Author Archives: offtheedgegardening

The one line that is guaranteed to put fear into the souls of my illustrious clients is “I have had an idea”.   After the initial knee-jerk gasp of horror, one of the following occurs a) they change the subject, b) run for cover or c) start crying.  It is true that these plans often involve mud,Continue reading “Plan 763”

As my own boss (and might I say at this juncture that I have found myself to be exemplary in this role) I have given myself the whole month of January off.  Now before you all start tutting and back-chatting let me explain my reasoning.  I can, so I am going to.  It really is aContinue reading “Lucky Heather”

Conversations at the Farm The week before Christmas I had a cunning plan.  Well not very cunning, but still a plan and not bad as plans go. Me:  Shall I get something to go in the planters outside the office?  It will jolly things up for your guests who are coming to celebrate New Year at The Farm.  A fewContinue reading “Conversations”

We went on a Boxing Day walk.  To clear the head and heart.  There were Boxing Day flowers along this walk.  A hot-washed pink, flowering quince was one of them.  I expect it is beautiful on other days too.

Yes, it really is Rudolph!  He popped into The Farm yesterday to say hello before he gets down to the nitty gritty “flying through the air and present delivery” stuff.  Although underwhelmed by the incessant rain, a juicy apple and a bit of fuss made it worth his while.  He said he doesn’t gets treated so well by Santa who canContinue reading “Rudolph”

The winter solstice must be acknowledged.  So we will celebrate with a flower that is actually supposed to be blooming at this time of year*.  A cyclamen.  Wonderful.  Nearly Spring! * The Official Horti Rule Book, Chapter 7 Non-negotiable Flowering Times.

This is the time of year for forgiveness.  A season to clutch to your bosom those that have offended you over the previous year, or even years.  So, with that in mind, and much as it goes against my normal anti-cotoneaster stance, here is a photo for your delectation.  Seasonably scarlet berries, stretching far into the horizon,Continue reading “Forgiveness”

We are all struggling a little at the moment.  It was another sodden day at the Farm, quite miserable really.  We soldiered on, clearing and mulching, playing horticultural chicken, the first to cry defeat would be ridiculed.  Just as I had waved my white flag and was ready to go home I spotted this dainty roseContinue reading “Struggle”