Monty’s month
Climate change may be the biggest, darkest cloud on the world’s horizon but every cloud has silver linings and modern April is one of them. It has become one of the most glorious months of the year, radiant with light, and hope and new growth.
Last year we had 20 days of frost in April but that did not diminish its beauty in any way. It is a joy from first to last. By the middle of the month, the heated climate means that even at cold Longmeadow, situated halfway up the country on the Welsh border, most tulips are up and out and the hedges are prickled strongly with new leaves.
It also means that the early daffodils in pots have finished their earlier display and rather than leave the foliage to die slowly down in their terracotta pots, I like to transfer them ‘in the green’ to the borders in the Cottage garden. This bulks out the border display next year whilst also freeing up expensive pots for use.