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April 2008 

Having had mild weather back in February now we seem to be having a
'blackthorn winter' as well as April showers! Be prepared for anything
would seem to be the best way. This afternoon the mixture of bright
sunshine before a real heavy downpour and a short spell of hail, seems
to set the pattern for the past few days. Day time temperatures are
fluctuating all over the place not good growing days at all. Night
time temperatures have been of -3'C for several nights on a run this
lack of a usual pattern is problematic to say the least! This time
last year Spring even Summer was upon us, out came the shorts and
sandals and it was a super month. But here in 2008 the final job of
the day involves alot of dashing about in the early evening covering
plants with fleece ( a very useful horticultural aid, where would we
be without it. ) Such is life when you have plants to look after, so
it's all part of the routine.
With April we enter the second quarter of the year and hardly realise
how fast it all goes. Time for mowing the grass and keeping ahead of
all those weeds. Is it too soon to tidy off last years growth from
Penstemon ? Well perhaps it would be a little premature as the weather
is a little on the chilly side at times, leave well alone for a little
longer. But the Grass Garden has been subjected to a major haircut,
all of the Miscanthus are now cut right down low. This is the rule
with deciduous grasses as all of the previous seasons growth is no
longer serving any purpose and the seed heads are now somewhat
bedraggled. So the overall look is rather shorn and severe but they
will get over it and the new growth will emerge. So there are lots of
things to do and how nice it is to feel the sun and be out working.
This month you can enjoy Plants in many parts of the country.
First of all the RHS Show in Vincent Square 15 & 16 th. If you live on
the more westerly side, then 18, 19 & 20 th are the dates for The
Cardiff Flower Show held in Bute Park and organised by The RHS.
Towards the end of the month 26 & 27 th brings a Flower Show to The
Isle of Wight and held at Robin Hill Country Park, Newport. So look
out for us at one of these. Happy Gardening !