What a difference a year makes

I don’t think anyone could have predicted what has happened over the last 12 months. Back in March 2020 Coronavirus was just starting to be talked about. No-one could have known the devastation it would bring.

Back then lockdown, furlough, bubbles, the rule of six meant nothing. But look at us now. I haven’t played tennis for months. My hair is beginning to resemble Michael Sheen’s in Staged. And, I am badly in need of a holiday.

Thank goodness for gardens

Thank goodness for gardens. I don’t know about anyone else but mine has helped keep me sane in these crazy times.

I am too cautious to believe we are out of the woods yet. Which means I am busy planning my summer planting. I want to see flowers from now until at least October. They will be the only thing I can rely on.

Epimediums are amongst the first to flower

Amongst the first to flower are the epimediums.When they appear it is a sign that spring is here.

If you are after a strong smell plant phlox. White Perfume has a heavenly scent. May Breeze is also very fragrant and a very pretty light blue.

All gardens need lupins

No garden is complete without lupins. You can choose a pastel and understated one like the pale blue Persian Slipper or go for bold and vibrant. If you like red, Beefeater can’t be beaten. If one colour is not enough plant the two-tone Manhattan Lights.

Fabulous spring bulbs

The spring bulbs have been fabulous this year

Hopefully we will be able to visit each other’s gardens before too long. One of the worst aspects of this situation has been the loss of so much social activity. I enjoy popping round to a neighbour for a coffee or a cheeky glass of wine.

No Chelsea flower show for us

Sadly, we will not be exhibiting at Chelsea this year. We understand the RHS’s reasons for moving it to September, but our lupins can’t be that flexible. They are perfect in May and early summer but past their best by September.

The Malvern spring show has also been cancelled. I will miss meeting customers and talking to them about our lupins.

On the bright side I have more time to think about our displays in 2022. Onwards and upwards.

Gardening tips  

Watch out for tips of new plants emerging when you are weeding. It would be a shame to pull them out. If you didn’t clean your greenhouse last autumn, do it now ready for this year’s planting. Start watering plants which have been dormant in the greenhouse over winter, to stimulate new growth.  Try to avoid walking on saturated lawns. #gardens #bulbs #spring #cyclamen #lupins #narcissus #summer #flowers #epimedium #phlox #chelsea