash, perfect for planting now and signs of the occasional bud appearing.
Veronica gentianoides has loads of flower shoots appearing, about to display their delightful pale blue flowers. Almost impossible to photograph as the flowers always look white in the picture, missing out on the subtly of the real thing. Both Armeria maritima varieties have plenty of buds and the odd dab of colour, always a popular neat pot full. Verbascums are getting started on flower stem production, full of vigour.
The pink Pyrethrum (roseum) is close to colour with nice fat buds shooting up.
Ajuga Burgundy Glow are producing lots of flower shoots, looking good but not many left.
Have a great pre Easter week
From all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
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