sunny days

We have had a large amount of rain over the last few weeks. Today the sun has finally stopped sulking behind the clouds and is shining brightly, although it is still cold.

Over the next few weeks as it gets warmer and there is more sunlight move Cymbidium Orchids to a more shaded spot.

Fronds on ferns are starting to push their way up into the light; cutting the old, dead fronds away will let more light onto the new ones enabling them to grow more strongly.

Pink

hyacinths

The Hyacinths planted earlier have all now come into bloom. Bright, jewel colours and velvety star shaped flowers.

I received the Asparagus and planted it. It needs to be put into rich soil and planted 15 to 20cm deep, too shallow and it produces thin, weak spears; too deep and it produces thick spears, but not very many. I also received Strawberry plants which I put into the garden as I didn't have much luck with pots last year. The other thing i received (which I am very excited about!) is a Calla lily bulb 'Pot Black'. It hopefully will produce a lovely dark coloured flower, very dramatic!

asparagus

I am waiting for an Asparagus crown which I ordered through the internet. Asparagus like to be left in the same position and spears can be harvested for 20 years if the plants are treated right. A plot in the vege patch needs to be well dug in with compost and manure, making a nice, rich soil. Crowns can be put in until September. The hard part is leaving the first couple of years spears alone, this allows the plant to produce good feathery foliage in the growing period over summer/autumn. This growth is essential for good, strong crowns which will last for years!

grass

One of the most annoying weeds is prevalent at the moment. I mean Poa annua ( Winter Grass).

this small. annual, bunch type grass seeds prolifically and will start to seed from an early stage. It will blow around and grow in any little bit of dirt it can find! the good thing is that it is easily pulled out and if you have a Budgie, the LOVE the seeds!

poem

If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft

And from thy slender store two loaves

alone are left,

Sell one, and with the dole

Buy Hyacinths to feed thy soul

Sadi, Persian poet of the 12th century

Hyacinths

The Hyacinths I was given by a client are starting to flower, the clusters of dark purple/blue have started to push their way up from the centre of the plant. Sharing plants and ideas about caring for plants is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. There is always something new to learn.