April has brought further pleasant sunshine but very little rain. Like the farmers, gardeners are already grumbling about the impact on their fields and plots. ‘’I thought rain was forecast this week” a Risborough friend remarked, “but now I’ve had to get the hose out and it’s not even summer!”
In my last blog I mentioned that I’d had small mushrooms growing amongst my cosmos seedlings in peat free compost. However, not to worry. I contacted the manufacturer ‘Melcourt’ and they said that it might happen with older compost but should not affect the seedlings. This I can confirm, as my cosmos seedlings are continuing to thrive as can be seen in the photo below.
Cosmos ‘Sonata’ Seedlings
Spring Flowers
Although euphorbias have a ‘bad name’ owing to their caustic sap, during spring they often give a striking display. This is especially true of Euphorbia Griffini ‘Firecracker’ which I bought from a Cornwall nursery and planted in an old chimney pot. The nursery owner said it prefers moist soil, so I pour a bucket of water down the chimney regularly!
Euphorbia Griffini ‘Firecracker’
RHS Members Seed Scheme
Being a member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has many benefits, including the opportunity to buy seeds harvested from RHS Wisley and other RHS Gardens. Last year members could choose up to 15 different seed packets for £10. I’ve used the scheme for several years and it enables you to try out unusual plant seeds and stock your garden at a reasonable cost. Albeit, you need to be patient and allow several years for many herbaceous perennials to mature.
Finally, some jobs in late Spring.
1. Keep weeding, a little and often
2. If you have planted potatoes, earth them up as foliage appears, especially if late frosts are predicted.
3. Dead head daffodils.
4. Lightly prune penstemons and perennial salvias as the weather warms.
5. Divide hardy perennials and re-pot some to replant in your garden or to donate to a garden club plant sale.
Comments