Hello Blossom

 

 

Once the blossom bursts into life and is dripping from the trees it begins to feel as though the spring has really hit its stride and is starting to mean business.  The early season bulbs; snowdrops, followed by the daffs and tulips have really

given of their best and are beginning to look decidedly lack lustre and then all of a sudden the trees burst into life and suddenly:

 

 

      It’s all whey hey hey,

Summer’s really on the way

 

 

This is the time that the first trays of tender young bedding plants start to appear in the shops. 

 

Tempting, I know

 

But you must

Resist

Resist

Resist

Unless you have a greenhouse, conservatory or somewhere to protect them under glass, they’re so vulnerable and it’s never a good idea to snatch them up too early and risk an unwelcome late harsh frost.

 

 

 

 

 

Another good reason to hold back is that as the weeks go on they’ll be a lot more variety and choice everywhere. 

So it's probably just as well to keep your powder dry in these early weeks before you’re ready to plant out.

 

I used always to make a point to have everything ready and raring to go on Cup Final Day.  This was the perfect day to plant out bedding and containers.  The garden centres were usually quite quiet during the morning and later with everyone inside, glued to the footy, there was always a deliciously tranquil atmosphere of calm spread across the afternoon in the warming May sunshine when it was absolute heaven to potter about among packages of compost and delightful little daisies smiling happily as they’re potted up all ready to give of their best all summer long. 

 

 

 

One thing you could be getting on with though before you're ready to get going properly is to ensure that all your tubs are emptied of last year's detritus and any unwelcome guests which may be lurking so they (and you) are all ready and waiting for a new and stunning blaze of colour in the coming weeks.