Morning all,
Happy Bank Holiday weekend to one and all. It's so busy I'm not sure which direction to turn first. Looking forward to Sunday when I get the nursery to myself (and with Caroline too of course) so I can gather my thoughts and get all those jobs out of the way that slipped under the radar earlier in the week. We've got a small gang in on Monday to try and get a few more bits sorted ready for the following short week. It's funny how a bank holiday is supposed to be a relaxing treat when in our game it has the opposite effect! Still we shouldn't complain as long as everyone has a good time in the garden.
GDPR stuff
Just a quick word on the dreaded new GDPR regulations that have just come into force. We have been swapped with so many emails from all sorts of people, some we know and a lot we have never heard of. I have the feeling that a lot of 'advisors' have done very nicely out of the fear installed in many. Overkill seems to be the name of the game, maybe to help justify the fees involved. Having heard the regulator on the BBC saying that the changes are to stop naughty people seriously misusing data on a regular basis and not for beating up well-meaning small businesses we are trying not to panic but to take a sensible considered approach. We constantly review on site security and office processes generally to keep on top of things and please be reassured that we do take all personal data collected here seriously and would not share it with anyone else unless it was needed to facilitate the smooth running of your account. The only promotional emailing we do is this weekly update and if at any time you want to be removed from the list you only have to ask by replying to this address. Your contact details are currently on this list because sometime in the past it was requested, we do not cold call or cold email anyone, that would just be too pushy for the way we do things here. We have added an unsubscribe note to the bottom of this weekly email just as a reminder of what to do when I get too dull to continue this regular contact. That's it. I'm off back to the potting machine.
Availability highlights
Many of the Echinacea are beginning to bud up now, a week or two from flower but on the way. The purple spikes of Liatris spicata won't be long, buds are there on stonking plants. Oxalis Iron Cross is showing a smattering of red flowers and bud among it's striking two tone foliage and now the purple foliaged triangularis has made an appearance too with tight bud already on show. On the theme of striking foliage, Tradescantia Blue and Gold is doing its thing. Blue flowers are opening among the bright yellow strappy leaves. Very sunny. Achillea Paprika is now showing plenty of flower buds as are the grey/green foliaged Terracottta. The dinky little flowers of Dianthus deltoidies Flashing Light are about to burst open, don't miss out, masses of bud and the odd flash of cerise flower. Gaillardia showing plenty of bud and some colour now, very summery.
The garden pinks Dianthus are nearly all in bud and starting to smell delicious. We have a few of the taller old favourites, Doris, Gran's Favourite and Haytor White as well as the more compact Scent First range. The massively popular Erigeron karvinskianus Stallone is sprouting flower buds, probably a couple of weeks away from colour but full of promise. Both little tidy Erodiums are in bud and showing a few open flowers, neat and floriferous. Summery yellows are coming out now with several Coreopsis in bud, including the more upright and feathery foliaged Zagreb. Summer arrives with bud appearing on the Rhodanthemums and Salvia Hotlips showing bud and the odd flower. Campanula carpatica Alba bud has also made it's summer debut, I nearly missed it. Difficult to miss once they open, bright large white flowers on compact plants. Subtle cream flowers of the pretty Foam Flower (Tiarella) are showing nicely with plenty of bud to come.
The pink flowers of Armeria maritima are back on the list with a fresh batch smiling in the sun, still some white available too. Astilbe's are suddenly all there and coming into bud. Looking great. All the knockout dwarf Leucanthemum are holding swelling buds, not long before they start to open. Two pale yellows Broadway Lights and Banana Creme, the white frilly Lacrosse and the bright white of Snow Lady and Silver Princess. Big bold blue flowers are about to appear on the Stokesia. It always surprises me how big they are, not may left now. Hostas are showing well now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing. Dalmation and mertonensis are more compact, Foxy and Suttons Apricot tall but strong and in colour.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Saturday, 26 May 2018
Monday, 21 May 2018
Hairy nuptials
Morning all,
A lovely run of weather is hopefully freeing up the wallets and credit cards of the great gardening public for you all. We are certainly very busy and hoping we can claw back a dollop of all that lost turnover over the rather disappointing early spring. There seems to be a bonkers amount of coverage on some wedding stuff this week (my invite must have got lost in the post) and with the FA cup this afternoon I hope it doesn't put people off getting out and taking home some more plants. At least the weather looks like holding on for a while yet so fingers crossed.
I can't believe we are about to have another bank holiday but here it comes. I suppose we might be busy again as everyone stocks up, good news really I know, but pre-bank holiday tension is building here as we wait and see what the next few days unleashes. If you could get your orders in fairly promptly that would be great, I can then get my panic done over a shorter period and get everything organised as best we can. We do have a few peak workload challenges coming up with a temporary shortage of trolleys, shelves and boxes but with luck it will all work out fine.
When I manage to lift my head and look further than the contents of our tunnels I can see some fantastic greenery, the hedges and trees round here are looking fab. A real fresh spring look to everything, the birds are singing and the sun is shining what a great time of year. The swallows are here but nesting somewhere else rather than the usual donkey shed and a few house martins are swooping about but not as many as we usually get which is a bit of a worry. OK head down again and back to the potting team.
Long distance customers
Just a reminder to anyone receiving deliveries from us via Bleach of Lavant that when you manage to accumulate 60 or so empty boxes could you please stick them on a pallet and wrap them ready for us to arrange for their collection. Just drop us a line and we will get a pallet carrier to pop in and bring them back to us. It's not an ideal scenario I know, but we do try to keep deliveries fairly local if we can, so that we can collect the trays ourselves when we make the next delivery which means we get plenty of uses out of each trays and we don't run out , but I can't resist the lure of a keen customer.
Availability highlights
Achillea Paprika is now showing flower shoots as are the last few of the Moonshine. First signs of bud now appearing on the compact Dessert Eve varieties too. The dinky little flowers of Dianthus deltoidies Alba and Flashing Light are about to burst open, don't miss out. The garden pinks Dianthus are mostly in bud and starting to smell delicious. We have a few of the taller old favourites, Doris, Gran's Favourite and Haytor White as well as the more compact Scent First range. The massively popular Erigeron karvinskianus Stallone is sprouting flower buds, probably a couple of weeks away from colour but full of promise.
Summery yellows are coming out now with several Coreopsis in bud. Our Incarvillea have burst into bud, not many left so don't hang about.Summer arrives with bud appearing on the Rhodanthemums and Salvia Hotlips showing the odd flower. Campanula carpatica Alba bud has also made it's summer debut, I nearly missed it. Difficult to miss once they open, bright large white flowers on compact plants. Most of the other Erigeron's are producing bud now. Subtle cream flowers of the pretty Foam Flower (Tiarella) are showing nicely with plenty of bud to come.
The compact Alchemilla erythropoda Alma are coming in flower. Great ground cover with tiny subtle sprays of yellow flowers. Most of the Polemoniums are now in bud, Bambino Blue is the most compact one and looking really strong. The others have plenty of shoots bursting forth.The pink flowers of Armeria maritima are back on the list with a fresh batch smiling in the sun, still some white available too. Astilbe's are suddenly all there and coming into bud. Looking great. All the knockout dwarf Leucanthemum are holding swelling buds, not long before they start to open. Two pale yellows Broadway Lights and Banana Creme, the white frilly Lacrosse and the bright white of Snow Lady and Silver Princess. Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. Big bold blue flowers are about to appear on the Stokesia. It always surprises me how big they are. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
A lovely run of weather is hopefully freeing up the wallets and credit cards of the great gardening public for you all. We are certainly very busy and hoping we can claw back a dollop of all that lost turnover over the rather disappointing early spring. There seems to be a bonkers amount of coverage on some wedding stuff this week (my invite must have got lost in the post) and with the FA cup this afternoon I hope it doesn't put people off getting out and taking home some more plants. At least the weather looks like holding on for a while yet so fingers crossed.
I can't believe we are about to have another bank holiday but here it comes. I suppose we might be busy again as everyone stocks up, good news really I know, but pre-bank holiday tension is building here as we wait and see what the next few days unleashes. If you could get your orders in fairly promptly that would be great, I can then get my panic done over a shorter period and get everything organised as best we can. We do have a few peak workload challenges coming up with a temporary shortage of trolleys, shelves and boxes but with luck it will all work out fine.
When I manage to lift my head and look further than the contents of our tunnels I can see some fantastic greenery, the hedges and trees round here are looking fab. A real fresh spring look to everything, the birds are singing and the sun is shining what a great time of year. The swallows are here but nesting somewhere else rather than the usual donkey shed and a few house martins are swooping about but not as many as we usually get which is a bit of a worry. OK head down again and back to the potting team.
Long distance customers
Just a reminder to anyone receiving deliveries from us via Bleach of Lavant that when you manage to accumulate 60 or so empty boxes could you please stick them on a pallet and wrap them ready for us to arrange for their collection. Just drop us a line and we will get a pallet carrier to pop in and bring them back to us. It's not an ideal scenario I know, but we do try to keep deliveries fairly local if we can, so that we can collect the trays ourselves when we make the next delivery which means we get plenty of uses out of each trays and we don't run out , but I can't resist the lure of a keen customer.
Availability highlights
Achillea Paprika is now showing flower shoots as are the last few of the Moonshine. First signs of bud now appearing on the compact Dessert Eve varieties too. The dinky little flowers of Dianthus deltoidies Alba and Flashing Light are about to burst open, don't miss out. The garden pinks Dianthus are mostly in bud and starting to smell delicious. We have a few of the taller old favourites, Doris, Gran's Favourite and Haytor White as well as the more compact Scent First range. The massively popular Erigeron karvinskianus Stallone is sprouting flower buds, probably a couple of weeks away from colour but full of promise.
Summery yellows are coming out now with several Coreopsis in bud. Our Incarvillea have burst into bud, not many left so don't hang about.Summer arrives with bud appearing on the Rhodanthemums and Salvia Hotlips showing the odd flower. Campanula carpatica Alba bud has also made it's summer debut, I nearly missed it. Difficult to miss once they open, bright large white flowers on compact plants. Most of the other Erigeron's are producing bud now. Subtle cream flowers of the pretty Foam Flower (Tiarella) are showing nicely with plenty of bud to come.
The compact Alchemilla erythropoda Alma are coming in flower. Great ground cover with tiny subtle sprays of yellow flowers. Most of the Polemoniums are now in bud, Bambino Blue is the most compact one and looking really strong. The others have plenty of shoots bursting forth.The pink flowers of Armeria maritima are back on the list with a fresh batch smiling in the sun, still some white available too. Astilbe's are suddenly all there and coming into bud. Looking great. All the knockout dwarf Leucanthemum are holding swelling buds, not long before they start to open. Two pale yellows Broadway Lights and Banana Creme, the white frilly Lacrosse and the bright white of Snow Lady and Silver Princess. Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. Big bold blue flowers are about to appear on the Stokesia. It always surprises me how big they are. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Sunday, 13 May 2018
Hairy Chocolate
Morning all,
Back to some nice comfortable average temperatures after last weekend's roasting. Judging by the number and size of last week's orders I'm guessing you were all nice and busy, hopefully it all went smoothly and everyone had a good time. Recovering after a Bank holiday is always a challenge trying to squeeze a five day week into four but we managed to get to the end ok, now we have the weekend to get back on with the potting and catching up on the nursery. Can't stop long, I'm on forklift duty this morning and demand is high for such an important role!
I was lucky to make it in today after an accident at home last night. I suppose all accidents are a surprise but we certainly hadn't predicted eating chocolate to be that risky. Our daily treat is a taster of fancy chocolate, Caroline distributes them buy tossing them individually across the room, as I can't be trusted to stop at two. Unfortunately a wayward throw on the second launch and poor judgement on my part meant that I was struck on the side of the eyebrow, it really stung and moments later there was leaking from the wound. Caroline couldn't see it through her tears of laughter, but I am now likely to be scared for life, blowing any remaining hope of a modelling career. I was wondering whether to open some correspondence with Hotel Chocolate to ask if they had carried out any risk assessments regarding their chocolate size and designs and the potential injuries they may cause, it wasn't even a hard centre. We didn't go to casualty as Caroline couldn't face the possible domestic abuse questioning and I was too embarrassed to provide an explanation.
Long distance customers
Just a reminder to anyone receiving deliveries from us via Bleach of Lavant that when you manage to accumulate 60 or so empty boxes could you please stick them on a pallet and wrap them ready for us to arrange for their collection. Just drop us a line and we will get a pallet carrier to pop in and bring them back to us. It's not an ideal scenario I know, but we do try to keep deliveries fairly local if we can, so that we can collect the trays ourselves when we make the next delivery which means we get plenty of uses out of each trays and we don't run out , but I can't resist the lure of a keen customer.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Achillea Paprika is now showing flower shoots as are the last few of the Moonshine. First signs of bud now appearing on the compact Dessert Eve varieties too. The dinky little flowers of Dianthus deltoidies Alba and Flashing Light are about to burst open, don't miss out. Strong and chunky Camassia Maybelle looking perfect. Flower spikes are on show, with splashes of blue colour.
The massively popular Erigeron karvinskianus Stallone is sprouting flower buds, probably a couple of weeks away from colour but full of promise. Most of the other Erigeron's are producing bud now. The compact Alchemilla erythropoda Alma are coming in flower. Great ground cover with tiny subtle sprays of yellow flowers. Most of the Polemoniums are now in bud, Bambino Blue is the most compact one and looking really strong. The others have plenty of shoots bursting forth. Astilbe's are suddenly all there and coming into bud. Looking great.
All the knockout dwarf Leucanthemum are holding swelling buds, not long before they start to open. Two pale yellows Broadway Lights and Banana Creme, the white frilly Lacrosse and the bright white of Snow Lady and Silver Princess. Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into flower now, very strong bushy plants.
Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise and EC Buxton are in bud. Big bold blue flowers are about to appear on the Stokesia. It always surprises me how big they are.
Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geum Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden is not far behind with flower shoots bursting out.
The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Back to some nice comfortable average temperatures after last weekend's roasting. Judging by the number and size of last week's orders I'm guessing you were all nice and busy, hopefully it all went smoothly and everyone had a good time. Recovering after a Bank holiday is always a challenge trying to squeeze a five day week into four but we managed to get to the end ok, now we have the weekend to get back on with the potting and catching up on the nursery. Can't stop long, I'm on forklift duty this morning and demand is high for such an important role!
I was lucky to make it in today after an accident at home last night. I suppose all accidents are a surprise but we certainly hadn't predicted eating chocolate to be that risky. Our daily treat is a taster of fancy chocolate, Caroline distributes them buy tossing them individually across the room, as I can't be trusted to stop at two. Unfortunately a wayward throw on the second launch and poor judgement on my part meant that I was struck on the side of the eyebrow, it really stung and moments later there was leaking from the wound. Caroline couldn't see it through her tears of laughter, but I am now likely to be scared for life, blowing any remaining hope of a modelling career. I was wondering whether to open some correspondence with Hotel Chocolate to ask if they had carried out any risk assessments regarding their chocolate size and designs and the potential injuries they may cause, it wasn't even a hard centre. We didn't go to casualty as Caroline couldn't face the possible domestic abuse questioning and I was too embarrassed to provide an explanation.
Long distance customers
Just a reminder to anyone receiving deliveries from us via Bleach of Lavant that when you manage to accumulate 60 or so empty boxes could you please stick them on a pallet and wrap them ready for us to arrange for their collection. Just drop us a line and we will get a pallet carrier to pop in and bring them back to us. It's not an ideal scenario I know, but we do try to keep deliveries fairly local if we can, so that we can collect the trays ourselves when we make the next delivery which means we get plenty of uses out of each trays and we don't run out , but I can't resist the lure of a keen customer.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Achillea Paprika is now showing flower shoots as are the last few of the Moonshine. First signs of bud now appearing on the compact Dessert Eve varieties too. The dinky little flowers of Dianthus deltoidies Alba and Flashing Light are about to burst open, don't miss out. Strong and chunky Camassia Maybelle looking perfect. Flower spikes are on show, with splashes of blue colour.
The massively popular Erigeron karvinskianus Stallone is sprouting flower buds, probably a couple of weeks away from colour but full of promise. Most of the other Erigeron's are producing bud now. The compact Alchemilla erythropoda Alma are coming in flower. Great ground cover with tiny subtle sprays of yellow flowers. Most of the Polemoniums are now in bud, Bambino Blue is the most compact one and looking really strong. The others have plenty of shoots bursting forth. Astilbe's are suddenly all there and coming into bud. Looking great.
All the knockout dwarf Leucanthemum are holding swelling buds, not long before they start to open. Two pale yellows Broadway Lights and Banana Creme, the white frilly Lacrosse and the bright white of Snow Lady and Silver Princess. Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into flower now, very strong bushy plants.
Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise and EC Buxton are in bud. Big bold blue flowers are about to appear on the Stokesia. It always surprises me how big they are.
Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geum Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden is not far behind with flower shoots bursting out.
The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Monday, 7 May 2018
Hairy Sunshine
Morning all,
Brace yourselves, it looks like a beautiful bank holiday weekend and all that pent up demand could explode into frenzied activity. Let's hope so, time is slipping by. Perfect timing for the bedding producers, perhaps not so perfect for the hardy growers but we should all benefit with luck. After a very busy and challenging week we are here all weekend trying to catch up on nursery stuff, potting, picking out, spacing plants, tidying up, releasing more predator nematodes it's all go. Big gang in today and Monday so hoping to be super productive, I'm sure it will all get done.
We got our troublesome hire van back this week with no reported problems found by their garage, good news or not? Not. Broke down twice on one trip on Friday so got it replaced with a different one. Luckily one of our busiest weeks passed by nicely with just two off ill, one crashed car (not mine), one broken down car (not mine either) and one trolley tipped over (it wasn't me this time). What fun. At least no one was hurt and all back at work by Friday and the sun is out.
We seem to be continuing to attract our fair share of media interest despite me trying to keep my head down. We are in the printed version Hort Week this month, with a nice big piece, can't say I have read it, too embarrassed, it might say something nice about us.
Hope you all have a good weekend and don't get too stressed with all the excitement. I have to go and get the potting machine purring seamlessly and the pricker outers doing their thing.
New Data Protection Stuff
Just a note to say that we will be sending out a separate email very soon to ask if it ok to continue holding your email address here so that we can contact you with news, info or admin stuff for our wholesale business. Although many addresses may not be personal ones we will have to check them all because some definitely are and we can't always tell which. If at sometime in the near future you stop receiving our lists it may be because we haven't received confirmation that all is well or possibly I have slipped into the junk folder again.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Strong and chunky Camassia Maybelle looking perfect. Flower spikes are on show, no blue colour yet but best at this stage before they get too far out. The massively popular Erigeron karvinskianus Stallone is sprouting flower buds, probably a couple of weeks away from colour but full of promise. All of the Polemoniums are now in bud, Bambino Blue is the most compact one and looking really strong. The others have plenty of shoots bursting forth.
Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into flower now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. Achillea Paprika is now showing flower shoots as are the last few of the Moonshine. First signs of bud now appearing on the compact Dessert Eve varieties too.
Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise is in bud. Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geums Cooky and Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are not far behind with flower shoots bursting out. The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Brace yourselves, it looks like a beautiful bank holiday weekend and all that pent up demand could explode into frenzied activity. Let's hope so, time is slipping by. Perfect timing for the bedding producers, perhaps not so perfect for the hardy growers but we should all benefit with luck. After a very busy and challenging week we are here all weekend trying to catch up on nursery stuff, potting, picking out, spacing plants, tidying up, releasing more predator nematodes it's all go. Big gang in today and Monday so hoping to be super productive, I'm sure it will all get done.
We got our troublesome hire van back this week with no reported problems found by their garage, good news or not? Not. Broke down twice on one trip on Friday so got it replaced with a different one. Luckily one of our busiest weeks passed by nicely with just two off ill, one crashed car (not mine), one broken down car (not mine either) and one trolley tipped over (it wasn't me this time). What fun. At least no one was hurt and all back at work by Friday and the sun is out.
We seem to be continuing to attract our fair share of media interest despite me trying to keep my head down. We are in the printed version Hort Week this month, with a nice big piece, can't say I have read it, too embarrassed, it might say something nice about us.
Hope you all have a good weekend and don't get too stressed with all the excitement. I have to go and get the potting machine purring seamlessly and the pricker outers doing their thing.
New Data Protection Stuff
Just a note to say that we will be sending out a separate email very soon to ask if it ok to continue holding your email address here so that we can contact you with news, info or admin stuff for our wholesale business. Although many addresses may not be personal ones we will have to check them all because some definitely are and we can't always tell which. If at sometime in the near future you stop receiving our lists it may be because we haven't received confirmation that all is well or possibly I have slipped into the junk folder again.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Strong and chunky Camassia Maybelle looking perfect. Flower spikes are on show, no blue colour yet but best at this stage before they get too far out. The massively popular Erigeron karvinskianus Stallone is sprouting flower buds, probably a couple of weeks away from colour but full of promise. All of the Polemoniums are now in bud, Bambino Blue is the most compact one and looking really strong. The others have plenty of shoots bursting forth.
Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into flower now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. Achillea Paprika is now showing flower shoots as are the last few of the Moonshine. First signs of bud now appearing on the compact Dessert Eve varieties too.
Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise is in bud. Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geums Cooky and Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are not far behind with flower shoots bursting out. The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Monday, 30 April 2018
Hairy Stones
Morning all,
Back to multiply fleece layers, at least it's not raining yet. Monday looks a shocker but clearing up after that with luck so hopefully the bank holiday will be a big one.
Last week was so busy, lots of orders and lots going on, all adding to that list of challenges that makes running your own nursery so attractive. Checked out a hire van last weekend to make sure we had something suitable and reliable over the next couple of months rather than relying on nicking the old farm transit which never really filled any of us with confidence when setting off on a delivery. Picked out a nice 2 year old van with a tail lift, not as much payload as we would like but low mileage and the right dimensions. Took it out a few times during the week and all went well until the longest trip to Cornwall on Friday when it broke down at about 9.00am just halfway there. A very kind and thoughtful chap helped tow the van to a safe position in his Discovery which stopped us being a traffic hazard for which we are all very grateful. An alternator electrical fault meant a tow back to base to repair it, but we did manage to swap vans in situ and eventually got the delivery made although Greg didn't make it back until gone 10.00pm. A big thanks to all who helped out, making and accepting the later than planned delivery, replacing the hire van and keeping the roads safe.
Elaine's last day was on Thursday celebrated with a massive chocolate cake and other goodies. 33 years on the nursery will mean she leaves a big hole on her retirement but we gave her a good send off with the secret highlight going down a storm. Two tickets to see The Rolling Stones in Southampton was the perfect surprise and I'm sure she will enjoy the occasion. Do take care out there, life whizzes by, make the most of it and learn from Elaine, look for the bright side.
Junk folder or safe sender
I have been found out and many of last week's lists got sent to customers junk folders. I have changed my signature this week which might help but if you do wish to receive these messages please add me to your safe senders list. Thanks. If anyone would like to be removed from my list just let me know and I will adjust at this end.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Strong and chunky Camassia Maybelle looking perfect. Flower spikes are on show, no blue colour yet but best at this stage before they get too far out. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing.
Leucanthemum May Queen is a single flowered classic taller variety, whereas Freak is a short double. selling through quickly. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into flower now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Pretty blue flowers will soon be on show from the Catananche with flower stems appearing rapidly. Early flowering Erigeron karvenskianus Wayne Roderick looking strong and flower shoots are on show. A bigger flowering form of this popular low grower. No colour yet but it won't be long. Pyrethrum in red and pink forms are showing bud now, we don't have many so they won't be around long.
Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Paprika is now showing flower shoots too. Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise is in bud. Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now.
Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geums Cooky and Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are not far behind with flower shoots bursting out. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Back to multiply fleece layers, at least it's not raining yet. Monday looks a shocker but clearing up after that with luck so hopefully the bank holiday will be a big one.
Last week was so busy, lots of orders and lots going on, all adding to that list of challenges that makes running your own nursery so attractive. Checked out a hire van last weekend to make sure we had something suitable and reliable over the next couple of months rather than relying on nicking the old farm transit which never really filled any of us with confidence when setting off on a delivery. Picked out a nice 2 year old van with a tail lift, not as much payload as we would like but low mileage and the right dimensions. Took it out a few times during the week and all went well until the longest trip to Cornwall on Friday when it broke down at about 9.00am just halfway there. A very kind and thoughtful chap helped tow the van to a safe position in his Discovery which stopped us being a traffic hazard for which we are all very grateful. An alternator electrical fault meant a tow back to base to repair it, but we did manage to swap vans in situ and eventually got the delivery made although Greg didn't make it back until gone 10.00pm. A big thanks to all who helped out, making and accepting the later than planned delivery, replacing the hire van and keeping the roads safe.
Elaine's last day was on Thursday celebrated with a massive chocolate cake and other goodies. 33 years on the nursery will mean she leaves a big hole on her retirement but we gave her a good send off with the secret highlight going down a storm. Two tickets to see The Rolling Stones in Southampton was the perfect surprise and I'm sure she will enjoy the occasion. Do take care out there, life whizzes by, make the most of it and learn from Elaine, look for the bright side.
Junk folder or safe sender
I have been found out and many of last week's lists got sent to customers junk folders. I have changed my signature this week which might help but if you do wish to receive these messages please add me to your safe senders list. Thanks. If anyone would like to be removed from my list just let me know and I will adjust at this end.
Ordering header boards for your trays of plants.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Strong and chunky Camassia Maybelle looking perfect. Flower spikes are on show, no blue colour yet but best at this stage before they get too far out. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing.
Leucanthemum May Queen is a single flowered classic taller variety, whereas Freak is a short double. selling through quickly. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into flower now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Pretty blue flowers will soon be on show from the Catananche with flower stems appearing rapidly. Early flowering Erigeron karvenskianus Wayne Roderick looking strong and flower shoots are on show. A bigger flowering form of this popular low grower. No colour yet but it won't be long. Pyrethrum in red and pink forms are showing bud now, we don't have many so they won't be around long.
Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Paprika is now showing flower shoots too. Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise is in bud. Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now.
Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geums Cooky and Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are not far behind with flower shoots bursting out. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. The over-wintered Digitalis are looking strong and chunky with flower spikes appearing.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Sunday, 22 April 2018
Hairy Youth
Morning all,
What a difference a week makes. From donning multiple layers and a hat to discarding the lot (nearly). Cooled down a bit today which was a relief and next week looks pretty good, sensible spring weather. Sales took off big time as has the growth of the plants. The hedgerows have suddenly greened up and we spotted our first couple of swallows over the nursery on Wednesday. Our own swallows are yet to make an appearance but it looks like they may be on the way.
Big week coming up with the retirement of one of our first employees. It's going to be quite a change for all of us, but she has lots of grandchild and family fun to occupy her these days and for some reason mucking about on the nursery in the cold or heat isn't quite as appealing. I can't say how old Elaine is, as that would be poor form, but she will always be young and vibrant in our eyes and doesn't look a day older than when she joined us in 1985. We've picked a lovely carriage clock for the big day which will go down a storm! Not really, I'll let you know what we got next week but we're sure it will go down well and hopefully bring back memories of a misspent youth just those few years ago.
Apologies for being a bit later this week, I had to stand in with the potting team today to try and get caught up with all the work piling up and then had to go out and find a van to hire. It's suddenly all go. I will try and get back to an earlier posting next week.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
We have been sending out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Dicentra spectabilis are making an attactive show with their early buds and flowers already on display. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing.
Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available.
The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into bud now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Primula japonica looking very chunky and flower buds are in evidence. Millers Crimson are particularly good. Last few Primula Wanda are ready, having exploded into growth and flower. I had been waiting to see how big they were going to get and after holding on to really short tight growth during all the cold weather they are now performing beautifully. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours looking fab. Dainty flowered Verbascum Phonecium Hybrids are unfurling their first flower stems. Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Paprika is now showing flower shoots too. Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise is in bud. Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Bright yellow flowers of Caltha palustris are beginning to open. Knautia Red Knight has suddenly shot out its flower shoots, but not many left so be quick. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geums Cooky and Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are not far behind with flower shoots bursting out. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and colour visible, possibly the last week of these. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. The over-wintered Lupins and Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
What a difference a week makes. From donning multiple layers and a hat to discarding the lot (nearly). Cooled down a bit today which was a relief and next week looks pretty good, sensible spring weather. Sales took off big time as has the growth of the plants. The hedgerows have suddenly greened up and we spotted our first couple of swallows over the nursery on Wednesday. Our own swallows are yet to make an appearance but it looks like they may be on the way.
Big week coming up with the retirement of one of our first employees. It's going to be quite a change for all of us, but she has lots of grandchild and family fun to occupy her these days and for some reason mucking about on the nursery in the cold or heat isn't quite as appealing. I can't say how old Elaine is, as that would be poor form, but she will always be young and vibrant in our eyes and doesn't look a day older than when she joined us in 1985. We've picked a lovely carriage clock for the big day which will go down a storm! Not really, I'll let you know what we got next week but we're sure it will go down well and hopefully bring back memories of a misspent youth just those few years ago.
Apologies for being a bit later this week, I had to stand in with the potting team today to try and get caught up with all the work piling up and then had to go out and find a van to hire. It's suddenly all go. I will try and get back to an earlier posting next week.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
We have been sending out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. Dicentra spectabilis are making an attactive show with their early buds and flowers already on display. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing.
Erysimum are looking fantastic with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available.
The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into bud now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Primula japonica looking very chunky and flower buds are in evidence. Millers Crimson are particularly good. Last few Primula Wanda are ready, having exploded into growth and flower. I had been waiting to see how big they were going to get and after holding on to really short tight growth during all the cold weather they are now performing beautifully. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours looking fab. Dainty flowered Verbascum Phonecium Hybrids are unfurling their first flower stems. Very pretty Viola Rebecca in bud and flower now. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Paprika is now showing flower shoots too. Anthemis Sauce Hollandaise is in bud. Symphytum Wisley Blue showing plenty of bud and pretty pale blue flowers. Bright yellow flowers of Caltha palustris are beginning to open. Knautia Red Knight has suddenly shot out its flower shoots, but not many left so be quick. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular compact Geums Cooky and Koi are now showing their little bright orange flowers. Lady Stratheden and Mrs Bradshaw are not far behind with flower shoots bursting out. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and colour visible, possibly the last week of these. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. The over-wintered Lupins and Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Saturday, 14 April 2018
Hairy profile
Morning all
Pre-season tension continues to build as we all get ready for the onset of some warmer weather and stronger light from that golden globe thing, I forget what it's called. It's going to go ballistic when it happens, I'm almost in dread of it but excited at the same time. At least it might take our minds of less positive ballistic issues going on around the world.
We have attracted a few more customers already this spring after all the anti-plastic coverage which is great, although I am trying to keep a fairly low profile as we don't really need too many more as we are not the biggest nursery on the planet and it could get a bit too exciting which isn't good for a man of my age in so many ways. Despite the low pro file policy we have been mentioned in the latest Gardens Illustrated, we are 'coming out' in Amateur Gardening shortly and in the last week we have been in Hort Week twice. Let's see if we can keep this a bit more to ourselves and not make too much fuss, we wouldn't want to appear too forward or pushy it might appear rude.
I got the first nematode application on last weekend despite the cool weather, it was overcast and damp which is perfect for keeping them alive while they find their way into the compost. They are sensitive little things, susceptible to drying out, temperature, UV light, drowning, and operator error, so our strategy of monthly half rate applications rather than one or two big ones spreads the risk of mistakes or the wrong weather keeping a constant background population going to catch out any of those invasive vine weevils.
Potting is bowling along in anticipation of future sales actually happening, Must keep positive, we've all got a bit of ground to make up and I'm sure the demand will come eventually, just need to hold our nerve and keep it jolly. Let's face it, we can't do much about the weather, so we can't take it out on anyone else, we are all in it together. Still no sign of swallows here despite reports of them just a few miles away down by the River Test and at Kingston Lacy in Dorset. Hoping they pitch up with the sunshine and kick off the spring for us. Tadpoles are about, the Beast from the East didn't seem to affect them too much, despite the spawn appearing only a day or two before.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
We have been sending out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Dicentra spectabilis are thrusting through with their early buds on display. Plenty of bud appearing on lovely Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria), looking great at the moment although selling through quickly. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing. Erysimum are looking great with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into bud now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky multiple buds bursting up through the compost. Best crop for ages, just in time for the improving weather. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with early flowers in evidence. Pulmonaria are showing bud and colour now, selling through quickly so don't hang about. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular short flowering Geums Cooky and Koi are now producing buds and a little bright orange flower. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and colour visible, possibly the last week of these. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. The over-wintered Lupins and Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
Pre-season tension continues to build as we all get ready for the onset of some warmer weather and stronger light from that golden globe thing, I forget what it's called. It's going to go ballistic when it happens, I'm almost in dread of it but excited at the same time. At least it might take our minds of less positive ballistic issues going on around the world.
We have attracted a few more customers already this spring after all the anti-plastic coverage which is great, although I am trying to keep a fairly low profile as we don't really need too many more as we are not the biggest nursery on the planet and it could get a bit too exciting which isn't good for a man of my age in so many ways. Despite the low pro file policy we have been mentioned in the latest Gardens Illustrated, we are 'coming out' in Amateur Gardening shortly and in the last week we have been in Hort Week twice. Let's see if we can keep this a bit more to ourselves and not make too much fuss, we wouldn't want to appear too forward or pushy it might appear rude.
I got the first nematode application on last weekend despite the cool weather, it was overcast and damp which is perfect for keeping them alive while they find their way into the compost. They are sensitive little things, susceptible to drying out, temperature, UV light, drowning, and operator error, so our strategy of monthly half rate applications rather than one or two big ones spreads the risk of mistakes or the wrong weather keeping a constant background population going to catch out any of those invasive vine weevils.
Potting is bowling along in anticipation of future sales actually happening, Must keep positive, we've all got a bit of ground to make up and I'm sure the demand will come eventually, just need to hold our nerve and keep it jolly. Let's face it, we can't do much about the weather, so we can't take it out on anyone else, we are all in it together. Still no sign of swallows here despite reports of them just a few miles away down by the River Test and at Kingston Lacy in Dorset. Hoping they pitch up with the sunshine and kick off the spring for us. Tadpoles are about, the Beast from the East didn't seem to affect them too much, despite the spawn appearing only a day or two before.
Ordering POS and header boards for your trays of plants.
We have been sending out two similar sets of our new wooden POS boards, one larger sized and another smaller set for fitting where ever is good for you. Feel free to return any unused ones for reuse, or ask for another set if needed. There are also a couple of latex allergy notices in each set which should be displayed to let folk know of the latex content of the pots in case they are allergic.
We are very happy to send out our little header boards that slip into the front of each tray, whenever you want them, but in the interest of reducing waste, resources and sustainability we try not to over produce them. So if you do want them, please don’t forget to tick, or mark, the right hand column on the availability list . Thanks.
Availability highlights
Dicentra spectabilis are thrusting through with their early buds on display. Plenty of bud appearing on lovely Snakes Head Lily (Fritillaria), looking great at the moment although selling through quickly. Pretty coral red flowers on the Heuchera Firefly are promised with multiple spikes showing. Erysimum are looking great with plenty of chunky growth and bud in all the varieties still available. The spring flowering Ajuga's are shooting into bud now, very strong bushy plants with plenty more bud to come. Primula denticulata looking strong with the leaves and chunky multiple buds bursting up through the compost. Best crop for ages, just in time for the improving weather. Pulsatillas have burst forth in a range of colours with early flowers in evidence. Pulmonaria are showing bud and colour now, selling through quickly so don't hang about. First signs of tight bud in many of the Salvia varieties which are now so popular. Delightful pale sky blue flowers of Veronica gentianoidies are on their way with the first buds appearing on monster plants. The grey foliaged Achillea Moonshine has burst forth with early buds formed already but still nice and short. It'll be a little while before any colour shows but the promise is there. Really attractive finely cut foliage of Polemonium Heaven Scent with buds showing well now. Hostas are shooting through now, a fab range from our own home propagated stock. The ever popular short flowering Geums Cooky and Koi are now producing buds and a little bright orange flower. The lovely white and blue flowered Centaurea Snow in Summer is already producing its first buds, don't miss it. Muscari varieties in blue and in white looking chunky with bud and colour visible, possibly the last week of these. Campanula persicifolia Takion are already producing flower stems with a few buds showing. The over-wintered Lupins and Digitalis are looking strong and chunky too.
Have a good week from all at Kirton Farm Nurseries.
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