Peter's Potting Shed, the retreat

Peter Sourbutts Diary
2013
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 INTRODUCTION
   Some of you known me, but for those who don't my name is Peter Sourbutts and I have been asked to do the Diary for the Website 2013.
A little of my background.
   I have some degree of horticultural knowledge having been an apprentice and gardener at Southport Parks for 8 years. I then moved to a career in transport where I still am after 34 year!!!!, but the growing BUG has never left me.
   I have over the years grown everything from Flowers, (numerous types) to Show Veg. I found my passion for Begonias several years ago, and it grows year by year.
   I have exhibited at Southport for several years, and won the champions of champions last year, something I will have to try to attain this year.!  I mostly grow pot plants for show around 70, and bedding begonias for the garden. I still consider myself a novice when it comes to growing begonias, there are far more growers with more experience than myself and I thank them for their help, without them and the members of the Society, we as growers would be lost.
   I live in the north west of England midway between Preston and Liverpool, 4 miles from the coast, with my ever understanding wife June. The north west can boast numerous Begonias growers with varying degrees of experience, hence the large telephone bill.!!
   The weather here can be kind, but not as kind as the south, we can get strong winds from the west, cold temperatures at times and heavy rain fall, but hasn't everyone had the rain recently. I have 2 greenhouses, one 20 foot by 8 foot and one 14 foot by 8 foot, the larger is heated but only in the spring, this I separate off, so the electricity bill isn't so high, keeps the wife happy.

I will try to keep you all updated and informed of my growing year throughout the coming months.