April had some record breaking heat. My tulips season was the shortest ever with almost 4000 tulips blooming in 10 days. Thankfully I have two big coolers to keep them from blowing open.
I harvest in “bud” stage. This allows me to “hold” the tulips at around 40 degrees until they are ready to open leisurely in room temperature homes.
During the hot days, my seedlings grew and grew. Then, early April 21st we got a freeze. For the first time in years, I lost baby plants, even though they were protected in plastic. The big temperature swings caused widespread damage to vineyards and berries along the east coast.
Lily of the Valley is about a two weeks ahead of schedule. I walked by the tree they live under and the scent stopped me in my tracks.
On the other hand, my anemone and ranunculus are a bit behind schedule as they prefer a cool spring, not summer temperatures. They simply shut down and stop growing when it gets hot.
Amsonia aka Blue Star bloomed right on schedule. This native plant is a milkweed. That means it has a sticky sap when the stems are cut. I let it “bleed” in a bucket of water before using it.
Kenilworth Farmers’ Market opening day was Tuesday, April 29th. I’ll be there every Tuesday from 3pm-6pm under the parking pad at the Shops at Kenilworth. It’s a great mid week market with farm fresh produce and more.
This month, Archie turned 7! He is becoming such the middle aged little man. He continues to be a fierce protector of Celadon Hill watching over everyone and everything vigilantly. Happy Birthday Archie.
