Planning Ahead

Planning ahead.....This week in the garden I have planted more bulbs. I am still planting Narcissus but I have managed to do a lot of work clearing beds, sorting the compost heaps ( with help from Champain Landscaping!), planting Roses and some perennials. I have still got Alliums and Iris to plant and later Tulips. Meanwhile I have quite a few wedding enquiries for next year needing estimates and I am starting to plan for Christmas. Being organised and planning ahead is one of the most important things when running a cutting garden as if you forget to order, sow or plant you can be left with a whole in the cutting year. 
There are certain times of the year which are more challenging than others to cover. Obviously winter is difficult especially after Christmas. I do force bulbs but I do need to buy in from other British growers to help. November is tricky and I need to grow better Chrysanths to help with this. Today I met an elderly gardener at his cottage in Somerleyton. He grows amazing Chrysanths outside and in the greenhouse. He has lived in the same cottage since 1934 and cultivated the same garden, amazing. Mid summer can also be difficult around July and I am still thinking about that one, I think succession sowing can help. This time of year you are between the early summer and later summer flowers. 
The other side of this little flower business is all the organisation around the weddings, events, funerals etc I don't think I knew how complex it was certainly when I first went into it all. Making sure you have all the extras needed along with the flowers for each event and season.
Next week I will let you know a little of what I am planning for Christmas....