offtheedgegardening

That Friday Feeling

Very tired but very good tired. Still optimistic which, taking into account the events of previous years, is probably on a downward descent from now on. But it was a very good week, attempting the impossible and achieving what I could. Now I am tired, very tired. In a very good way. Happy Friday to you all, hopeContinue reading “That Friday Feeling”

Guest Blog No. 1 – Old Friends

Well here goes, Guest Blog No. 1. This dubious honour has been given to my dear friend Cathy Marjoram and her photographer (amongst other things) husband Stefan. This lovely couple were my next door neighbours in Bristol. Due to their annoying ability to turn their hand to anything and everything, from constructing elaborate fancy dressContinue reading “Guest Blog No. 1 – Old Friends”

Warning

I have decided to invite some guest contributors to Off The Edge. There are three reasons: Many of my friends are wonderful gardeners, artists and photographers. It will be a pleasure to share these talents with my followers. It will also be an opportunity for some of my Esteemed Clients to have a chance to plead their corner. Admittedly a riskierContinue reading “Warning”

An Over Active Imagination

Today I told Mr and Mrs du Maurier that it is now illegal to grow cotoneaster. Not content with one little untruth, I went on to warn them that there were a newly formed arm of the secret service called the Cotoneaster Police. These law enforcers arrive unannounced with chainsaws and flame throwers. It is feared thatContinue reading “An Over Active Imagination”

Subtle

Bold is what I am drawn to. Subtle seems to evade me. This is not something I am particularly proud of, it is just the way it is. It probably highlights an underlying shallowness. So for a change I thought I would try a little sensitivity. Bring on the understated and the wistful. Embrace the backroom boysContinue reading “Subtle”

Black Widow

It was a varied day, which is always the best kind. It started with a drive through hazy Devon countryside, verges and banks spilling with cow parsley, stitchwort and campions. We were on our way to visit a rural pottery, complete with wood fired bottle kiln, lovely wares, nesting swallows and nice folk to sit on a wallContinue reading “Black Widow”

Blondes

I follow several blogs. In varying degrees they have some association to horticulture or nature, artists who garden, professionals, amateurs, vegetables growers, propagators, photographers. Without exception they give me great pleasure. The exception to the rule (the hortie rule not the pleasure one) is written by poet and author Anthony Wilson http://www.anthonywilsonpoetry.com. Discovered by happy accident throughContinue reading “Blondes”

Vibrant

So tired this evening after a frantic day trying to get a truck load of bedding in place. The hoards arrive tomorrow at The Farm for half term and we wanted it to look its best. Nothing like living to the wire. I have nothing against bedding but I can’t get too excited by it. Not yetContinue reading “Vibrant”

Heronsbill

As anyone who is self employed will tell you, it is very difficult to turn down work for fear of not being asked again. There comes a time though, when you have to say “today is for me” and that is what happened yesterday. And what did I do? Well I gardened of course. SometimesContinue reading “Heronsbill”

Eggs

Limnanthes douglasii, the poached egg plant. Much loved by hover flies and those of us who enjoy a little companion planting. Looks more like a fried egg to me, a whole pan of them. I’m suddenly feeling rather peckish ………..