My gardening diary
MONDAY We managed to have a bonfire to burn our old hellebore leaves. There were four big trugs of them! Some gardeners are aghast at the prospect of losing all that greenery but if you leave the foliage, fungus disease and virus are far more likely to be spread.
TUESDAY The soil is just about warm enough to start planting the perennials we’ve been growing on in the tunnel. First among them is Thalictrum delavayi , that has produced such handsome plants from seed. Some gardeners prefer the double form, ‘Hewi ’s Double’, but I think the single is more gracious with its simple flowers and dangling stamens.
WEDNESDAY We haven’t been able to finish our mulching because the ground was so cold. Mulch acts as a blanket keeping moisture in and insulating the soil, but if it’s applied on cold, or worse, frozen ground it’ll ensure the earth stays cold.
THURSDAY There are a few huge clumps of hostas that really need to be split. It’s a monumental task for a small woman so, after two bowls of porridge and armed with the biggest, strongest fork and spade available, I lift them and chop out slices, replanting the mother plant with extra compost and moving the other pieces to places where we need more big leaves.
FRIDAY Within the perimeter of the garden that runs along the hedge is a strip of soil separated from the beds proper by old sleepers. This year we’re sowing wildflower seed on some of the bare ground. If it grows it’ll be a huge bonus for the bees and other pollinating insects.
SATURDAY Ge ing pots, trays and compost sorted out. We used to do all our po ing in the bo om shed but since we moved a po ing bench into the tunnel as well, we need to share between the two.
SUNDAY Excitement is starting to build about the year’s flower shows. Looking around the garden at Glebe Co age and seeing our hellebores beginning to fade, how on earth is Ashwood Nurseries going to stage a hellebore display at The Chelsea Flower Show? Watch this space!