SPRING - BRING IT ON

29TH MARCH 2018 NORTH YORKSHIRE

Have been waiting for better weather for last six weeks. There has been snow, lots of it as predicted from the Eastern Steppes, accompanied by strong easterly winds, again straight from the ‘Steppes’. Amazingly low temperatures, minus 10 degrees C (with wind chill down to minus 25 degrees) ensured majority of days spent in the Potting Shed by the stove.

Garden covered in a blanket of snow

The Green House has proved a major asset in the last couple of months (now has two electric heaters to ward of the night frost so expect an enormous electricity bill for the frost free winter care); everything growing furiously in the raised temperatures. Planting seed in late January always seems the best plan until the seedlings need potting on in early March and the garden weather and overnight temperatures can act as the ‘Grim Reaper’ by the end of the month. So every square inch of space in the ‘Glass House’ is occupied by burgeoning bedding plants almost ready for planting out into baskets and tubs.

A Very full Greenhouse

The art of pricking out seedlings will soon be lost with the ever increasing selection and low cost of nursery grown plant plugs. With a packet of Geranium F1 Hybrid Seeds costing £3.49 for twelve seeds (that at the best will give 75% germination), the offer of ’20 Geranium Plug Plants’ for £3.99 delivered seems a bargain. However there is always one prevision, when ordering in January for April delivery always take note of the quantity ordered and proposed arrival date otherwise the protected under glass space will be stretched to breaking point if there is the chance of frost at Easter.

Not much room left in here

So, with the expectation of 40 Geraniums, 40 Fuchsias, 40 Bizzy Lizzies, 60 Lavender, 60 Petunias,  plus a generous and tempting offer of a further 144 bedding plant plugs for £1.99 (when order is over £40) all arriving during the first three weeks of April,  let us hope the ambient temperatures are clement.

The Lilly bulbs, Dahlia tubers and Begonia corms planted in late February are all showing signs of life It will be interesting to find out if the colours indicated are correct after ten years of local market purchases in Portugal where everything seems to turn out Orange, whatever colour is chosen. Delphiniums, sown from seed - success rate 15% - bought as small plant plugs 100%, are coming along and the Hollyhocks and Russell Lupins, from seed, are over abundant in their fecundity. Nicotiana, French Marigolds, Echinopsis, Foxgloves, Lobelia and Nemesia  are all similarly afflicted.

Delphiniums and Echinacea putting on a spurt

Dahlia tubers sprouting among the seedlings

As you will appreciated from the above, this is going to be the year of the English Country Garden, with every fragrance and every colour represented I forgot to mention the Sweet Peas, Phlox, Aubretia, Knifofia, Pansies, Nasturtiums (six varities), Roses, Clematis etc etc. and NO VEGETABLES. The anticipation of those halcyon days of summer makes the biting ‘Prairie’ winds of North Yorkshire all worthwhile.

Nasturtiums just waiting for the right moment

Meanwhile, lots of flowers of the tougher variety are blooming in the garden - and in the house.

Pretty violas in the hanging basket

These crocuses have been in flower for weeks and survived the blizzards!

Hyacinths scenting the conservatory

Daffodils and tulips brightening up a windowsill

There would seem to be some movement from the kitchen door (bell not working still frozen), Yes it’s the HG, in full ‘Arctic’ Survival Kit, carrying restorative quantities of invigorating Coffee for the Potting Shed Exile.

 Must look appreciative and pull up another stool in front of the glowing stove.

Must dash, see you soon

Stuart.