Reaching March seems like a milestone. Especially this year. The brighter and longer days are welcome, and by generous synchronicity, my energy is matched by my task list. The soil is warming up and growth is rapid but still the garden is only just waking from the winter slumber so floral treasures are still very much coveted.
I am absolutely thrilled with the success of our seed sowing so far this year. We’ve really honed our technique and system over the last 6 years. It’s our own patented style but it works for us and our facilities. I am hoping for some really lovely varieties and flowers this summer.
I ran a Seed Sow Along Class on Saturday. Participants sowed seeds from the pack I’d sent ahead and we went through our Seed Sowing 101 together. It was a enjoyable way to spend the first day of Spring and felt really successful. I think I will be running a few more of these grow alongs.
We have reached a transplanting window according to the Biodynamic Calendar and the weather is favourable so we plan planting out most of the autumn sown hardy annuals, splitting perrenials and rejigging any of the beds and borders that need attention. We will also bring out dahlias out to split and pot up. I am really enjoying this new found structure and discipline in our work. I was just saying yesterday how overwhelming it could be, simply walking through the plots and mentally noting all the jobs that awaited my time and attention. Last week I could concentrate writing, cutting and photographing safe in the knowledge that I was doing good by not working on the garden. Grow by the calendar and give up the guilt!
The hellebores this week were absolutely next level stuff. They had been flowering since January, but it is worth waiting to cut them, not only to enjoy the maximum display, but they will hold up in a vase once the first flowers mature to seed.
The final dark hellebores were sent out last week for the ‘Year of Flowers’ subscribers.
We also sent out the footed bowls made by Kate Spencer. I think this delivery was the best yet. But then I say that every time!
I don’t often think of March flowers being so dark and moody but they can be! Is it the end of the winter and beginning of spring?
But then March is also this!
Next week we are back on the plots with small outdoor growing classes and next month we enter our flower season proper and the abundance of ranunculus and biennials explode into bloom. It’s all to play for!
It’s really interesting to see how your seeds are coming on - it gives me a level to aim for. I love hearing what you’re up to as it gives me guidance as to what’s next. It great learning what’s happening in your garden. Brilliant.
Oh Anna, I could look at the photos in your newsletter for hours on end - those brooding colours and the cosiness of the seed sorting photo all evoke such feelings! So glad your new way of gardening is working so well for you - would love a chat about it at some point. Love the idea of guilt free weeks to focus on other things!! Hope to catch up soon, Melissa x
This is really wonderful to see! I've had my fill of flower catalogues this year, now I'm ready for the real thing! Looking forward to being inspired in your beautiful garden!