April's Simple Pleasures of Growing

If you're like us, which I suspect a number of people that read this blog are, you're sowing and growing plants at this time of year, ad infinitum (well for these spring months anyway). And as we go through the cycle of sowing and growing plants for the year ahead, the inevitable happens - we run out of space. Well, this saturation point has happened here, and with the spring being so wet and windy, the end is not quite yet in sight for this conundrum. So there has been discussions and tentative actions on hardening off plants, as they transition from the growhouses to outside, protecting from those nighttime cold winds and frosts, and of course to maximising the limited space we have here for doing this. 

 

The reality is that if plants were to be moved straight out this month, with nighttime temperatures between zero and five or seven degrees Celsius, the plants would not last, particularly the more tender ones, or seedlings, that have not yet been hardend off. So, we will persist for a couple of more weeks with the hardening off of these jewels that are on the cusp of being ready, in anticipation of the wonderful show of flowers, foliage and interest they promise. 

On the social media front, after a nice winter break, over the course of the month of April I've been posting 15 second or so daily reels and shorts to Instagram and YouTube, capturing the changes in colour and plant selection as we transition from the spring selection to what will become our summer show in the courtyard. Doing the daily short clips is quite interesting, as even in a small space like the courtyard, there is so much happening. The joy of seeing the first leaves unfurl, buds breaking into leaf and flowers emerging never gets old. Of course I do continue to do my weekly YouTube update, which provides not only the overview of the courtyard, but some deeper insights and tips on what we are doing, why and how, in my typical Horti Hugh way. 

Mind you, we can't wait for the spring warmth to kick in either, feeling the gentle breeze on the skin as the sun works its magic is such a treat as we put our hands into the warmed soil. Of course with the annuals, perennials and shrubs coming along very nicely, we look forward to seeing and encouraging more bees and other insect activity too. We do continue to get our inspiration from trips to gardening spaces; and speaking of, a trip to the Botanic Gardens and seeing what they do in their production/ vegetable garden this year is due.  

The early rhubarb in the potager over at the allotments is worth another mention. It's reached waist height with a bunch of it being harvested already. Amazing really considering the weather, but they seem to carry on regardless ... come the autumn time, they'll get a good mulching of some lovely rich manure as a reward. 

As spring reveals itself this year, I am once again reminded of the joy and fulfillment that comes from nurturing the soil and reaping its rewards. So here's to more seasons of happy gardening ahead filled with laughter, learning, and the simple pleasures of sowing and growing. 

All the best for now, happy gardening, 

Horti hugh