Storm Clouds Gathering

Looking out of the window on this last day of April, I see yet another frost.

I wonder what is going on with our weather.

No frosts through December and January but they all come now, just when the magnolia, plum and damson trees are in blossom.

 Ironic or what!

In our greenhouses things go on a-pace with the ever present problem of space, exacerbated by the inability to put anything out, due to the cold. We`ve also had a lot of problems with mice. They`ve eaten French beans and trays of sunflowers before they have even germinated.

Steve has actually planted out the broad beans and they are surviving....they are fairly hardy.

But my sweetpeas are staying under cover. I can`t afford to lose any, having lost 142 already......scorched in the propagator whilst we were away at Easter.

We have the usual set-up for moving plants on but this year instead of fleece we have used mesh.

This makes watering much easier. The water goes through.

My petunia plugs are doing very well. They came from Gardening Direct.

Some are flowering in their pots.

But the busy lizzie plugs have taken their time to get going.

I sometimes wonder if they send them out a bit too early. They are notoriously delicate.

Some carriers are not too careful with the plant boxes.

The tomatoes also seem to have come to a stop. It`s just too cold.

Likewise cucumbers.....

After arriving home from Pashleigh Manor, having seen the display of Bloms tulips, we found my surprise package of plugs......yet more begonias. You pay £5 for a pack but it is pot luck what you receive.....it uses up the left-overs.

Luckily the day before I had found a double layer of square pots hidden under water trays, otherwise there would have been a potting on problem. Square pots are like gold dust in our garden at the moment......they are economic as far as compost is concerned.

In the garden the magnolia looked magnificent against the threatening skies....

......the brilliant irises are in bloom despite the cold....

......the viburnum knocks you out with its perfume...

......and storm clouds continued to gather for rain later.

It may be cold but the air has been crystal clear with incredible views to 

the White Cliffs of Dover.

I`m sure people living on Battery Hill will have seen France on such clear days.