Summer Rain

Posted on 24th August 202121st October 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

August washout

Well, August hasn’t been a roaring success. It has been distinctly cold. We’ve had endless drizzle punctuated with dramatic downpours. On the plus side watering has been a lot quicker than usual. Maybe we’ll be blessed with an Indian summer.

Church flowers

It was my turn to provide the altar flowers in church at the beginning of August. The week before my arrangement was due my garden was full of blooms. There were dahlias, roses, astilbes and verbena. It was a riot of colour. Then the rain came. It poured and poured.

The dahlias drooped. Rose petals turned brown. Everything was sodden. But I was determined to find something to display. And, I did.

Herbs to the rescue

Herbs came to my rescue. Beautiful tall mint stems with delicate purple flowers. Fragrant marjoram and thyme with maroon petals. It was an unconventional arrangement but it smelt wonderful. Infact, I was so impressed with the mint I have been picking fresh sprigs to have in a vase inside ever since.

Astrantia major ‘Florence‘ excellent cut flower

Spring bulb planting

My cyclamen is in flower. It makes a beautiful purple carpet under the trees. It is also a reminder to start planting bulbs for next spring.

I think I will try some Erythroniums next year. Such beauties are found at Greencombe gardens in Somerset should you be passing

New lupins

I’m also planting new lupins to replace some which the slugs have been over fond of. I was very pleased with our newcomer for this year, Melody. It had beautiful claret and blue blooms and a lovely peppery scent. Blacksmith has rich, deep purple spikes. Rachel de Thame is a delicate pink and cream whilst Terracotta is a light orange. They are all lovely.

Pots and baskets have put on a good display

My pots and baskets have put on a good display. The pelargoniums were gorgeous. I have two pink varieties, Clovelly and Appleblossom which have been particularly splendid.

Harvesting vegetables

The vegetable garden continues to provide a good harvest. I never know from one year to the next what will do well and what will wither and die despite my best efforts. This year’s beans and beetroot have been magnificent. But few of my carrots germinated. My red onions are monsters but the white ones are tiny. Vegetable growing truly is one of life’s mysteries.

Gardening tips – Start planning for next year. Dead head flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Divide perennials for even more colour next year.

#dahlias #summer #wet #autumn #plants #lupins #blooms #astilbe #verbena #colour #cyclamen

Little things

Posted on 28th July 202127th October 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

The garden gives so much pleasure

I am getting so much pleasure from my garden. The early sunrises and my advancing years mean I am often up before everyone else in the house. But I don’t mind being on my own.

I like to sit outside with a cup of coffee. The air is cool. There is dew on the grass. And the birds ignore me. I have the place to myself to listen, watch and enjoy. It is my time.

So many birds

This morning a young thrush was looking for breakfast. A pair of robins were arguing. And mummy and daddy blackbird were frantically sourcing worms for their brood in the clematis.

Up high the sky was full of swifts, swallows and house martins. The swifts shriek as they fly overhead. Just like noisy teenagers.

None of the birds paid me any attention and that’s how it should be.

Heavenly scents

I love the scent of the garden in the early morning. Everything is so fresh. The honeysuckle has a wonderful perfume. It is full of bees and looks very pretty too.

Magnificent dahlias

The dahlias have been magnificent for weeks. If I keep deadheading them, they should last until the first frosts. I am very lazy and leave the corms in the ground every year. Almost all of them survive. I just need to keep an eye out for slugs and snails. If I do lose some, I have the perfect excuse to buy new ones next year.

Lupin displays

The lupins have given a marvellous display but they have come to an end now. I particularly liked the claret and china blue flowers of Melody. It has a wonderful mossy, peppery scent. It contrasted well with the purple and orange flecked Masterpiece. Red Rum is also very colourful.

Plan for autumn

Now is the time to think about what will look good in your garden going into autumn. Agapanthus are always a good bet. Big blue has large blue and white flowers.

Thunderstorms bring welcome rain

We’ve finally had some thunderstorms which have brought welcome rain. They’ve also encouraged the clover in the lawn to flourish. I really ought to get out on the mower, but the bees love the white and purple heads, so I’ll leave it a few more days.

Marvellous summer

Despite the disruptions of covid it has been a marvellous summer. Lots of sunshine and just enough rain to keep everything in top condition.

Returning to normal

It is good to be singing and playing in the orchestra again. Although with social distancing the conductor is a long way away and difficult to hear. At least that’s my excuse! I hope all the hospitality venues and small businesses are able to recoup some of their losses of the last 18 months. It has been a very difficult time for everyone. Let’s hope we are over the worst now.

Gardening tips – Start planning next year’s garden displays. Keep pots watered. Dead head flowers to encourage new blooms. Encourage seed pots on annuals you want to grow from scratch next year.#dahlias #summer #lupins #honeysuckle #clematis #agapanthus #bees #scent #rain

Summer blues

Posted on 24th June 202119th November 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

Summer is here

Thank heavens for summer. The recent warm weather has encouraged many flowers to bloom. It has been a slow start to summer but at last it is here.

The roses are blooming. The peonies have been magnificent and after a rather hesitant beginning the sweet peas are a riot of colour and scent. The stars of every border though are lupins.

Good year for clematis

It has been a good year for clematis. Avante Guarde has been a real hit. Deep crimson red with a pale pink/white centre. It is really striking. It provides a wonderful contrast to the lilac Crystal Fountain. Another stunning clematis is Josephine. It has double pink flowers which will bloom from now until well into September.

Butterfly magnets

Astrantias also looking good. Florence with its unusual lavender pink flowers is a real butterfly magnet. Red Admirals seem to particularly love it.

Endless lockdown

It was very disappointing when lockdown wasn’t lifted last month. Although many things are back to normal choirs are still now allowed to sing with more than six people. I really miss singing with others. It lifts the soul.

I would like to know why football fans can sing lustily at Euro 2020 matches but ten people can’t sing together even if they are socially distancing in a cavernous hall.

Keep weeding

I am trying to keep on top of the weeds, but it is hard. The alternating warm weather and heavy showers has really encouraged them. I’ve tried hoeing but whenever there’s the smallest amount of rain they grow back. Mulching works for most weeds. But some seem to thrive on it and grow back bigger and stronger.

Without doubt the most effective strategy is little and often. I try to spend time every day pulling weeds out while they are still small. I still wonder why weeds thrive but carefully cultivated flower and vegetable plants need to be nurtured.

Flower festival

This weekend I have foolishly agreed to decorate a church window as part of a flower festival. We’ve all been given a painting to use as inspiration. Mine is mainly dark blue with touches of cream and yellow. I have just the flowers for it – lupins.

For the blues I will use King Canute, Melody and Persian Slipper. Desert Sun will give my display the touch of yellow it needs. And Cashmere Cream will make up the rest. Now I just need to dust off my flower arranging skills. Wish me luck.

Lupinus ‘Desert Sun’ and Persian Slipper’

Gardening tips

Plant out annuals and summer bedding. Feed tubs and hanging baskets regularly. Stake tall plants to prevent wind damage. Start sowing seeds for next year’s flowers.

Lupinus ‘Masterpiece’ and ‘Manhattan Lights’

#scent #summer #lockdown #weeds #plants #clematis #flowers #singing

Uncertainty

Posted on 25th May 202127th October 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

Misty wet days. when will the sun shine!

What a strange month

This has been a strange month. Covid continues to make it very odd for everyone. We have finally been allowed to go to the pub for a meal. I can hug my nearest and dearest although the Government says it was never illegal, just not advised. And I can book a holiday to the Falkland Islands. Anyone want to join me?

Difficult to adjust

I don’t know about you but I am finding it difficult to adjust to the lifting of restrictions. The pub seems alien with all the staff wearing masks. Who needs to wear one with the former promise of freedom with vaccinations? And, church without singing is just not right. No chance of choir starting anytime soon with ridiculous, complex rules.

Even though holidays are opening up I shall give overseas destinations a miss. The horror stories from people queuing to get back in have put me right off. Besides I live in Devon. It is a holiday destination. I have everything I need within a few miles.

Weather needs to behave

Now we just need the weather to behave. May has been very wet and cold. Many of the plants I would expect to be out are still stubbornly in bud. The peonies are at least four weeks behind schedule.

Slugs are threatening the dahlias

The dahlias are putting in an appearance but if they don’t get a move on the voracious slugs will eat every shoot. The first shoots of the creamy Café au Lait are showing but they need some sun to give them a boost. I’m hoping to have some warmer and drier weather soon.

Something to smile about

The hemerocallis or day lilies are reluctant to show their faces. However, once they start to grow they will be worth the wait. Frans Hals has gorgeous apricot yellow and red flowers which will cheer you up however miserable the weather. Big Smile will do what it says with its lovely maroon throated petals.

Lupins give colour

Lupins give colour to every garden. Desert Sun is a rich, custard-yellow. Salmon Star is a coppery orange. Masterpiece is a rich purple with orange flecks. Persian Slipper is a dainty lagoon blue with a white speck. And Rachel de Thame is a luscious pink. Lupins really do come in every colour.

Gardening tips – Cut back the foliage of daffodils, tulips and other flowering bulbs if it has completely died down. Plant summer bedding and geraniums for colourful displays through to autumn. You can still plant lupins too!

#colour #lupins #geraniums #hemerocallis #dahlia #plants

Lupins ready!

Posted on 4th May 202122nd November 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

The garden has burst into life

The garden has burst into life. Birds are pairing up. The dawn chorus is a symphony of song. There are new green leaves on the trees and hedges. Blossom season is in full swing. Daffodils have given way to tulips. The first lily of the valley is in bud.

And, we are nearly out of lockdown. What’s not to like?

Cautious optimism

As we come out of lockdown, I am cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. We will all still face challenges. For the first time for many years West Country Nurseries won’t be at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The organisers have moved it to September. I can’t delay my lupins for that long. The lupin choir will have sung its heart out by July. I am really sorry to be missing it. I love meeting customers face to face and sharing my passion for plants with them

Clematis are flowering

My garden is really colourful. The clematis are flowering like mad. My favourite though, is Armandii which has wonderfully fragrant white flowers. The perfume from them is really powerful. Armandii Apple Blossom which has pink flowers and vigorous mahogany-red twining shoots is also worth a look.

Lupins are on their way

More importantly the lupins are putting in an appearance. They are a joy to see. Lupins add structure and colour to any garden. They always make me smile.

This year I am growing Beefeater, Magic Lantern and Snow Queen. You can grow tree lupins from seeds. They can be sown anytime between February and September for flowers the following year. Lupins also come as individual 9cm pots if you want flowers this year. Whatever your level of gardening we can help.

Lupinus ‘Beefeater’ with ‘Persian Slipper in the background

Greenhouse is full

In the greenhouse I have row upon row of seedlings. Planting from seed is always a gamble. Sometimes I get many more plants than I need – does anyone need a spare cucumber? And there’s always something that doesn’t come up. My chillies and peppers are yet to make an appearance, but I live in hope.

Very dry

We have had a very dry April. The sun has shone, and we have had perfect blue skies. This means I have had to water more than usual. But that is changing. We have had 24 hours of solid gentle rain. This is perfect for gardens. Enough water to make a difference. Not so much it washes the soil away.

Gardening tips

Water young plants daily. Dead head spring bulbs once they have stopped flowering but do not cut back their leaves. Harden off tender plants. Once the danger of frost is over transplant vegetables and flowers from the cold frame or greenhouse into their final spots in the garden.

#colour #clematis #lupins #summer #gardens #seeds #shows #scent #planting #bulbs #gardens #flowers #leaves #daffodils #Chelsea #dry

Release…..

Posted on 27th March 202118th November 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

One year on

It’s a year since we were locked down for the first time. No-one could have guessed that 12 months later we would still be subject to draconian restrictions. At least they are beginning to lift – although why is it forecast to rain the first day, I am allowed to visit my neighbour’s garden?

Looking forward to going to the pub

In a couple of weeks we will be able to sit outside in the pub and in just over a month we will be able to have a meal inside. I have already booked my table. That’s something to look forward to.

As I sow my seeds and swap seedlings with friends, we are all grateful for the relief gardening has given us over the last year.

Watching things grow

Even those who had never aspired to green fingers took pleasure from seeing things grow. A window box full of herbs or a splendid display of lupins and delphiniums in the herbaceous border. It didn’t matter. It gave us something to do.

Lots to be done

There’s plenty to be done now. Easter weekend is when I start sowing this year’s flowers and vegetables in the greenhouse. It is unheated so I can’t start any earlier. However, this year I have experimented with starting a few off indoors near the aga. I want them to have a head start. They have germinated but I am worried they are growing too fast and will become leggy. Watch this space.

Take time to relax

Although this is a busy time for gardening. It is also important to take time to relax. Sit in the spring sunshine with a cup of tea. Enjoy the fruits of your labours. Listen to the birds. Enjoy the warmth of the early spring sunshine.

My garden is coming alive. Leucojum have the most wonderful scent. They are complemented by crocuses, daffodils and tulips.

Old favourites are back

I am always pleasantly surprised when old favourites start to emerge.

Among the first after the flowering bulbs are the anemones. If you want something different plant Virescens which has a carpet of green flowers.

Plants are budding

The geums are also budding. I look forward to seeing Mai Tai which has gorgeous apricot blooms on red stems.

Happy bees

Spring flowers have been replaced by clematis. My clematis armandii Apple Blossom is full of blush pink flowers. It is buzzing with happy bees.

Still open for business

We are still sending out plants and can provide cheer over the coming months by brightening up your gardens.

Plants I would recommend include Lupinus Gladiator is a stunning orange and yellow. It contrasts beautifully with the white Polar Princess.

Gardening tips

Sow vegetable and annual seeds in your greenhouse. Plant new perennials for spring and summer colour. Water plants which have been dormant in the greenhouse over winter, to stimulate new growth. Give the grass a first cut if you haven’t already done so, but keep the blades high.

#clematis #geum #lupins #daffodils #colour #bulbs #spring #seeds #garden #Easter #flowers

Strange times

Posted on 23rd February 202121st October 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

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