News & tips RSS

I had expected this newsletter to announce the much-anticipated arrival of summer bulbs - unfortunately it seems I missed the ordering window - which is two or so months before you plant them. That’s how the bulb buying season works apparently. However, that means that it's not too long before I need to order next year’s spring bulbs in January. I will keep you updated on when they will be ready to order.

The Niwa scientists have announced that we are in the midst of a marine heatwave. A warm sea so early is a portent of a hot summer. How hot is anyone's guess but forewarned is forearmed.

I notice the change of season not by the thermometer but by light and air. I know spring is here when the sunlight is clearer, like looking out a freshly cleaned window; and the air is warmer but still fresh. This week, up here in the north I think spring arrived. And with the arrival of spring there is a whole new list of garden jobs!

There isn’t much I don’t enjoy about winter. The often inclement weather provides a ready excuse not to venture out into the garden (for all those pesky tidying chores) or anywhere you would rather not; cooking is so much more enjoyable when it’s cold and the air on a fine winter’s day is crisp and sweet.

Winter has announced its arrival with frosty mornings and chilly evenings and you know what the start of winter marks - seed potato season and that is surely something to celebrate!