Jackdaw Chatter - The Quarterly Magazine about Stow-cum-Quy

Hello from Darwin Nurseries
Hello again. I hope you are all well and enjoying the weather we have been having, not sure if I have to put on a jumper or sun cream as the days seem to change like the wind.
We have had a very busy spring here at the nurseries what with our summer bedding campaign and our vegetable plots that need planting, the days have flown by. We have had a new polytunnel built and done away with two but the new one has sides that roll up so we will be growing vegetables in there; hopefully the rabbits will not be able to munch on our succulent plants.
Our hanging baskets have been ever so popular this year and we have made and sold hundreds. Please remember to water your baskets every day even when it has rained and to feed them every ten or so days, (miracle grow or the like).
We have held a couple of demonstrations and workshops this year that were well attended and after Caroline gave a talk (I learn something new every time) I gave a demonstration on the making of a basket. The ladies from the Quy W I attended one evening and it was great to have you all here ladies; you will be very welcome if you would like to return in the future.
Some good news is that by the time that this issue of Jackdaw Chatter is released we will have our meat chiller fully stocked so we will be selling sausages and bacon, gammon and scotch eggs to name but a few things. Caroline has sourced a good supplier and we will have all you need for a cooked breakfast or roast dinner, can’t be bad.
When I wrote in the last issue I was on a sponsored diet for the Air Ambulance. Well I have 5lb to go and I will have lost four stone, I feel so much better now and I have to say a big thank you to two people; firstly to Carole who is the consultant for East Barnwell slimming world (which I joined and I’d recommend it to all who wish to lose a bit of weight). Carole has been a great help with information and tips as well as running a pleasant Wednesday group which Lorraine. I have made so many new friends. Secondly Lorraine herself, who has supported me by joining as well and she has lost one stone. I have never been on a diet where I am not hungry so it’s a win, win for the Air Ambulance and for me.
The wild life has been really good here too. We have had a pair of Lapwings nest as well as Partridge, so things are on the up. Blackbirds nesting in the sheds, Robins in our home-made nest boxes and an abundance of blue tits and great tits. I really think Spring is my favourite season, as everything bursts into life and the early morning chorus is heavenly. Sadly I have not heard a cuckoo this year even though I know they are around; - perhaps next year.
My plant of the month is good old Lavender, it’s so easy to look after and the smell is perfect (well for some) I usually rub lavender and mint in my hands and then breathe the aroma in, this really helps clear my sinuses as well as relaxing me -what a nice start or end to the day.
Well that’s about all for now but remember, be happy in horticulture.

Till next time

Mark Cornell

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