Was beginning to wonder if it would ever come. All the plants are so late in flowering, and now I suppose they’ll all appear in a bunch. Have been watching the bees on the primroses, pulmonarias and apricot blossom, they buzz round quickly because they’ve been there before. Must plant some really early flowers for them: mahonia, pussy willows, flowering currants and crocuses are all bee magnets.
My broody has been promised, so am getting her quarters ready. Since there are no other occupants, a cardboard box within the main house, lined with paper and dried moss is ideal. Will make sure mum has been dusted, because there can be nothing worse than having to sit still for three weeks, itching. I can’t wait: spring doesn’t seem the same without hens scratching about.
Waiting till May to bring out tender plants like salvias, and to plant zinnias and most veg, though I have rows of salad seedlings under tunnel cloches. First pickings of rhubarb and buckler-leaved sorrel – sharp and tangy, and am watching my fruit trees blossom one by one: cherry plum, apricot, pear, damson, quince, cherries and apples, when the bees will be very welcome.
Lovely to work in the garden again, and am starting at the Abbey Physic Garden in Faversham occasionally helping. After a great year volunteering at Great Comp, decided to pick somewhere nearer home, though will re-appear there for their Hens Gardens event on June 21st. Don’t forget the Hen Party at Benenden on May 16th as well. Hope to see you there.