offtheedgegardening

Fallen Leaves

In my world death has lingered close this week. More than one special friend has been touched by the great sorrow of loss. Although once-removed from these sadnesses, it has caused me to be rather more reflective than usual. Today I drove a friend to North Devon Hospice to pick up his car, left there after the passing ofContinue reading “Fallen Leaves”

Seed Addict

I have a tiny garden. I have one meagre plastic greenhouse. I have a large biscuit tin full of seeds, some collected, some gifted, some purchased. I have little time for sowing, pricking out, potting on, tending. So what did I do today? I ordered more seed. Twelve packets. Not only did I order moreContinue reading “Seed Addict”

Spindle

As I parked my Messerschmidt in the village car park, on route to Mr and Mrs Bun’s, my eye was caught by something gleaming bright in the corner. Squinting in a most attractive manner, I tried to fathom what this could possibly be. Drawn like an anvil to an industrial strength magnet, I wandered over to investigate theContinue reading “Spindle”

Unrelenting

The unrelenting flowering cosmos. On a day that couldn’t be bothered to get properly light, these floral gems were a candle in the gloom. For us softies in the south it was also chilly. It was the first day this autumn that my coat remained tight closed for the duration. Perhaps I wasn’t working hard enough.Continue reading “Unrelenting”

Hydrangea quercifolia – The Oak Leaved Hydrangea

Before I moved to this neck of the woods my opinion of hydrangeas veered between ‘ambivalent’ and ‘unimpressed’. Slowly, however, I have been won over, especially by some of the less grown varieties. One of these is the oak-leaved hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia. Above is a toothed leaf, yet to succumb to autumn metamorphosis, set-off beautifully by its far more advanced bronzeContinue reading “Hydrangea quercifolia – The Oak Leaved Hydrangea”

Canna indica – Indian Shot

When you see the seed it suddenly becomes obvious why it is called Indian Shot!

Trauma

Mr Bun has pruned his privet hedge. Quite rightly he waited until the bird breeding season was over. Unfortunately he inadvertently disturbed the nest of a rare pink-backed green turtle. He was, and it is a male as the females don’t have spots, left exposed to elements, terrified. We returned him to the midst ofContinue reading “Trauma”

Salvia curviflora

Salvia curviflora, just about holding its own against the rampant lilac heliotrope. A fine battle.

A Culinary Essay

Yesterday Lionel and Lavinia gave me a big bag of bramley apples. Very kind and very welcome. There is something I must do today, or at least make a good start, it has to be finished by the middle of next week. As a masteress of procrastination, I have decided that before I beginContinue reading “A Culinary Essay”

The Hole Revisited

Autumn brings with it a variety of changes. Deciduous leaves begin to fall, the summer crew begin their hibernation, the weeds slow, the temperature drops, the days shorten. And the hard work begins. This week has been physically tough. I am loathe to admit it, but I am becoming increasingly dependent on Old Age and Cunning, ratherContinue reading “The Hole Revisited”