THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY

Hello - a very changeable week on the weather front. Predicting the weather from day to day this week has been as difficult as predicting last night's General Election result! Whether you could say we have a 'hung' weather pattern at the moment I am not sure!!

At times, it has felt more like March here at the nursery - the wind has swung round to the North-East, and is blowing off somewhere very cold - there is a real chill in the air! On the plus side though, most of us have seen some much-needed rainfall - I say most of us - because some people have had three times the amount others have - so again very variable.

A busy week though - a lot of potting on and propagation of shrubs from cuttings has gone on. This will lead - hopefully - to some very fine plants for later on in the year.

We are now sold out of ASPARAGUS - so if you were still hoping to get some planted this spring - then I am afraid you are too late!!

However - the sales area where the ASPARAGUS was, has now been changed for a nice little display of HERBS. These plants remain ever popular - grasses and perennials come and go - but herbs seem to hold their own. The beauty of SCENTED FOLIAGE and culinary use as well - means there is a lot to be said for these plants. Most of them are only small or compact - and fit very well into small spaces - so ideal for patio pots and planters.

From the larger shrubby items such as ROSEMARY and LAVENDER to the sub-shrubs such as SAGE - there is much to enjoy about this group of plants.

Many people adore the smaller THYMES that creep along the ground - those such as the LEMON THYME are just smashing when their leaves are crushed. Combine those with OREGANO or CHIVES and you have a winning combination!

Another highlight of this week was our course - SPRING IN YOUR GARDEN. Five keen gardeners came on a bright but blustery day to learn about those little tips and tricks of the trade that can keep your garden looking good at this busy time of the year.

Next week will see the preparation for the SUFFOLK SHOW stands step up a gear. There is already much stock allocated - but with only 3 or so weeks to go - much planning will begin to materialise into plants - hopefully!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

RICHARD