#Heale Veg a go go

Amazing weather we are having right now, warm for April some say. I think we always seem to get drawn into thinking Summer is here and then-bam-it turns cold again. Every year I tell myself that and every year I get excited with the warmth and get my sandals out!

All this heat has brought everything on. The Greenhouse was over 30 deg on Thursday at Heale and HG took time to cool glass it all to keep the temperature down. It sure does help. A solution which looks white and goes on with water. It dries on the glass and doesn't get washed off with the rain. Yet, when you want it gone, you just wash it off with water. Cool - literally.

Potting on, pricking out, plant Jenga goes on. This week, Tomatoes were potted into their 10 litre final homes and tied into canes. Some Chillies have also been re-housed.

Planting into the veg garden we are experimenting with our Cucumbers and getting them out early under cloche. We planted more Salad and a purple leaf - Perilla -which oddly tastes of Cumin. We shall see what it ends up like. It looks like a Basil and is rather floppy when handled.

When in the veg garden, it is really easy to be head down and you can forget about the wider context of the garden. Across towards the Japanese garden, the view right now is glorious. Blossoms are out, Tulips up, grass growing and Birds darting and Bees buzzing about. The Ducks are sometimes sitting near me having a rest, whilst I work, taking a break from their nests.

Trees come into their own this time of year. Fat buds waiting to burst before leaf unfurls. One I noticed as I walked by yesterday was the Norway Maple 'Crimson King' which has a pretty yellow and red at the moment.

Amalanchiers sit across the River and look very delicate in flower, I was drawn to these.

Some of the long grass in the garden has a short path cut into it, my favorite type of grass cutting! I love this meadow style. Something from my childhood I think walking across fields for much of my youth.

How could I forget to mention that we had a visit from the West Dean Gardeners this week! Sarah and Jim and very nice it was to meet them in the flesh too. Twitter has the amazing ability of bringing people together.

I worked for another client this week and was in her Greenhouse the whole time. Potting up, pricking out, tidying, watering, sorting. Heaven.

I am off to see a different type of garden this week. I go to the Amalfi coast and take a break from Wiltshire soil. I am hoping to make it to Capri to see a garden in Anacapri atop a hill with views out to sea. And the Sorrento lemon groves too.

Will keep you posted. Happy gardening all.

Blossom and blooms

It has been intermittent gardening for me due to Easter and two small boys being around but on it goes, nature charging on regardless of time.

We have had glorious sunshine for the start of April and everything is responding with gusto. The soil is now warm enough to direct sow and this is plainly evident from all the weeds that are now germinating in the veg garden! Magnolias are out and blossoms are on their way. I walked past the Prunus 'shirotae' in the veg garden at Heale several times during my two days there. It seemed to change within hours, tight bud to flower in 48 hours. My only thought is that it may all be over by the time I get to work next week! A beautiful tree which signals the beginning of growing for me at Heale.

Lathyrus -Sweet peas have been planted out this week to our prepared soil and canes. Nine varieties including names such as Cream of Southbourne and Chatsworth. A real treat to come. We planted over 150 wee plants!

Seeds have been sown for cut flowers  Borage, Calendula, Nasturtium - all collected last season by HG and lovingly stored for this time of year. Four types of Carrot have gone in next to the Beets which are showing their tiny leaves. Direct sown Peas are popping up and Asparagus spears are on their way - not long til cropping. We planted out healthy Broccoli plants and netted them this week too.

The owner at Heale had ordered some Quince trees this week and wanted them planted so we did that, removing turf, cultivating the soil free from rock and stone, then staking the plant and feeding the roots with bonemeal. Each planting is a reminder for me of good practice in the garden, not to mention how many tools you need for what seems like such a simple quick job! The right tool makes each job easier.

I have also been planting veg at another clients garden - on a smaller scale - and this re-enforces my work at Heale. The garden is secluded and peaceful with a relaxed feel. The owner is keen on veg and has some newly made raised beds to play with this season. Lots of borders to maintain too with many Hellebores at the moment.

Meanwhile my allotment struggles with neglect! I have sown some seeds and we are propagating at home. My intention to get there over the holidays have been not been realized but time will come when school returns. We have potatoes and onions in and Rhubarb is almost ready to pick.

Waking up to rain today I could breathe a sigh of relief. I planted Broad beans and Onions in another garden two or three weeks ago and have only watered them once. Thinking they might just fail, I know now they will be OK for another few days!

Lots to do and lots to come, the season is upon us and it is so so beautiful out there. Check out Magnolia 'Appollo' blooms and the Bee on this Ribes sanguineum 'Icicle'.

 A Hanging version of Cercidipyllum japonicum (pendulum) sits near the Japanese bridge at Heale, the new heart shaped leaf growth has a fine serrated edge.

 Corylopsis 'Spicata' reaches out across the river and has delicate, pale yellow, hanging flowers.

 Petasites is pushing up now along the river in the Japanese garden at Heale.

 One of my favourites - Skunk Cabbage - is showing off its glaring yellow -look at me, look at me!

 A joy to be out.