offtheedgegardening

Deep Blue Sea

For the past few weeks I have had a problem with my camera. My work camera that is, not my posh posing one. This is the work horse that accompanies me to every job and the one I reach for a million times each day. It is a high risk occupation, fraught with dangerous mud, hardContinue reading “Deep Blue Sea”

Interloper

I tip toed through the grass border (with only the odd oops!) to take a photo of the splendid sugar pink nerines. On closer inspection I was bemused/outraged/impressed to find that an errant hesperantha had seeded itself in the midst of the naked ladies. The cheek! With chameleon like powers of disguise, it had me fooled, aContinue reading “Interloper”

Phlomis ‘Sunningdale Gold’

Short on words again today. To compensate we are especially long on loveliness.

Simple

Simply calendula.

Monster

Some of you will look at this delicate oxalis flower and smile. Some of you will put your head in your hands and rock gently whilst quietly moaning. I am of the latter persuasion. Today I have spent a fair proportion of my time digging this little monster up. It grows rampant in the shadier back ofContinue reading “Monster”

Caution

It is all about getting your timing right. As gardeners we walk the dangerous spit between the first damaging frosts and the desire to admire the swansong of our tender plants. Lord and Lady Mantle’s estate is protected from wind but prone to cold and in my wisdom I have introduced some delicates to their merryContinue reading “Caution”

Normal Service is Resumed

Well as normal as can be expected given the circumstances. The circumstances being that I’m in charge. If a certain brand of lager made autumnal days, they would be just like today. Bliss.

More Excuses

My usual annoyingly frequent posts are going to slow up a little. Perhaps even totally. But only for a while. Hold the fort whilst I’m away please.

Heat

What a day! I had forgotten what it was like. Rain; torrential and unremitting. It rippled down the roads carrying detritus, blocking drains, finding its way into gaps and grooves. We squelched our way home, dripping a trail into the house, leaving sopping clothing along the way. We had forgotten the joys of a North Devon autumn.Continue reading “Heat”

Defiant

This is Malope trifida “Vulcan”. A great favourite of mine. There are many things I love about this ornamental mallow. The pleated pink petals, sugar plum fairy to deep dark furrows. The etched out centre, revealing limy green beneath, a verdant silhouette. The candied peel stamen, irresistibly delicious and I’m not even a bee. But more than anything IContinue reading “Defiant”