The unexpected gift of a warm and sunny fortnight means I should be way ahead or at least on top of my gardening. After all, it is still only February. But even after a whole week off work, it is hard not to notice the number of plants needing to be planted. So a quick six while the morning is still misty and before I knuckle down and catch up. As always, lots of interesting sixes to be found via The Propagator

First up are the 3 pretty cyclamen coum which happened to find their way into my trolley when buying compost earlier this week. They were stranded in the van and are now losing patience on the step still waiting to go into the shady border. Today for sure.

Next are the ranunculus, not sure which variety now, but bought in bulk and planted up in pots in late Autumn. They are also still waiting to be planted in the earth and are destined for the plot where I grow my cut flowers.

Third are the anemones which happily are planted in mushroom crates – their final destination. They have been sheltering in the greenhouse over the Winter, but are now getting some fresh air in the open (because it’s broken) cold frame. Looking forward to their blue loveliness.

Blue loveliness sums up the attraction of Echinops ritro which has the brightest of blue flowers and is a magnet for butterflies and bees. Clumps of it have spread thicker at the allotment and in the Autumn they were ready to be divided. My north facing garden is not as good a home for it, but hoping it which catch enough sun at the back to survive.

Number 5 is also a job which needs doing today and that is to plant up the hazel, wild rose and spindle whips bought to plant around the fences to support wildlife, particularly birds, butterflies and bees. Didn’t need persuading that this is important, but the excellent ‘The Bumblebee Flies Anyway’ by Kate Bradbury gave me a reminder and an extra push and focus.

Last of all is a recent discovery which, like Kate Bradbury’s book, has made me think more and more about how much I want to make the garden wildlife friendlier. Awake early, but not ready to get up, the wonderful podcast, Growing Wild presented by Charlotte Petts eased me into the day http://www.audioboom.com/channel/growing-wild