Losing The Plot

​Over five months since selling home and business to grow flowers full time, we are still in temporary accommodation searching for a suitable place to grow my cut flower business.

Having patiently waited all summer for the vendors of the property we were buying, to find a suitable new home for themselves, undisclosed facts came to light about the property and we needed to ensure we could legally use the land for business.  Suddenly the scumbags would tolerate no delay and promptly sold to someone else for more money as property prices have risen over summer here in expensive Dorset, whilst our money has depreciated sitting in the bank, making matters even more difficult.

The dahlias have not done well in their pots despite being pampered with lots of feed and watering, I think the roots prefer to be buried in the cool earth without temperature fluctuations inevitable in a pot.

​The potted roses, on the other hand, have been fantastic, putting on lots of growth and flowering their heads off, especially the beautifully glowing Golden Celebration:

​And the fantastic rich plum Munstead Wood:

​The temptation to cut flowers from them has been quite overwhelming but I have managed to resist… most of the time… allowing the plants to develop for next year and beyond.

​Sweet peas were disappointing, as were zinnias, for they both need plenty of sunlight and sadly the massive sycamore tree in the neighbouring garden overshadowed everything.  The Amaranthus however, despite being a native of sunny climes, has flourished even though a little late. I love its exotic abundance.

​All the shrubs and perennials appear healthy and hopefully have put on plenty of root growth, but the bulbs and corms I optimistically bought, are languishing in a cool utility room when they should really be planted out.

​We have made an offer on another property, which was accepted, but once again, the vendors are searching for their next home, what a nightmare!