Morning all,
Bank holiday weekend coming up so hoping to see some more thrusting plant sales. The forecast for the coming weekend looked pretty bleak earlier but I’m not sure if it might not be too bad after all, fingers crossed.
Sad week with the passing of Victoria Wood and Prince, too young to leave us really. We saw Victoria Wood a couple of times live a long time ago, she was brilliant. Not only was she very funny but you felt she was speaking directly to you despite being in a huge theatre, a very talented, personable and unassuming lady, we’ll miss her.
Back on the nursery it’s been a busy week shipping out plenty of plants which is a relief after such a cool start. I’ve a feeling that even with the temperatures remaining low the plants have decided they are going to get on growing, whatever the weather does. We get the same response in the cold store when we give our micropropagated hostas their cold dormancy period. We can keep the temperature low and the lights off but when they have had enough they just start growing anyway, they won’t hold back any more they’re off.
First swallow here on Monday and Tuesday, exciting, now flown off, disappointing. ‘One swallow ....’ and all that!
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures still not doing a lot. Still got some fantastic Pulsatilla’s which have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best.
Dicentra spectabilis are looking great and probably at their best, shoots bushy and are nicely above the surface and buds with a bit of colour already showing on this fleshy exotic. The Bergenia’s are doing their thing, Bressingham White are now producing their springtime bud and the odd flash of colour and a handful of Sunningdale left, but not huge numbers left. Dark Damsel is a small leaved variety with pale to mid pink flowers.Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, Delightful forget-me-not blue flowers heralding the spring. The variegated form are all gone now just the fresh green leaved ones left now. Be quick they don’t hang about long.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again. Plenty of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing strong flower heads with plenty of bud and good colour in white, purple and violet red. The Primula japonica’s are looking really strong and the odd flower bud is just appearing in the crown of the white ones, so the others will be close behind. Caltha palustris are showing their early yellow buds among the healthy green shoots. White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming out on the charming Pulmonaria Opal. It seems early but Erigeron karvenskianus have already got bud showing, it will be a little while before they open but it’s a great plant, just going on and on, flowering the whole summer. Just a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left, nicely in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year. The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Leucanthemum May Queen as the name suggests is close to flowering, the buds are there ready to burst.The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers.
One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing it’s dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage. Heuchera varieties Firefly and Ruby Bells are both producing numerous flower stems with plenty of bud. The overwintered Lupin’s and Digitalis are all looking full of promise and vigour. Many of the Aquilegia are now producing their flower stems, raring to go.
Did I mention how good the red and purple Pulsatilla still are at the moment, I wouldn’t want you to miss out?
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 25 April 2016
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Hairy Hats
Morning all,
Not much room for news this week with plenty of stock coming into flower.
A slight pause in sales after a disappointing weekends weather lulled me into a false sense of have plenty of time this week, and now it’s Friday. The warmer weather over the few days did bring a flurry of late sales which made us feel better but stopped me getting as much potting done as I had hoped, still at least there is some income coming in soon.
Luckily the quieter week coincided with several social events, Railsplitters, a bluegrass band from Colorado in the village hall, a 70th birthday bash on Sunday where I had to get my 4 lane Scalextric set going as part of the entertainment, jive dancing on Tuesday and ending the week with a brilliant gig in Andover with Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson. The only sad bit was the lack of bodies at the last gig, so much talent and entertainment going to waste, still we all had a good time.
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures still not doing a lot. Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive, the white a little smaller and not quite as advanced on the flowering front. Get them while they are hot. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best. Dicentra spectabilis are looking great and probably at their best, shoots bushy and are nicely above the surface and buds with a bit of colour already showing on this fleshy exotic. Two forms at the moment, the classic pink/white and the pure white. We hope to have the dramatic yellow leaved variety Goldheart a little later, assuming it does as it should.
The Bergenia Bressingham White are now producing their springtime bud and the odd flash of colour, but not huge numbers left. Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, delightful forget-me-not blue flowers heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long. The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again.
Plenty of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing strong flower heads with plenty of bud and good colour in white, purple and violet red.
Caltha palustris are showing their early yellow buds amoung the healthy green shoots.
White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming out on the charming Pulmonaria Opal.
It seems early but Erigeron karvenskianus have already got bud showing, it will be a little while before they open but it’s a great plant, just going on and on, flowering the whole summer.
Just a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left, nicely in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year. The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Leucanthemum May Queen as the name suggests is close to flowering, the buds are there ready to burst. The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers.
One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing it’s dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage. Heuchera varieties Firefly and Ruby Bells are both producing numerous flower stems with plenty of bud. The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, particularly pleased with these. Aquilegia are showing signs of the occasional flower stem, a little way off colour yet but raring to go. Did I mention how good the red and purple Pulsatilla are at the moment, I wouldn’t want you to miss out! There are a few new lines this week showing signs of flowering, so watch out for those.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Not much room for news this week with plenty of stock coming into flower.
A slight pause in sales after a disappointing weekends weather lulled me into a false sense of have plenty of time this week, and now it’s Friday. The warmer weather over the few days did bring a flurry of late sales which made us feel better but stopped me getting as much potting done as I had hoped, still at least there is some income coming in soon.
Luckily the quieter week coincided with several social events, Railsplitters, a bluegrass band from Colorado in the village hall, a 70th birthday bash on Sunday where I had to get my 4 lane Scalextric set going as part of the entertainment, jive dancing on Tuesday and ending the week with a brilliant gig in Andover with Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson. The only sad bit was the lack of bodies at the last gig, so much talent and entertainment going to waste, still we all had a good time.
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures still not doing a lot. Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive, the white a little smaller and not quite as advanced on the flowering front. Get them while they are hot. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best. Dicentra spectabilis are looking great and probably at their best, shoots bushy and are nicely above the surface and buds with a bit of colour already showing on this fleshy exotic. Two forms at the moment, the classic pink/white and the pure white. We hope to have the dramatic yellow leaved variety Goldheart a little later, assuming it does as it should.
The Bergenia Bressingham White are now producing their springtime bud and the odd flash of colour, but not huge numbers left. Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, delightful forget-me-not blue flowers heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long. The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again.
Plenty of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing strong flower heads with plenty of bud and good colour in white, purple and violet red.
Caltha palustris are showing their early yellow buds amoung the healthy green shoots.
White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming out on the charming Pulmonaria Opal.
It seems early but Erigeron karvenskianus have already got bud showing, it will be a little while before they open but it’s a great plant, just going on and on, flowering the whole summer.
Just a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left, nicely in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year. The little bright pink flowers of Erodium Bishops Form are now peppering the cushions of foliage looking perky. Leucanthemum May Queen as the name suggests is close to flowering, the buds are there ready to burst. The flower spikes of Veronica gentanoides are extending up from luxuriant fresh green foliage, ready to display their delightful powder blue flowers.
One of the earliest Geraniums, phaeum Samabor, is showing it’s dainty dark flowers above it’s smart darkly marked foliage. Heuchera varieties Firefly and Ruby Bells are both producing numerous flower stems with plenty of bud. The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, particularly pleased with these. Aquilegia are showing signs of the occasional flower stem, a little way off colour yet but raring to go. Did I mention how good the red and purple Pulsatilla are at the moment, I wouldn’t want you to miss out! There are a few new lines this week showing signs of flowering, so watch out for those.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 11 April 2016
Lovely Hairy Pulsatillas
Morning all,
Spring is trying hard to get going, We’ve had the odd glorious day but it’s only in snatches, still need the fleece most days. Not quite perfect selling weather but not too bad for the plants. Orders picked up a bit this week after a very pleasant weekend outside, a taste of the spring madness to come. Already clearing a few tunnels ready for the next crop, potting well underway for all those follow on crops.
The finger is now almost fully recovered although I did give myself a bit of a scare last weekend. I was just using a spare hour or two to re-lay the slab path around the new wooden staff room, taking out the steps and wobbles to make a safer surface for all. Somehow I managed to drop a 2 x 2 slab on the finger, I had tried to pull it out of the way but it caught and got trapped underneath, the sharp pain made my heart sink but luckily it was just the elastic strap of the finger cover breaking and twanging against the inner wrist. The splint held firm and I escaped with just my pride hurt.
Looking forward to the bank balance dropping back from the limit, we are getting closer as some of the cash starts rolling in from all those earlier plant sales. We can’t quite relax yet, still a few weeks to go before things even up and we pay off back log of bills to one or two very understanding suppliers, maybe this year we will have some left for the winter, there is always hope and the coming year is always full of promise! What would help a bit is everyone buying enormous numbers of those lovely flowering Pulsatilla’s, they look fabulous in those hairy pots. A treat not to be missed.
If anyone needs any extra or a few spare label skewers or wooden price labels do let us know and we can send a few along with your next order. I know they can occasionally break under the strain of plant area life and it might be nice to get everything ship shape again. We are just ordering our next batch of the bamboo skewers from China so that will keep us going for another year or so. We have to buy a lot to get them made to our spec, at a sensible price. They might not look it but they are bespoke, the right end shape and length for the label and specially blunted tips make them just right for a very specific job. Is it slightly sad to be proud of a bamboo skewer?
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures still not doing a lot. Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive, the white a little smaller and not quite as advanced on the flowering front. Get them while they are hot. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best.
Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, Delightful forget-me-not blue flowers heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long. The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again. Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing strong flower heads with plenty of bud and good colour in white, purple and violet red. Dicentra spectabilis shoots are appearing above the surface now, buds already showing on this fleshy exotic. Two forms at the moment, the pink/white and the pure white. We hope to have the dramatic yellow leaved variety Goldheart a little later, assuming it does as it should. White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming out on the charming Pulmonaria Opal. Just a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left, nicely in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year.
The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, particularly pleased with these. Aquilegia are showing signs of the occasional flower stem, a little way off colour yet but raring to go.Did I mention how good the red and purple Pulsatilla are at the moment, I wouldn’t want you to miss out! There are a few new lines this week showing signs of flowering, so watch out for those.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Spring is trying hard to get going, We’ve had the odd glorious day but it’s only in snatches, still need the fleece most days. Not quite perfect selling weather but not too bad for the plants. Orders picked up a bit this week after a very pleasant weekend outside, a taste of the spring madness to come. Already clearing a few tunnels ready for the next crop, potting well underway for all those follow on crops.
The finger is now almost fully recovered although I did give myself a bit of a scare last weekend. I was just using a spare hour or two to re-lay the slab path around the new wooden staff room, taking out the steps and wobbles to make a safer surface for all. Somehow I managed to drop a 2 x 2 slab on the finger, I had tried to pull it out of the way but it caught and got trapped underneath, the sharp pain made my heart sink but luckily it was just the elastic strap of the finger cover breaking and twanging against the inner wrist. The splint held firm and I escaped with just my pride hurt.
Looking forward to the bank balance dropping back from the limit, we are getting closer as some of the cash starts rolling in from all those earlier plant sales. We can’t quite relax yet, still a few weeks to go before things even up and we pay off back log of bills to one or two very understanding suppliers, maybe this year we will have some left for the winter, there is always hope and the coming year is always full of promise! What would help a bit is everyone buying enormous numbers of those lovely flowering Pulsatilla’s, they look fabulous in those hairy pots. A treat not to be missed.
If anyone needs any extra or a few spare label skewers or wooden price labels do let us know and we can send a few along with your next order. I know they can occasionally break under the strain of plant area life and it might be nice to get everything ship shape again. We are just ordering our next batch of the bamboo skewers from China so that will keep us going for another year or so. We have to buy a lot to get them made to our spec, at a sensible price. They might not look it but they are bespoke, the right end shape and length for the label and specially blunted tips make them just right for a very specific job. Is it slightly sad to be proud of a bamboo skewer?
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures still not doing a lot. Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through very strongly now, really great plants, our best ever with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive, the white a little smaller and not quite as advanced on the flowering front. Get them while they are hot. Why not make a show and get in a few trays while they are at their best.
Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, Delightful forget-me-not blue flowers heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long. The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with buds swelling. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist are now in bud again. Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing strong flower heads with plenty of bud and good colour in white, purple and violet red. Dicentra spectabilis shoots are appearing above the surface now, buds already showing on this fleshy exotic. Two forms at the moment, the pink/white and the pure white. We hope to have the dramatic yellow leaved variety Goldheart a little later, assuming it does as it should. White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming out on the charming Pulmonaria Opal. Just a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left, nicely in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year.
The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, particularly pleased with these. Aquilegia are showing signs of the occasional flower stem, a little way off colour yet but raring to go.Did I mention how good the red and purple Pulsatilla are at the moment, I wouldn’t want you to miss out! There are a few new lines this week showing signs of flowering, so watch out for those.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
Hairy wind
Here we go again,
Bit of a disappointing Easter, fabulous Friday but a bit rough over the rest of the weekend. All those destination centres really needed some nice weather for full on Easter fun so my sympathies are with you all. Still it’s been an improving picture this week and the coming weekend isn’t looking to shabby down here so plenty of opportunities to make up on the lost time and plant sales.
We had a pretty wild and windy night on Sunday and into Monday morning as storm Katie shot through. Not too much damage this end although it was strong enough to cause the turbines to stop a couple of times as the gusts went over the safety thresholds. Luckily there were no wing tip deployments so no trip up the towers for Caroline to reset those this time, after a few minutes once the wind dropped a bit they restarted themselves.
The second load of potting compost arrived this week (enough for about 60,000 pots) so we must have potted a lot. Looking in the prop tunnels there still seems to be plenty to do, I hope I haven’t got over-excited again on my potting plans. We over-wintered some mega big modules this year so we should get some really chunky strong stock into those hairy pots, I love to see loads of healthy, rampantly strong plants leaving despatch, it isn’t always easy or cheap to achieve but it makes us feel good. We’ll worry about the bank balance next winter when the money runs out again! Broken finger progress is good, still splinted up for protection during the day but overall not holding me back too much. I seem to have developed a tick/twitch in it as I use the computer mouse which has been a challenge at times. It sticks out to the right as I work and keeps right clicking for me. All sorts of things have been happening apparently beyond my control it’s quite distressing what can be done on that button. Funny a first then frustrating. Having watched the excellent programmes over the last couple of weeks about the Tourettes affected folk trying to find work I’m wondering if I’m heading that way, let’s hope not, that degree of loss of brain control is scary.
Swallows over Cornwall already so summer is just around the corner. Skylarks are singing and tadpoles growing, get out there and celebrate the spring.
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures not doing a lot.
Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through really strongly now, with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive. Get them while they are hot. Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, Delightful forget-me-not blue dainty things heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist will be in bud again very soon keep an ear out.
Polemonium Heaven Scent shows great early colour in the garden and the flower shoots and buds are just appearing above the lovely bronzed green foliage. Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing their early buds and the odd splash of colour.
White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming on the Pulmonaria Opal. Still have a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year.
The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, very pleased with these.Not sure if I should mention Lathyrus vernus they are going to disappear so quick and I don’t have a huge number. We were experimenting with timings etc to get a flowering neat crop so I didn’t order too many, just in case, but they are ok and in flower now, but don’t tell anyone please. This is a reward for those who read to the very bottom!
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Bit of a disappointing Easter, fabulous Friday but a bit rough over the rest of the weekend. All those destination centres really needed some nice weather for full on Easter fun so my sympathies are with you all. Still it’s been an improving picture this week and the coming weekend isn’t looking to shabby down here so plenty of opportunities to make up on the lost time and plant sales.
We had a pretty wild and windy night on Sunday and into Monday morning as storm Katie shot through. Not too much damage this end although it was strong enough to cause the turbines to stop a couple of times as the gusts went over the safety thresholds. Luckily there were no wing tip deployments so no trip up the towers for Caroline to reset those this time, after a few minutes once the wind dropped a bit they restarted themselves.
The second load of potting compost arrived this week (enough for about 60,000 pots) so we must have potted a lot. Looking in the prop tunnels there still seems to be plenty to do, I hope I haven’t got over-excited again on my potting plans. We over-wintered some mega big modules this year so we should get some really chunky strong stock into those hairy pots, I love to see loads of healthy, rampantly strong plants leaving despatch, it isn’t always easy or cheap to achieve but it makes us feel good. We’ll worry about the bank balance next winter when the money runs out again! Broken finger progress is good, still splinted up for protection during the day but overall not holding me back too much. I seem to have developed a tick/twitch in it as I use the computer mouse which has been a challenge at times. It sticks out to the right as I work and keeps right clicking for me. All sorts of things have been happening apparently beyond my control it’s quite distressing what can be done on that button. Funny a first then frustrating. Having watched the excellent programmes over the last couple of weeks about the Tourettes affected folk trying to find work I’m wondering if I’m heading that way, let’s hope not, that degree of loss of brain control is scary.
Swallows over Cornwall already so summer is just around the corner. Skylarks are singing and tadpoles growing, get out there and celebrate the spring.
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures not doing a lot.
Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through really strongly now, with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive. Get them while they are hot. Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, Delightful forget-me-not blue dainty things heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist will be in bud again very soon keep an ear out.
Polemonium Heaven Scent shows great early colour in the garden and the flower shoots and buds are just appearing above the lovely bronzed green foliage. Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing their early buds and the odd splash of colour.
White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming on the Pulmonaria Opal. Still have a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year.
The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, very pleased with these.Not sure if I should mention Lathyrus vernus they are going to disappear so quick and I don’t have a huge number. We were experimenting with timings etc to get a flowering neat crop so I didn’t order too many, just in case, but they are ok and in flower now, but don’t tell anyone please. This is a reward for those who read to the very bottom!
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 4 April 2016
Hairy wind
Here we go again,
Bit of a disappointing Easter, fabulous Friday but a bit rough over the rest of the weekend. All those destination centres really needed some nice weather for full on Easter fun so my sympathies are with you all. Still it’s been an improving picture this week and the coming weekend isn’t looking to shabby down here so plenty of opportunities to make up on the lost time and plant sales.
We had a pretty wild and windy night on Sunday and into Monday morning as storm Katie shot through. Not too much damage this end although it was strong enough to cause the turbines to stop a couple of times as the gusts went over the safety thresholds. Luckily there were no wing tip deployments so no trip up the towers for Caroline to reset those this time, after a few minutes once the wind dropped a bit they restarted themselves.
The second load of potting compost arrived this week (enough for about 60,000 pots) so we must have potted a lot. Looking in the prop tunnels there still seems to be plenty to do, I hope I haven’t got over-excited again on my potting plans. We over-wintered some mega big modules this year so we should get some really chunky strong stock into those hairy pots, I love to see loads of healthy, rampantly strong plants leaving despatch, it isn’t always easy or cheap to achieve but it makes us feel good. We’ll worry about the bank balance next winter when the money runs out again! Broken finger progress is good, still splinted up for protection during the day but overall not holding me back too much. I seem to have developed a tick/twitch in it as I use the computer mouse which has been a challenge at times. It sticks out to the right as I work and keeps right clicking for me. All sorts of things have been happening apparently beyond my control it’s quite distressing what can be done on that button. Funny a first then frustrating. Having watched the excellent programmes over the last couple of weeks about the Tourettes affected folk trying to find work I’m wondering if I’m heading that way, let’s hope not, that degree of loss of brain control is scary.
Swallows over Cornwall already so summer is just around the corner. Skylarks are singing and tadpoles growing, get out there and celebrate the spring.
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures not doing a lot.
Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through really strongly now, with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive. Get them while they are hot. Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, Delightful forget-me-not blue dainty things heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist will be in bud again very soon keep an ear out.
Polemonium Heaven Scent shows great early colour in the garden and the flower shoots and buds are just appearing above the lovely bronzed green foliage. Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing their early buds and the odd splash of colour.
White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming on the Pulmonaria Opal. Still have a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year.
The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, very pleased with these.Not sure if I should mention Lathyrus vernus they are going to disappear so quick and I don’t have a huge number. We were experimenting with timings etc to get a flowering neat crop so I didn’t order too many, just in case, but they are ok and in flower now, but don’t tell anyone please. This is a reward for those who read to the very bottom!
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Bit of a disappointing Easter, fabulous Friday but a bit rough over the rest of the weekend. All those destination centres really needed some nice weather for full on Easter fun so my sympathies are with you all. Still it’s been an improving picture this week and the coming weekend isn’t looking to shabby down here so plenty of opportunities to make up on the lost time and plant sales.
We had a pretty wild and windy night on Sunday and into Monday morning as storm Katie shot through. Not too much damage this end although it was strong enough to cause the turbines to stop a couple of times as the gusts went over the safety thresholds. Luckily there were no wing tip deployments so no trip up the towers for Caroline to reset those this time, after a few minutes once the wind dropped a bit they restarted themselves.
The second load of potting compost arrived this week (enough for about 60,000 pots) so we must have potted a lot. Looking in the prop tunnels there still seems to be plenty to do, I hope I haven’t got over-excited again on my potting plans. We over-wintered some mega big modules this year so we should get some really chunky strong stock into those hairy pots, I love to see loads of healthy, rampantly strong plants leaving despatch, it isn’t always easy or cheap to achieve but it makes us feel good. We’ll worry about the bank balance next winter when the money runs out again! Broken finger progress is good, still splinted up for protection during the day but overall not holding me back too much. I seem to have developed a tick/twitch in it as I use the computer mouse which has been a challenge at times. It sticks out to the right as I work and keeps right clicking for me. All sorts of things have been happening apparently beyond my control it’s quite distressing what can be done on that button. Funny a first then frustrating. Having watched the excellent programmes over the last couple of weeks about the Tourettes affected folk trying to find work I’m wondering if I’m heading that way, let’s hope not, that degree of loss of brain control is scary.
Swallows over Cornwall already so summer is just around the corner. Skylarks are singing and tadpoles growing, get out there and celebrate the spring.
Availability highlights
Lots of plants beginning to show a nice spring flush of growth now as the season progresses, even with the temperatures not doing a lot.
Excellent Pulsatilla’s have come through really strongly now, with plenty of bud and the odd opening flower. The red and purple forms are particularly impressive. Get them while they are hot. Brunnera are showing their early buds and flowers now, Delightful forget-me-not blue dainty things heralding the spring. We have two forms, the green leaved and the variegated both equally dashing. Be quick they don’t hang about long.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts. Fresh batches of Pastel Patchwork and Apricot Twist will be in bud again very soon keep an ear out.
Polemonium Heaven Scent shows great early colour in the garden and the flower shoots and buds are just appearing above the lovely bronzed green foliage. Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing their early buds and the odd splash of colour.
White splashed leaves and lovely pale blue flowers still coming on the Pulmonaria Opal. Still have a few Symphytum Wisley Blue left in bud/flower. Subtle pale blue flowers appear early every year.
The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, very pleased with these.Not sure if I should mention Lathyrus vernus they are going to disappear so quick and I don’t have a huge number. We were experimenting with timings etc to get a flowering neat crop so I didn’t order too many, just in case, but they are ok and in flower now, but don’t tell anyone please. This is a reward for those who read to the very bottom!
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 21 March 2016
Hairy Easter Everyone
Hello again, it’s only me,
After a fabulous Thursday basking in the sun it’s grey and flippin’ cold out there. Still at least it’s not raining or worse. After such a mild early winter and lots of plants looking very advanced it’s all gone on hold it seems with this cool run of weather. It certainly doesn’t feel like it is coming up to Easter but there it is.
Slightly early with the list this week in anticipation of some extra sales activity next week, we live in hope. Actually I have quite a few orders in already so the week is filling up. We always try to avoid delivering on Good Friday but please bear with us if we have to slip one or two out then, we will be trying our best. I suspect the cool weather and the day off for most on Easter Sunday will put a slight dampener on order sizes, but that is quite understandable and I won’t be upset, honest. If there is anyone out there thinking of ordering for the coming week could get their orders in as promptly as possible then we can try and make sure we get around everyone as efficiently and quickly as we can. Any later orders may be disappointed, although if you get desperate it is always worth contacting us, you never know we may be coming close by with a space on the van.
Lots of potting underway as we dream of some upcoming nice warm growing weather to grow even more lovely plants. We are starting to get going on some extra weekend work now to keep up with the demand, so no more hockey and I’m missing out on the highlight of the week, getting off the nursery to get the groceries in. Managed to get through the week without knocking the broken finger about too much but it doesn’t like this cold weather. Slightly restricted in the jobs I can manage but overall not as disabling as I feared, which is just as well with the withdrawal of a load of benefits announced this week. Had a nasty moment earlier in the week when I feared more dramatic loss of upper body mobility but it turned out I had put on both my mega thick fleece jackets without noticing. Mental capacity now perhaps more of a concern.
New trick learnt this week. The office printer refuses to print nicely first thing in the morning, chewing up the paper as it passes through causing repeated paper jams. Very frustrating as you try and rush out an early order and everyone is standing about waiting. It can go on for ages until things warm up enough and then it will happily print all day. One morning in desperation I got a fan heater and held it up to the device and within seconds it was cured. It’s worked several times now so feeling quite smug and it’s still cheaper than turning the temperature up overnight in the office!
Availability highlights
Still early days yet, but there are a lot of early signs of plant activity. The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep & Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts.
Polemonium Heaven Scent shows great early colour in the garden and the flower shoots and buds are just appearing above the lovely bronzed green foliage. Pulmonaria’s looking good, attractive foliage and showing bud and some colour.Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing their early buds and the odd splash of colour. Pulsatilla’s are now coming through nicely with their buds developing nicely. The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, very pleased with these. Fritillarias are nicely showing now but only a few left.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
After a fabulous Thursday basking in the sun it’s grey and flippin’ cold out there. Still at least it’s not raining or worse. After such a mild early winter and lots of plants looking very advanced it’s all gone on hold it seems with this cool run of weather. It certainly doesn’t feel like it is coming up to Easter but there it is.
Slightly early with the list this week in anticipation of some extra sales activity next week, we live in hope. Actually I have quite a few orders in already so the week is filling up. We always try to avoid delivering on Good Friday but please bear with us if we have to slip one or two out then, we will be trying our best. I suspect the cool weather and the day off for most on Easter Sunday will put a slight dampener on order sizes, but that is quite understandable and I won’t be upset, honest. If there is anyone out there thinking of ordering for the coming week could get their orders in as promptly as possible then we can try and make sure we get around everyone as efficiently and quickly as we can. Any later orders may be disappointed, although if you get desperate it is always worth contacting us, you never know we may be coming close by with a space on the van.
Lots of potting underway as we dream of some upcoming nice warm growing weather to grow even more lovely plants. We are starting to get going on some extra weekend work now to keep up with the demand, so no more hockey and I’m missing out on the highlight of the week, getting off the nursery to get the groceries in. Managed to get through the week without knocking the broken finger about too much but it doesn’t like this cold weather. Slightly restricted in the jobs I can manage but overall not as disabling as I feared, which is just as well with the withdrawal of a load of benefits announced this week. Had a nasty moment earlier in the week when I feared more dramatic loss of upper body mobility but it turned out I had put on both my mega thick fleece jackets without noticing. Mental capacity now perhaps more of a concern.
New trick learnt this week. The office printer refuses to print nicely first thing in the morning, chewing up the paper as it passes through causing repeated paper jams. Very frustrating as you try and rush out an early order and everyone is standing about waiting. It can go on for ages until things warm up enough and then it will happily print all day. One morning in desperation I got a fan heater and held it up to the device and within seconds it was cured. It’s worked several times now so feeling quite smug and it’s still cheaper than turning the temperature up overnight in the office!
Availability highlights
Still early days yet, but there are a lot of early signs of plant activity. The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep & Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts.
Polemonium Heaven Scent shows great early colour in the garden and the flower shoots and buds are just appearing above the lovely bronzed green foliage. Pulmonaria’s looking good, attractive foliage and showing bud and some colour.Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. The denticulata varieties are showing their early buds and the odd splash of colour. Pulsatilla’s are now coming through nicely with their buds developing nicely. The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour. Monster Lupins, very pleased with these. Fritillarias are nicely showing now but only a few left.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Monday, 14 March 2016
Digital Hairy
Morning all,
Glorious morning, sun is shining, bit cool but no wind so feels great to be out there. Looks like we might be in for a few settled days, disappointing temperatures but at least it promises to be a bit drier. Bit better for preparing the ground for all that spring planting that is about to happen.
An eventful week with potting well under way again and sales ticking over nicely. Not the best weather for a brilliant take off of plant sales but still a long way to go yet so not too worried yet. I have managed to finish off the new mess room shed which I’m really pleased with, it’s tidy, warm, light and efficient. Possibly a bit tighter on space than I would like but at least that does force us to keep it tidy. Might have to get some cake in for an official opening next week, any excuse!
Birthday celebration cake already consumed this week in honour of me completing yet another year. It was the usual whirl of excitement just like most other days on the nursery. Actually missed my own cake on the day, with an appointment at the fracture clinic to check over the result of an incident on Saturday. I managed to intercept a rising shot at goal by stopping the hockey ball with my stick, unfortunately leaving my finger between the two. The doctor in the team was spot on with his diagnosis that the combination of deep cut and possible broken bone would need proper treatment to avoid infection. Saturday evening in casualty didn’t sound like great timing but my treatment was excellent and pretty swift. Some of the tasks this week have been a bit challenging as a result, but it could be worse. The team played really well without me, pegging back the opposition to only 8-0.
New watch for my birthday after the old one died. This one is a self winder, so all I have to do is move about a bit for it to keep going. Delighted to think of all that energy I’m saving by not having to buy batteries. I am well aware that I may have to consume extra cake to make up for that winding energy being taken from my reserves. The other star present was a couple of mixed grill packs from the local butchers, with a vegetarian partner this is a rare and wonderful treat. Delicious beer to wash it down too, mmmm. It’s ok I’m allowed to dribble at my age.
Little bit of tension in the air now as the pressure of the upcoming spring and summer seasons approaches. Looks like we need to get started on some weekend overtime to get through the increasing workload although the extra cost is always a concern as the overdraft peaks at the same time. It’ll just be a few weeks of nervous juggling to work it all through and then we can relax into the season.
Forgot to mention that the frogspawn arrived a couple of weeks ago. A bit of a relief as I thought we might have scared them off after we had cleared out the rather congested main pond over the winter and it all looked a bit bare. We are hoping to attract the dragonflies and damsel flies back as they like the more open water to do their stuff in. Spotted a fox for the first time on the nursery this week which was exciting for the couple who saw it. Reminded us to get out and check the nursery perimeter for new holes to patch up and keep the rabbits out (or in if they beat us to it).
Availability highlights
Still early days yet, but there are a lot of early signs of plant activity, many not quite ready for the list but it won’t be long if the weather doesn’t take a dive. Pulmonaria’s looking good showing bud and some colour.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts.
Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. Pulsatilla’s are now coming through nicely with a few buds developing nicely. The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour.
The Tulips, Alliums and Camassia are bursting through with roots ripping through the pot sides, if anyone needs a few bulbs, Fritillarias are nicely showing now and there is already the odd nodding bud appearing too.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
Glorious morning, sun is shining, bit cool but no wind so feels great to be out there. Looks like we might be in for a few settled days, disappointing temperatures but at least it promises to be a bit drier. Bit better for preparing the ground for all that spring planting that is about to happen.
An eventful week with potting well under way again and sales ticking over nicely. Not the best weather for a brilliant take off of plant sales but still a long way to go yet so not too worried yet. I have managed to finish off the new mess room shed which I’m really pleased with, it’s tidy, warm, light and efficient. Possibly a bit tighter on space than I would like but at least that does force us to keep it tidy. Might have to get some cake in for an official opening next week, any excuse!
Birthday celebration cake already consumed this week in honour of me completing yet another year. It was the usual whirl of excitement just like most other days on the nursery. Actually missed my own cake on the day, with an appointment at the fracture clinic to check over the result of an incident on Saturday. I managed to intercept a rising shot at goal by stopping the hockey ball with my stick, unfortunately leaving my finger between the two. The doctor in the team was spot on with his diagnosis that the combination of deep cut and possible broken bone would need proper treatment to avoid infection. Saturday evening in casualty didn’t sound like great timing but my treatment was excellent and pretty swift. Some of the tasks this week have been a bit challenging as a result, but it could be worse. The team played really well without me, pegging back the opposition to only 8-0.
New watch for my birthday after the old one died. This one is a self winder, so all I have to do is move about a bit for it to keep going. Delighted to think of all that energy I’m saving by not having to buy batteries. I am well aware that I may have to consume extra cake to make up for that winding energy being taken from my reserves. The other star present was a couple of mixed grill packs from the local butchers, with a vegetarian partner this is a rare and wonderful treat. Delicious beer to wash it down too, mmmm. It’s ok I’m allowed to dribble at my age.
Little bit of tension in the air now as the pressure of the upcoming spring and summer seasons approaches. Looks like we need to get started on some weekend overtime to get through the increasing workload although the extra cost is always a concern as the overdraft peaks at the same time. It’ll just be a few weeks of nervous juggling to work it all through and then we can relax into the season.
Forgot to mention that the frogspawn arrived a couple of weeks ago. A bit of a relief as I thought we might have scared them off after we had cleared out the rather congested main pond over the winter and it all looked a bit bare. We are hoping to attract the dragonflies and damsel flies back as they like the more open water to do their stuff in. Spotted a fox for the first time on the nursery this week which was exciting for the couple who saw it. Reminded us to get out and check the nursery perimeter for new holes to patch up and keep the rabbits out (or in if they beat us to it).
Availability highlights
Still early days yet, but there are a lot of early signs of plant activity, many not quite ready for the list but it won’t be long if the weather doesn’t take a dive. Pulmonaria’s looking good showing bud and some colour.
The ever popular Erysimum’s are doing really well. Two of the most popular varieties, Red Jep and Bowles Mauve, are looking great, dark green foliage, bushy with bud showing. The Bowles Mauve are showing a little colour as the first buds open, this variety just goes on and on flowering until the frosts.
Signs of activity from some of the Primula’s now as spring approaches. Pulsatilla’s are now coming through nicely with a few buds developing nicely. The overwintered Lupin’s, Digitalis and Delph’s are all looking full of promise and vigour.
The Tulips, Alliums and Camassia are bursting through with roots ripping through the pot sides, if anyone needs a few bulbs, Fritillarias are nicely showing now and there is already the odd nodding bud appearing too.
Have a good one, from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries
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