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Roses in May
Many of the species roses are
looking good now. Examples include:
Rosa xanthina 'Canary Bird'

Rosa banksiae lutea ~ a
thornless, evergreen, vigorous climber for a sheltered and sunny spot.

Rosa pimpinellifolia 'Altaica'
~ A useful healthy shrub. Flowers creamy white
large and beautiful with golden stamens. Shiny maroon-black hips
like polished mahogany in the Autumn.

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Barnhaven Primroses

These beautiful and vigorous
primroses have a fascinating history.
The first ones were developed by
Florence Bellis in Oregon, USA in the early 20th century. Her collection
was passed to Jared and Sylvia Sinclair in this country in 1966. The
Sinclairs eventually passed on their stock of seeds to Angela and Keith
Bradford in 1990 who moved the collection to Brittany, France. In 2000
they in turn passed the collection to Lynne and David Lawson, who also
live in France.

Throughout this time the plants have
been hand pollinated to maintain pure lines and also to develop new
strains, many of them with a delightful fragrance.

Many of these plants are now raised
here at Godolphin Hill Nursery from seed obtained from Lynne and David.
The plants seem to thoroughly enjoy conditions here in the South West.

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Nursery Opening
If you are in the area and would
like to visit, click here for times of opening
and details of how to get here.
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Snowdrops in our garden
Spring Grass Repair
Spring is a good time to repair damaged or
sparse grass. Hopefully there will be a decent amount of rain and cooler
temperatures before the summer heat sets in. Grass will sprout and grow
better in the spring, as opposed to summertime.
First check the situation out and decide what is causing the grass to
grow poorly or in some cases not at all. Is the soil compacted? Does the
area become waterlogged? Have weeds taken over (usually a sign that the
soil condition is poor)? These are some possibilities of a poor lawn.
Correct the problem before you waste your time and money on new grass
seed. If the soil is compacted loosen it with a hard rake or a fork.
Better yet aerate the compacted soil. Add some good topsoil or compost to
the loosened soil. Remove stones or other debris. If weeds have taken
over then you will need to kill them but also remember that weeds will
move into an area that has poor soil. Some soil experts can identify the
condition of soil just by identifying the weeds present. If there is
little grass left to save a preferred method of killing weeds is flaming.
It is quick and non-toxic. Just pass over the weeds with a large propane
torch, you don't need to burn them completely. You will see dead weeds
the next day. Since it is non-toxic the soil will be suitable for new
seed.
Once the soil has been prepared spread grass seed. Select a type
suitable for the conditions, i.e. sunny mix or shady mix, heavy traffic,
etc. Be sure to water the area gently, don't flood it or the seed may
wash away.
If your lawn is in fair condition but not as lush as you would like one
of the best corrections would be to spread a thin layer of compost
directly on top. Spread sifted compost over the entire area and rake and
water so it settles into the grass. This will feed the existing grass and
improve the condition of the soil. Sprinkle good quality grass seed over
the area to help it fill in quicker. Fertilizing is good for grass but
compost is even
better because it improves the soil and fights diseases; whereas
fertilizing only temporally feeds the grass instead of feeding the soil.
Don't mow your new grass until it is at least 3 inches high making sure
the blade on the mower is sharp so it won't damage the tender grass. Set
the blades high for the first few cuts. ********

Native primroses in the garden
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It does snow in Cornwall after all!
The tracery in the foreground is Rosa paulii
Here is the same rose plant last summer:

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Gardening Talks by The Garden Lady
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Thursday 21st February
Helston Garden Club
Plants to brighten Winter
Wednesday 18th June
St Enoder Garden Society
New Memorial Hall
Roses for Cornwall
Thursday 26th June
7.30 p.m.
Nanstallon Garden Club
Nanstallon Methodist Chapel
Herbs and Roses
Monday 3rd November
2.00 p.m.
Praa Sands Gardening Club
Praa Sands Community Centre
Plants and Soup to Brighten
a Winters Day
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Plants may be ordered in advance for collection at any
of the above talks.
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