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.

*****

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.

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.

*********

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

**********

It does snow in Cornwall after all!

The tracery in the foreground is Rosa paulii

Here is the same rose plant last summer:

*****

Gardening Talks by The Garden Lady

~

*****

Plants may be ordered in advance for collection at any of the above talks.

A posy of Barnhaven Primroses

Barnhaven Primula "Marine Blue"

Barnhaven Primula "Paris 90"

Barnhaven Primula "Osiered Amber"

**********

Shows and Events 2008

Vicki will be at the following shows and plants ordered can be picked up from these venues by arrangement.

*****