Whilst the Iris of Sissinghurst nursery has, at last, experienced some sustained summer rainfall the day and night time temperatures have averaged above the expected levels for this time of year. Gardeners in the south east of the British Isles have experienced some really hot and dry weather for the last few months and the forecast suggests this will continue throughout this summer. This comes off one of the coldest winters for many years. Gardeners, at least in the south east, have seen plants and shrubs flowering several weeks ahead of the expected timescales. At least there has been, todate, no indication of the water authorities imposing drought measures such as hosepipe bans etc. However the increasing nos of water meters will mean gardeners will have to be more professional in the watering of gardens in future.
The Iris of Sissinghurst nursery has now completed all the shows planned for 2011. The owner of Iris of Sissinghurst Sue Marshall was extremly disappointed not to be able to participate in the Kent Garden Show at Detling this year. This is the first occasion for many years that weather conditions have forced a withdrawal from this important show. However a number of loyal customers of this nursery were able to attend the Open Weekend and were able to see and buy some of the new varieties for 2011. All the new varieties are on website with the majority displaying an individual photograph. Plans are now being made to launch new varieties this coming autumn. This will include a number of Kent breed bearded iris. Full details of these varieties and their names ( Kent varieties have named linked to the county). Whilst not wishing to divulge too many details at this stage Kent castles will feature in some of the new varieties. Watch this space!!!!
Sue Marshall has a number of talks about Iris planned for this summer. The next talk will be at Little Common Horticultural Society, near Bexhill at the beginning of July. Sue Marshall enjoys these talks, which includes a slide show of iris grown by the nursery. Further talks about scheduled for the rest of the summer season. Talks are being booked now for Horticultural Societies for 2012.
Whilst many of the tall bearded iris plants can be ordered online for dispatch now some varieties will not be available until mid summer. The majority of customers understand this possible delay but we will let you know immediately if there is such a delay. The nusery always welcomes telephone enquiries from customers to discuss plants/orders or for advice. The telephone number is 01622 831511 or email orders@irisofsissinghurst.com.