Border seems slower than my neighbours

Glenjjones

Hi Guys,

Not really a problem per se. but my border seems to all grow fine, except every year it seems to be a few weeks behind all my neighbours to really hit its stride and come in to flower. A prime example is my papaver poppies. I have 3 plants that grow really well, but my neighbours have been in full bloom for over a week and mine are only now coming in to bud.

This does have the advantage at the back end of some of the flowers that start later, finishing a little later than other gardens near by, but it also means that when neighbours gardens start looking really nice towards late spring, mine still looks like its just starting to come through.

Could this be due to needing to feed/mulch my border more than I do, I tend to not feed that much in general. or is it just the way it is?

Like I say its a bit of a 1st world problem, but I would welcome any thoughts?

G

micearguers

Is the lighting level exactly the same? Are the borders equally exposed? A little bit more light and the soil warming up earlier can explain a lag between the two borders.

Glenjjones

they seem pretty similar in terms of light and wind exposure, but it may just be that there is a slight difference, I suppose even 2 borders right next to each other will have a slight variation in microclimate, if they are not exactly identical. Thanks.

micearguers

Richer soil could play a role as well of course. A compacted poorer soil versus a friable richer soil will make a difference. Do you grow the same plants as your neighbours?

KT53

I have 3 poppies, all of the same type, in the same border, and they all flower at different times.  One in full sun, and the other 2 with varying amounts of shade.  I was actually surprised at how much difference that bit of shade made.

josusa47

This has always been my experience, wherever I've lived.  I suspect other people do more in the way of nurturing than I do.  Out walking with OH once, in spring, admiring front gardens, and I said, "How come everyone else's garden is a riot of colour?" and he said, "While yours isn't even a peaceful protest."

I much prefer working on development projects in the garden to the boring day-to-day maintenance - like watering, weeding and dead-heading.  I'm the same in the house - I'd much rather paint a room than dust and vacuum it every week.

FlyDragon

My neighbours on both sides have magnolia stellatas that flower a fair bit earlier than mine, but my hydrangeas always come out first. Absolutely no clue why, just one of those things I think! 

Glenjjones

Thanks Guys,

I also notice when I'm walking around the local streets that similar or the same plants as mine seem to be in flower sooner, which always makes me wonder what they do differently to me, but I suppose at least I get the flowers and my plants seem healthy enough, so cant complain too much.