The weather during the second half of March will be remembered for record high temperatures but the frosty nights then and in early April restricted plant growth and damaged plants and fruit blossom. Despite lovely displays of blossom on the Cherries and Plum trees, we fear the frost may mean we get very little fruit this year. However, spells of rain in April have provided the moisture needed for plant growth.

Delphinium seedlings raised from our hand-crossed seed have been being pricked out into 9cm pots and are making steady progress, as seen in the left hand picture above. The central picture shows mature plants of named delphiniums now growing vigorously after recent rain. Hopefully, in June these will provide blooms for exhibiting and flowers that can be hand pollinated to produce more seeds for next year. Several American delphinium species in pots in cold frames are now growing rapidly and producing flower buds and should provide a colourful display in the coming weeks. The first delphinium to bloom in the flower borders should be a lonely plant of another American species, Delphinium trollifolium. The developing flower spike is seen in the right hand picture but, having survived frosts of -12 C in March, the flower stem looked unhappy after the temperature plunged overnight to -5 C in mid April.

We see Roe deer nearly every day and baby rabbits have reappeared so we hope they stay out of the fenced areas of our garden. However, we have to protect trays of delphinium seedlings against damage caused by field mice and voles. In the garden borders there is a great deal to do, both in controlling weeds and adding fertiliser. It will also soon be essential to provide support for the growing flower stems of our many delphiniums.

OUR BOOK

"Delphiniums" by David and Shirley Bassett

ISBN (13digit) 9780713490022

was published in the UK in November 2006 by Batsford, an imprint of Anova Books Company Ltd.

It can be ordered direct from the publisher at their website: www.anovabooks.com

In North America the book is published by Timber Press and can be ordered from their website: www.timberpress.com

Alternatively, try other booksellers, eg Amazon