offtheedgegardening

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 ………..

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”