Garden Goodies

More about that trip to the garden centre on Bank Holiday Monday. The forecast was good for Tuesday (and it was lovely!!) so it seemed a good idea to stock up a bit while we had the opportunity.

We don't go to the big, flash garden centre - it looks more like an oversized gift shop than a proper haven of all things horticultural - we go to the smaller family-owned version just next door. The plants are healthier generally and they do know what they're talking about!! We came away with all manner of what! Peat-free organic compost, a white water lily for the pond, two shrubs (a pink Hebe and a very pretty Japonica) four delphiniums, three blueberry bushes, three very sweet double primroses (also blue - getting a theme here?) and twelve strawberry plants. Oh! And a sweet little Doronicum called "Little Leo". Awwwww...

I bought two gorgeous blue strawberry pots last year and will give them a go this summer. I've heard mixed reports on yield in strawberry pots, but they're in a very sunny and sheltered position so they've go the best possible chance.

We also bought peas, broad beans, dwarf runners and quite a few packs of seed tape. Seed tape is a boon - I can heartily recommend it!! For a start you don't get the wastage that you get with ordinary thinning out so although it seems a more expensive option I believe it averages out. The tape also feeds the seedlings so last year we had rocket that growd like Topsy! I'm trying carrots too this year plus some basil, chives and coriander seed mats. We also have more patty pans and pumpkins - for the kids, of course!! I accidentally bought two lots of broad beans so I still need to buy peas! Tut!!!

I did manage to get all the plants in on Tuesday - my hip ached like crazy afterwards!!! - and this afternoon (and probably tomorrow too) I'll get Leo and maybe Saffie (?) to help me with sowing the seeds. I'm sure they'll lose interest after a while, but it'll still keep them entertained for an hour! This morning Chuck stomped fresh compost all over the bed - the little monkey's been digging in the freshly turned soil again!!! Grrrrrrr...