Snippets of Spring 19.04.2015

Until I developed this hobby, I didn't care much for spring. It was an annoying season which brought on hayfever, pollen I was allergic to, etc. Now, however, I find something to get excited about every day. How fast a tulip can bloom, some seedlings can grow. It seems so simple, but one single seed has what it takes to produce an amazing result of nature, and we shouldn't take that for granted. Since growing my flowers and veg from seed, it has changed my perspective on a couple of things; living in the moment is more important than wishing the days away until the weekend, until the next holiday. In a way, it has helped me take a decision that I will delve into closer to the time.

For now, however, here are some snaps that I really, really like.

Rudbeckia, scabiosa and dianthus that I pricked out and potted on. Some will stay, but a couple will be for friends. No more info in case they are reading!

Double tulip. They have become one of my favourite flowers.

 Hyacinths. They have got so heave I have had to stake them!

Some nice, traditional daffodils

Loving the contrast between the brick and the muscari.

Felt a bit let down by the narcissus at first as the flowers are tiny! But I have grown to love them.

My father-in-law gave me this hydrangea last winter, it has started to grow! If you know what that grassy plant is, do let me know. There are clumps all over the garden.

After the initial shock of being outside, the sweet peas have started growing up the wigwam (or, teepee, as I like to call it). I did have to loosely tie them to the structure as they were too short and floppy at first and I had noticed some snail nibbles!!

The diantus is looking promising.

And the violas are still quite happy.

I bought these winter pansies in, well, winter. They had grown a little leggy and bare and was about to through them out when I noticed there was new growth. So I pruned them, took them out of the pot they were in (where salad leaves now live) and I now have them in the greenhouse chilling for a little while until they look healthy again to go out and play. 

Finally, we have one of the two M&S daisy buckets I bought a month or so ago. It sure is looking promising.