The tunnels have now been uncovered and the perennial trials have been cut back. The blog will now be suspended until the start of 2020 trials in spring.
Week 40 (2019) Update
The lily alternative growing media trial was assessed this week including stem length and weight measurements. The peat free and peat reduced media visually seemed to perform as well if not better than the control and the full results will be included in the 2019 final report.
Week 38 and 39 (2019) Update
The Scabious continue to produce a prolific flush of flowers with the area cut back in July producing stems that are as strong as the first flush back in June. The Bulrush lily media trial is almost ready to harvest and assess although there are not many visual differences between the treatments. The eryngium trial […]
Week 36 & 37 (2019) Update
The trials are now gradually coming to an end this year with just a few still ongoing. The Scabious that was cut down a few weeks ago has now regrown and producing a reinvigorated flush of flowers. The half of each bed that was not cut down is also still producing flowers but the stems […]
2019 Open Day Handout
For those of you who did not attend this years Open Day, the handout can be downloaded at by clicking the link below. https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Events/Horticulture/Event%20Docs/Final%20Booklet%20NCFC.pdf
Week 35 (2019) Update
The Bulrush trial into alternative growing media for lilies is progressing well with the stems now forming buds. At this stage there is no real difference between the treatments. The veronica which were disbudded at the beginning or last week are now developing into sprays and should be ready to harvest in a few days. […]
Week 34 (2019) Update
The Eucomis are in full flower this week and some of the varieties, especially Sparkling Burgundy (see left hand photo) are spectacular with the stem length exceeded 90cms? However the premium price that would be commanded for these stems would probably make it a florist rather than a supermarket product. The Gomphrena is now starting […]
Week 33 (2019) Update
The first planting of Lepidium “Green Dragon” has been flowering over the past couple of weeks but was cleared this week. Despite what looked like premature budding soon after planting, eventual stem length of the crops was 65 to 75 cms. The outdoor planting of Eryngium has established well and planting through Mypex seems to […]
Week 32 (2019) Update
The Japanese stocks flower trial was completed this week with the 3 colours of Anytime being the last to flower. Assessments of the stem length and weight have been taken for all planting and will be available in the final report but to summarise, all of the Japanese varieties have consistently produced a longer stem […]
Week 31 (2019) Update
The final planting (week 25) of the Japanese stocks is in flower this week and vase life tests are being undertaken on all of the varieties (huge thank you to Laura Tebby at Superflora for doing this for us). The second flush of Veronica is now coming into flower (see left hand photo) but powdery […]
