Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Already 6 AM and I am supposed to be at the flower farm watering, digging plants, dividing and repotting. This time of year we are very busy and this year is no exception. We finished with the last of the new plants yesterday but do have two more shipments arriving Thursday and Friday. I don't like to have a lot going on during Mothers Day weekend because people are out and about and usually have lots of questions but freight companies send shipments when trucks are full now so your choice on arrival times is slim to "here it comes".
Gail and I bought in a number of perennials to line out in the gardens for use as cut flowers and also for direct sale to customers as the plants mature. The stock all looked quite good and should make for more interesting bouquets come July. The caveat is I have to keep things watered well as Mother Nature is not helping well in the east. Up top I have pictured Savlia nemorosa Caradonna, a meadow sage I really like. I have 72 to line out today and have to get some of the two-three year old plants potted.
I planted Aconitum Napellus, a nice monkshood (also very poisonous, so don't eat any!!), Helianthus Lemon Queen, a 5 foot sunflower type and Campanula Border Blue. Blues and pale yellows work well together and these all hold up well when cut. I lined out a row of Achillea Summer Wine. Yes, this is a yarrow but it holds up forever in arrangements and adds a different texture. I planted three sneezeweeds--funny name for Helenium-- for August bloom and I am trying a couple astrantias and an Anchusa Loddon Royalist. Most of these are planted over by the river so if you come visit, ask and we'll point out where so you can see how they are doing.
A fishing boat is bouncing along the road heading to Peacham Pond and Karl the Wonder Dog is all upset with the sound. I ran into summer pond neighbor Chuck yesterday at the recycling center and he reported seeing his first bear of the year. He said it would probably go 350 pounds but if it is the one that I am thinking of, it's actually larger than that. I haven't see the old boar for a couple years but he is a beautiful animal that is quick to bring about a "Wow, look at that one".
Gotta scoot but would love to have you stop by soon and give me a break from planting, dividing and potting. I think Gail would spare me a few minutes for a chat.
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
On Facebook as Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens and also as George Africa
On Twitter as vtflowerfarm
At VFF we're always here to help you grow your green thumb!
2 comments:
Been waiting all winter for your opening day! Your cutting garden sounds wonderful. We've been keeping an eye out for our first bear sighting too, sounds like they're finally getting around. I hope you have a great season!
Been waiting all winter for your opening day! Your cutting garden sounds wonderful. We've been keeping an eye out for our first bear sighting too, sounds like they're finally getting around. I hope you have a great season!
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