It wasn’t the carmine flower of the pineapple sage that caught my eye, but its crisp shadow lying on the white-washed wall. I was surprised that this fragrant salvia was still standing after the recent sharp frosts. But it was, defiant to the last. And in a world of droop and desiccation it looked especially fine today.
Author Archives: offtheedgegardening
Sleep
As the year rapidly advances towards the winter solstice, so my reluctance to get out of bed in the morning increases. The short days and long nights pander to my love of sleep. Sleep would be my specialist subject if I were ever on Mastermind. This morning, however, if I hadn’t dragged my comatose limbs fromContinue reading “Sleep”
Scaredy Cat
They said it would be a cold night so we had been warned. The morning was icy and I was bound for Lord and Lady Mantle’s estate on the edge of Exmoor. As I am by nature a Scaredy Cat I was slightly anxious about this drive. Most of the journey is on decent roads, butContinue reading “Scaredy Cat”
The Gardener’s Car
I’ve got a new car. Yes, a new camera and a new car. No, I haven’t won the lottery. Admittedly I did win the premium bonds the other week, but I shared the whopping £25 prize with two friends. Yes a whole £8.33.33333333 each. This car is not an indulgence. It has been a necessityContinue reading “The Gardener’s Car”
Last Man Standing
One summer, when I returned to Cornwall for a short break, someone said that I looked “pale and interesting”. What he meant was that I looked ill. Like a city person. Comparing and contrasting to those around me, it was painfully apparent that he was quite right. It wasn’t about lack of colour, it wasContinue reading “Last Man Standing”
Burnished
There are worthy reasons to wait until spring to cut back spent flowers. The seed heads provide both food and shelter for wildlife and the perished vegetation offers the plant a modicum of protection from the elements. But when the sun dances across burnished flowers on a crisp winter’s day, surely that is reason enough.
Nicandra physalodes – Shoo Fly
The seed pods of the Shoo Fly, Nicandra physalodes, are almost as beautiful as their flowers. Notorious self seeders, some might view these purple papery lanterns with a sigh or even a scream. However I am looking forward to them spreading themselves about, they are long lasting, trouble free and floriferous. A member of the “good cop,Continue reading “Nicandra physalodes – Shoo Fly”
Rent Asunder
After the predicted stormy night, when the rain was icy ball bearings and the wind thumped like a prize fighter, I thought I’d better have a quick wander to check for any garden damage. Apart from a few misplacements there were only two casualties. Firstly a large pot of bamboo had fallen on top of a LavandulaContinue reading “Rent Asunder”
Approaching Storm
Here in the south west of the UK we have pretty benign weather. It is for good reason that we are called Softy Southerns. The last couple of days have been a little crazy, in our opinion anyway. For others, more accustomed to such madness, it has possibly been a little dull. Hail, thunder andContinue reading “Approaching Storm”
Thankful
The hydrangeas are still pumping out the odd bloom. And we are very thankful.
