offtheedgegardening

Stunner

It was a magical drive to Lord and Lady Mantle’s estate this morning. Too early for all but the keenest of holiday makers, the roads were gloriously quiet, a welcome relief from the crazy traffic of the last few days. The sun was showing potential but as yet gentle and forgiving. The views towards ExmoorContinue reading “Stunner”

Summertime

The British summer is a peculiar event. Much anticipated, much utilised. For nine months of the year nothing happens. Literally nothing. We sit here, strumming our fingers and doodling. Then June arrives and we are off. For three months every wedding, birthday (sorry about that, blame my mum) and anniversary are packed in. Parties, gigs, festivals,Continue reading “Summertime”

Rudbeckia “Summerina Orange”

When I get home each evening I am generally asked what I have been up to all day. For the past few weeks I have said the same thing “weeding”. Of course I have done other things too, but the main stay of my work at present is ousting the unwelcome. This is not a complaint. ItContinue reading “Rudbeckia “Summerina Orange””

Rush

Going out. Pretty Picture. Adios!

Balance

Today there was a heinous crime at The Farm. Having nipped out of the office to check on the whisky still, Annie Admin returned, barely five minutes later, to find a stealthy chicken tucking into one of the the freshly picked tomatoes. It was The Evil One. The one that pursues me around the garden.Continue reading “Balance”

Tiger, Tiger

It was the sun that burned bright today, and Fat Ol was looking for shade. Luckily his next door neighbour had a jungle in which to keep cool and maybe have a nap for a couple of minutes. Just five minutes and then he would be back on his mission, top secret of course. JustContinue reading “Tiger, Tiger”

Hopeful

This is the second season for Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Summer Nights’ and it is only now getting into its stride. Last year it staggered along in a very mediocre way and I feared for its future. It fared slightly better than its partner, it failed to make it through the winter to sprout another day. The combinationContinue reading “Hopeful”

St Clements

Mundane montbretia? I don’t think so, not today anyway. Today they were a refreshing, floral St Clements. Delicious.

Rest

This photo, taken in my garden a few days ago, is of a watsonia hybrid enjoying the sunshine. The brick red of the flowers is enhanced by the whitewashed wall behind. Colour, shadow, definition, contrast, darkness and light, all disappeared with the sun. Now all is faded and subtle hues of grey. This blip is givingContinue reading “Rest”

Happy August

As expected it rained. Contrary to popular belief I don’t mind when it rains. Not always anyway. Once in a while it is a welcome relief to have a day to catch up on stuff. This is the day you dream about “if only I had a spare day I could alphabetise my collection ofContinue reading “Happy August”