As the flowers of the 2023 season begin to slow with the shorter days, this time of year signals the start of preparations for early blooms in the Spring of 2024. I often have to explain to non-growers that growing is like being a time traveller, (although sadly not as exciting as being Marty Mcfly in Back To The Future!) What I mean is ….I am obviously acting in the present but my mind will often be working at least 6 months into the future. This may seem a confusing concept but whatever is happening in the field at this current moment has been planned and planted for months and once the crop is in full flow I need to be thinking of the flowing season. It can I admit become a bit confusing when you are new to growing, to think this far in advance. I can’t think that you would stock your kitchen cupboards 6 months in advance and have to live with your choices I still find it daunting now and Ive just realised I’ve been working in horticulture for 15 years!. This process is a constant cycle, because if you forget to, for example, order your favourite Tulip bulbs, sow your Biennials in time, or don’t get your first successions established before winter. It can mean a flower shortfall months down the line.
I hope that hasn’t brought on a cold sweat of panic, dont worry part, of the reason you Subscribe to these articles is so I can help guide you through the growing season. That being the case this month’s Substack focuses on preparations for Spring flowers and 2 Varieties in Particular which seem to be popular with everyone!, a big claim but I’ve never met anyone who dislikes Ranunculus or Anemone.
That being said I have met lots of people who say “I love them but I can’t grow them”.
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