Cabin fever stalks the land, at least among the non-gardening fraternity. Those that delight in the pursuit of their hobby of horticultural fear no such affliction. For it is time for all good gardeners to visit the local gardening depot there to load up on summer bulbs such as dahlia, begonia, canna and other exotics. Returning home with the floral treasures, set aside for an hour or so while six-inch-diameter clay pots are fetched from storage. Scrub off and soak in boiling water for 15 minutes or so to destroy any lingering fungal infestations then set aside. Next make up labels, either purchased or cut from empty white plastic bleach bottles.
Using a commercial medium such as ‘ProMix,’ plant up the bulbs. Water well and then set aside; they will not require light until sprouts commence to emerge in a few weeks’ time.Having exhausted oneself with these propagation exercises, it is time to leave the spouse to tend to the mounting mounds of snow. You must now undertake the exhaustive examination of catalogues and plan the next season’s garden . . .Diversion No. 1
