The month of April is always very busy. The month of April is the start of the flower Shows when bearded iris are in flower. The short bearded iris, depending on the weather conditions, are in flower in April and by the end of the month Intermediate bearded iris are in flower. The increase in day time temperatures and longer days has resulted in a wonderful display of short bearded iris throughout April. Iris of Sissinghurst was able to show a wide range of short bearded iris at Shows hed at Brickhill Plant Fair, Sissinghurst Gardens and the Museum of Garden History, Lambeth. Sales of the short bearded iris have increased in comparison to last year both at the Shows and via the wed site.
At the nursery, the stock beds have quickly recovered from the cold winter and there has been virtually no loss of plants. Indeed the warm April days in Kent have encouraged rapid leaf growth. The potted iris in the tunnels have profited from the protection from the extremes of the winter. The short bearded and intermediate bearded iris have flowered approximately 2-3 weeks ahead of those in the stock beds.
Preparation for Chelsea continued throughout the month. Iris of Sissinghurst is growing for a number of exhibitors at Chelsea 2010. In addition to growing for Cayeux ( the Iris display will be in the main marquee), Iris of Sissinghurst will be providing plants for the following;
- Thrive garden ( a charity that targets gardening for the disabled)
- Dylexia Research
- RHS Bio Diversity Display
Throughout April Sue Marshall has continued to provide talks to local horticutural societies. This has included talks at Hawkhurst, Hartley and Harrietsham. The feedback has been positive and Sue will consider making more time available next year, 2011, if more societies invite her to their meetings.