I have to admit that 2012 was a pretty strange year and I don't think that I am the only one who thinks that. It has been classed as the second wettest on record yet we saw hosepipe bans in the southern parts of England. We also saw a few other things that would impact our industry for example, an increase in VAT, proposed relaxation in the laws covering building extensions and domestic rear gardens and the government imposed yet more spending cuts which threaten our public spaces making them at greater risk of decline.In terms of weather March was one of the driest that we've had on record so early breeding birds did quite well, with all the warmth we saw the early emergence of tender plants. This was swiftly followed by snow in April which hampered the development of insects and fledgling bird's, their ability to find food was also affected. The tender plants that emerged the month before were damaged by snow and/or frost, and then the rain came. It was the wettest April and June on record damaging crops, ornamental plants, allotments and in some cases people's passion for their gardens. The continued wet weather meant that fruit blossom was simply washed away resulting in a very bad year for the English apple, autumn fruits and berries, a key survival ingredient for many of our wildlife species, also suffered. The slug had the best year of all as their numbers increased rapidly with favorable soggy damp conditions....much to the gardener's frustration!
What have we learned from last year? It is fair to say that we have learned to be flexible, to expect the unexpected and not to be lulled into a false sense of security with early mild spells. Most gardeners would agree that flexibility is something that is integral to this discipline. Not only did the weather test our most hardened of gardeners but it has certainly challenged and in some cases discouraged newcomers - understandable yet disappointing. I hope that 2013 does throw up some challenges to keep us all on our toes but is a year when the more experienced and the novice gardeners alike can get some pleasure from their gardens or allotments.
Don't forget with last year's conditions there will be an abundance of slugs this year so keep your eyes open and apply those controls regularly!