I have to admit that I didn't actually mean to get involved in such a long hard process. I only wanted a bit more practical knowledge so I could work my allotment better and do something a bit interesting. I went to a college open day to find out about a Diploma course I think. But the degree course was suggested and it seemed a good idea at the time......
I have mixed feelings about finishing college. On the one hand it has been all consuming, stressful and just damn hard to perform to the standard I expect of myself while also working part time, raising two children and running a house. [The housework fell by the wayside a long time ago, incedentally. I wonder if I will be able to get back into it. Anyway.] But the routine has, I think, been a real support and help. It took me an initial three years to pull myself into some semblance of togetherness after ending my long term relationship. Then these last three years have seen further change and uncertainty in my personal and work life. I think going to college has been my raft in a choppy sea, something solid to cling on to. I hope now that I've found some safe, solid ground to haul myself on to, stand tall and stride off to explore this new place I'm in. Just hope there aren't any Wild-Eyed Greater-Spotted Gnashnanglers hiding in the undergrowth. Well, not too many of them.
So thanks, the Universe, for sending me to college. It's been a complete pain in the ass but then again, no pain no gain!
In other news:
The HDC/National Cut Flower Centre Conference
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the first Cut Flower Conference in Spalding, Lincs. [The land of daffodils and cauliflowers as far as the eye can see. With the occasional field of tulips.] This came about through my membership of Flowers from the Farm. Gill Hodgson started the group in an attempt to create a network of British cut flower growers, and to make available advice and marketing resources for such people. I'm part of a pilot study, the results of which will hopefully be used to provide other would-be growers with help to start up and/or develop their businesses providing British cut flowers to all and sundry.
One of our activities was the day at the conference. It was a real privilege to be invited as the event is geared towards bigger commercial growers. We had the chance to visit some mega glasshouses full of hydroponically grown tulips and stocks about to flower. This was a real eye opener for me as a very small scale and highly amateur grower. We saw the trail grounds of the National Cut Flower Centre which weren't very colourful in April but we were given information on last years trials and heard about plans for this year. Amongst other crops, they are researching varieties for use as British grown woody perennials and shrubs for cutting - something I'm very interested in getting into.
The conference itself had speakers from the HDC, Sainsburys, Kolster BV (the Magical Hydrangea nursery!) as well as presentations on LED light developments, disease control in flowers and optimising cut flower manual harvesting - again, all aimed at the big growers but full of interesting and relevant information for little people like me. My personal highlight though was John Dole from North Carolina State University speaking about the US cut flower industry and, again, perennial and woody cuts trials. [He reminded me of Mouse from the Tales of the City TV series - but that might have just been his moustache.] I believe his book on the subject is pretty spot on. I'm going to treat myself to it if I graduate! Which brings me back to where I started this blog post.
And finally....
My assistant hard at work bagging kale and salad leaves.
