offtheedgegardening

Puzzle

Today I have been trying to work out why this buddleja hedge has so many bald patches at the back, stripped of foliage and snapped in places. Perhaps it is a type of fungal die-back or particularly aggressive snails. If only there was some sort of clue. Seriously it is very tricky trying to pruneContinue reading “Puzzle”

Monsters

There is good vegetable growing and there is showing off. The parsnip at the front is for the purposes of scale and is at this moment in time feeling very inadequate. Well done to the du Mauriers for producing these monsters. I did wonder if they were glowing green, just a little …..

Sophora microphylla – Kōwhai

The golden droplet flower of the New Zealand kōwhai shone like a misplaced piece of summer at Chambercombe Manor at the weekend. Not thriving there, but managing to muster enough strength to pop out a few flowers on its scantily clothed boughs. Sometimes less really is more.

Tree Watching – A little waffle to fill the space

There is not a lot of action at the moment in Larchland. There may be a slight swelling of buds, but this is probably wishful thinking by Ms Eager Beaver. So I will use this lull in visible activity (I am sure there is a lot going on behind the scenes) to get you upContinue reading “Tree Watching – A little waffle to fill the space”

NW5 – George

As handsome as ever!

NW4 – Rejoice

It is February now and the wheels are turning faster. The days are noticeably (and rejoicingly) growing longer meaning that not only is it easier to get out of bed in the morning but the plants are benefiting from more light. If I were a true plantophile these would be listed in a different order. Continue reading “NW4 – Rejoice”

NW Day 3 – Ophelia

The hazy colours, frozen in time, brought to mind John Waterhouse’s painting Ophelia. Just before she got in, obviously.

NW Day 2 – Diamond Day

Over the past few years I have had my battles with ivy, tugging and unravelling, prising their adventitious roots from tree, border and unsuspecting shrub. I have also admired and appreciated their many good points, listened to the throb of an insect blanket supping on their tardy flowers, watched as clumsy pigeons and flightyContinue reading “NW Day 2 – Diamond Day”

NW Day 1 – Puddle

I didn’t promise anything about the posting of evocative photographs. Obviously I have no control over what you may or may not deduce from an innocent picture. This one seemed appropriate today, the reason why I am keeping to myself. You can interpret it entirely as you wish. It could indicate a leaky hosepipe, theContinue reading “NW Day 1 – Puddle”

Whatever the Weather

To bore others is one thing, to bore yourself another. Bearing that in mind, I have decided to place a temporary embargo on any mention of the weather. Nothing at all. Not even in passing. Or as an afterthought. If a tornado sweeps me up and deposits me at the end of the yellow brickContinue reading “Whatever the Weather”