By Pete Langford, The Barron Knights’ lead guitarist-vocalist and keen gardener.
It was tough to hear that thousands of garden centres and suppliers are having to close down along with many other businesses. To see on TV film of massive greenhouses full of plants to be sent out which are now to be destroyed must be so heart-breaking to the folks who spend their lives providing the best.
We had three days of very strong winds and I had no choice but to get ‘seeding up’ in the greenhouse. Luckily, I had purchased loads of fibre pots and my broad beans are peeping through already: also tomatoes for hanging baskets – and my favourite tomato is Tigerello with the faint stripes on are now seeded up.
I’m a big fan of Dahlias and Cosmos but I much prefer the dwarf versions and this year I am growing mixed colours as usual but also all yellow and all white. I love seeing a group all the same colour so I’m hoping it will look great. Lupins are always a big show here in my wild area and I saved seeds from a white one so they are now potted in the greenhouse. I do love sunflowers and I often stare for ages just watching the bees enjoy themselves. Last year, I was given a packet of Topolino seeds which did very well. I like to plant sunflowers always at the back of a strip, as they are the tallest of all.
At last a few buds have arrived on the fruit trees and they are looking so much better than last year: so, hopefully, a good crop is on the way. My new pear tree Bon Chretien is already showing beautiful blossom, and it’s very well protected so maybe a few pears could appear. Last year, I was so fed up with pigeons on the plum trees I decided to store old CDs and this year hang them on all the fruit trees – and not one pigeon has landed. I then found out that Monty Don does exactly the same, so I’m sure your readers were already doing same.
I have now seeded up in the raised beds, leeks, parsnips, and carrots. My wife did a chef’s course years ago and also spent a few months in the kitchens at the famous Paris House in the grounds of Woburn Abbey. She is a great cook and never stops trying new dishes, but one thing she tells me, and that is never to stop growing a certain carrot because of the taste. Its Chantenay….so a few rows are in!
I can’t remember at any time how well our daffodils and tulips have looked like this year, and it has to be because of the very wet winter we have had. They all look strong and sturdy,
Nature always plays a game with us.
Good gardening everyone and please stay safe and well.