Larkspur Nursery

Photo Journal 2009

After a very cold start to the year we finally got off to a good start with our cuttings. Delphinium plants were soon sold out of the most popular colours and delphinium seed sales were the best ever. We added a range of other seed to our listings, which sold very well. Our Abutilon collection was at last ready for sale and we had many customers interested in these lovely plants. The year seemed very wet to start with and then we had an Indian summer of dry weather which found us watering regularly into October, but during the important delphinium flowering months the weather was kind. As usual we were struggling to keep up with the nursery work and fortunately our family helped us again at plants sales and seed collection time. We had no winter project this year and instead managed a family holiday late in the year, much to the delight of our children.


Well it looks like outdoor work is off for a while.	Very pretty to look at.	More like an igloo than a shade tunnel!

Melted snow - oh dear time to get the pump out!	At least it is warm and dry in the office - finished just in time - Feb 2009	Here come those cuttings again.

Cuttings potted and establishing well - April 2009	Plant fair specimens and seed producing plants - April 2009	Chatworth House Plant Fair great fun as usual - April 2009

Preparing the delphinium bed - thanks to our friend the farmer. May 2009	Now to the hand digging - still hard work on our clay soil!	Half a row done only 9 more to do! Now where is that rain to water them in?

Show plants ready to go - June 2009	Castle Howard delphinium border just starting to flower - June 2009	Temple Newsham delphinium collection - a sneak preview ahead of the Delphinium Society Show.

Wet weather work - there is always a job to do here!	Seed collection starts in earnest - July 2009	Seed cleaner extraordinaire - thanks Sid!

Watering potted delphiniums in dry weather is a regular job - no holidays for us just yet!	Stock plants blooming lovely - Sept 09	The Ramsbottom family have a much needed holiday at last - Nov 09