We have had no rain for a month. This would be unusual at any time in England, but surely unheard of in April, in the north west. Fortunately for us, although the surface soil is very dry, we must have a fairly high water table, or perhaps the winter rain is still being drawn back up, because the soil is moist an inch or two below the surface. The established plants in the garden still look quite happy. Just as well we have had no time for fresh planting, or these would be really struggling.

But keeping the nursery pots moist is another story – I’ve never been one for keeping plants in pots, truth be told, and now I have 15,000 to manage with no rain and perpetual drying breezy sunshine. But last year they had April ice and snow to contend with. I know that I have the lesser problem.

Two more plants looking wonderful today:
This pretty double primula has the faintest white frosting on the petal edges. Well spotted, Mum.

A close up of Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ just bursting into leaf and flower. The contrast between the red stems and the pale greenish white of the leaves is just stunning.

April 18, 2007