SPRING DELIGHTS!

Hello, and welcome to the Crown Nursery blog.

A lovely shrub on the left - the Variegated Rhamnus.

Another superb plant on the left - the Cornelian Cherry.

Ah, what a lovely time of year - the birds are singing, the staff are singing - the sun's out. It's the beginning of spring - yes, I know there is still plenty of time for more cold weather, but the plants just cannot wait any longer!!

They have had a lot to put up with since the turn of the year - frozen solid in their pots, covered in snow, blown over by gale-force winds - but now they are budding up - ready for that great explosion of growth.

There are so many items that are looking good, it is difficult to know where to start, but the Cornelian Cherry is one shrub that is always overlooked. Masses of yellow flowers now coming out, and the added bonus of edible cherry-like fruits later on in the summer.

Many of the trees are now starting into growth - particularly the lovely Prunus. One of my favourites at this time of year - just beginning to make a show is 'Okame'. A lovely tree - ideal for a small garden, heaps of flowers - often described as a carmine-pink. Sounds shocking, but at this time of year on the leafless stems, it actually just looks superb.

Another cracking shrub, with great foliage all year- but particularly so in early spring is the variegated Rhamnus. A neglected and seldom seen plant, but when it get's it's little brown flowers on in the spring, it is beautiful.

It's a wonderful time of year - the soil is in perfect condition for planting - get out there!!

Until next time,

Richard