I love early winter, the light levels are still good, the warmth is still in the soil and the seed harvest is finally in. I now look forward to sitting inside in the warmth, cleaning the seed so making it easier to sow.
I never ceased to be amazed by the ingenuity and beauty of seeds.
Szechuan pepper – Zanthoxylum simulans
Talking of 2013 I have already started sowing the seeds for early flowering. The germination has been very good.
Cornflower – Centaurea cyanus
These Cornflowers took a mere 5 days to germinate using a bottom heat of 15C . I have now removed them from the heat. They will grow on in the greenhouse until spring has truly arrived. Hopefully they will be ready and in flower for our display at the 100 th Chelsea flower Show where we will be launching our new Herboretum. I know the tickets for this truly amazing show are now on sale, being that it is the 100 th Chelsea can I suggest that if you are thinking of coming you get a ticket soon.
Painted Sage – Salvia viridis
These Painted Sage, one of my favourite annuals, also germinated quickly and I am 90% certain they will be a show stopper next year . Here, as a reminder of the beauty of this sage, is a photograph I took in the early summer.
On a positive note, for those of you who do not enjoy the winter months, it is only 16 weeks until the 1st of March!
Print from a paper cut created by Rose Vickers one of the Jamaica Street Artists
Jekka's Herb Farm 
Beautiful pictures! I love the hope and optimism of spring and look forward to it every year. How wonderful to be able to “play in the dirt” everyday in a greenhouse!!
on days like this morning it was wonderful.
Reblogged this on lindas- gardening journey and commented:
great post and super blogger
Thanks Linda, very kind of you.
Working your herbal seed magic already, dear Jekka! Looking forward to seeing you soon. xo
It will be great to see you on this side of the pond. Jx
Will you be selling any plants or seeds at Chelsea next year? I’m really looking forward to the launch of your herboretum!
We will be selling, seeds, herb teas, books and Hannah’s beautiful screen prints. Look forward to seeing you there?
Definitely, Jekka! I have never regretted your advice to join the RHS and have earmarked my ticket to Chelsea next year.
So glad you joined it is a mine of information. Look forward to seeing you at the 100th Chelsea Flower show.
Thank you so much for the very optimistic email. I’m now looking forward to March and all those lovely flowers. Maureen
Hi Maureen, it will be here all to soon. Take care from all at JHF
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