April 27th

Delicate April blossom is such a joy to behold

It’s blossom time and three trees in particular are laden with blooms and looking stunning.  In the orchard Malus ‘Princeton Cardinal’ is covered in deep pink, scented flowers and, being planted next to the hives, it’s the first port of call for bees.  In the back garden, Prunus ‘Shirotae’ has beautiful semi-double flowers and is also a favourite with bees, while by the front gate is Amelanchier lamarckii.  Its blossom is fleeting but treasured for that very reason.

A job I’ve put off for months is clearing a flowerbed of couch grass.  I’m sure I’ve missed some, but I’ll have to keep digging it out as soon as I spot it.  I took out all the plants beforehand, so now I can replant them, along with some I bought last autumn – hemerocallis, lupins, penstemons and salvia, along with dahlias which are currently starting into growth in the greenhouse.

First early potato ‘Rocket’ has been planted in the vegetable garden, spinach seeds have germinated along with broad beans, and I’ve just completed sowings of ‘Salad Bowl’ lettuce, turnip, beetroot, carrot and spring onion.   In another bed, strawberries ‘Royal Sovereign’ and ‘Cambridge  Favourite’ are in.

I’ve just had to move a rose into a new pot, but did so very carefully!  A close encounter with another rose a few days ago resulted in a swollen arm, a trip to the doctor, antibiotics and a tetanus jab for good measure!  I’ll treat the roses with more respect from now on!

My Highlight

Watching a pair of long-tailed tits flying into a juniper bush with beaks full of nexting material.