offtheedgegardening

Star Turn

We had celebrity visit today at Max’s. It was a gentleman who knows a lot and is not shy to share this information. His encyclopaedic knowledge and unfettered opinions filled in some gaping holes in our plant identification. He also confirmed that many were unusual specimens in the garden. Which of course is good, but it is alsoContinue reading “Star Turn”

Communication

Communication is vital in the Client/Employee relationship*. One of the main areas of contention is nomenclature. Below is a typical conversation: Me: I thought we could plant the Lobelia siphilitica over where the Pinus sylvestris was. Esteemed Clients: Blank looks, nervous side glances Me sensing bewilderment: The tall blue flower where the pine tree was. Esteemed Clients: Embarrassed smile,Continue reading “Communication”

Froth

The meadow rue, Thalictrum aquilegiifolium, is doing its thing and quite beautifully. This is a great plant for the beast that is known as “dry shade”. It has attractive columbine foliage and tall sturdy flower stems topped with pink froth. We all need a bit of froth sometimes.

Fluke

My life is one fluke after another, and we are not talking about the parasitic worm here. This photo was meant to illustrate the perfect partnership of powder pink aquilegia and dusky blue nepeta. Little did I know that this horticultural masterpiece would be photo bombed by a scene stealing ladybird. Don’t you love it when aContinue reading “Fluke”

Peculiar

Something most peculiar happened today. After a full day’s work at The Farm I came home (a little jaded, very muddy) and downloaded my photos. Except there weren’t any. For some reason not one single picture was taken today. True I was busy, but usually there is something that catches my eye, that is worthyContinue reading “Peculiar”

Alone

I like working with people in the garden, I would say that I am naturally a team player. Some days I yearn for solitude, but not often. Today, usually for Max’s garden, I was on my own. It was not a Greta Garbo day. I felt a little bereft. There was no one to plan with, bounce off,Continue reading “Alone”

Blessings

It was a day of mixed blessings. On reflection the bad ones were self inflicted, the good ones out of my control. Darn these dastardly life lessons!

Promise

When it is flower not just a flower? When it is also the promise of strawberries to come!

Friday 13th

I weeded. Lavinia brushed the pond with a broom. Lionel painted the apple blossom. Help.

Rainy Day Mauves

Today it rained, proper rain that inhibited all hope of productive gardening, especially on a grassy hillside. This rain was most welcome and extremely irritating in equal measures. The ground is bone dry and the energetic new growth is desperate for some extra moisture, however I had ordered only night-time rain for the unforeseeable future. The memoContinue reading “Rainy Day Mauves”