Author Archives: offtheedgegardening

With cold weather on the way this frog spawn is more likely than not, as Private Fraser* would say, doomed.   The frost will do its worst and it will disintegrate and disappear.  However today the sight of this multi-eyed mass was a heart and toes warming sign of spring edging ever closer.  As forContinue reading “Doomed”

After much deliberation I have chosen a new tree to follow.   For those of you who aren’t acquainted with Tree Following and think I am having another one of my funny turns, I will explain.  This is a wonderful meme, institaged by Lucy at http://www.looseandleafy.blogspot.co.uk, and entails following a tree throughout the year, or forContinue reading “Tree Following – The New Recruit”

Due to birthday celebrations (not mine but I like to be helpful) today was a day off.  We drove through heavy rain to Crow Point car park, the sun immediately came out and we walked the coast in beautiful sunshine.  The return drive was a hail storm.  Someone was on our side today.

Today I have been writing about hellebores for a magazine article.  The most interesting fact, and one I am sure you will appreciate, is that if you stand on the powdered root it will render you invisible.  Honest, I read it! This wonderful stand of hellebores is on my friend Pat the Field’s land whereContinue reading “Heavenly Hellebores”

I have just seen the weather report for the coming week.  It doesn’t bode well for gardening of any shape, form or persuasion, except for those lucky enough to have access to a greenhouse or conservatory.  On reflection I don’t think it bodes well for any outdoor activity, much more an  indoor pursuits kind ofContinue reading “Dogger Fisher Bight”

No, can’t see it anywhere!

Judge:  Would the defendent, Ms Clumsy McGardener, please take the stand.  Place your hand upon the Royal Horticultural Society’s Encyclopedia of Gardening and swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Thank you.  Let us proceed. Prosecution Barrister:  Are you Ms Clumsy McGardener? MCM:  I am occasionally known by thatContinue reading “Where is a little Dutch boy when you need one?”

I was thrilled to be nominated by the multi-talented biking gardener http://thebikinggardener.com/ for the Leibster Blog Award.  Much humbled and flattered by this prestigious award I have prepared a short acceptance speech: I could not have reached this pinnacle of my career, the inner sanctum of the blogosphere elite, without the support and encouragement ofContinue reading “Leibster Blog Award”

  A gentle walk this afternoon diverted me from my snivelling for a while.  My spirits were lifted by bud upon bud, shoot upon shoot, a sky free from its usual dampening blanket and a camellia looking like an explosion in a Barbie factory.  More healing than a cup of Lemsip (other proprietary cold remediesContinue reading “Snivels”

I don’t bother with New Year’s Eve these days.  Gone are the wild parties of my disaffected youth, the conga has drawn to a halt, there is no more kissing of strangers or midnight choirs, just a glass of pseudo champers and an early night.  Do I sound like a champion party pooper?  The truthContinue reading “Let’s Get Going!”