Author Archives: offtheedgegardening

Hard week, frazzled gardener, so pretty picture, few words, night, night.

Seeds want to germinate, that is what they are designed to do, it is their raison d’être, their goal in life, their purpose.  There are not many decisions to be made in a seed’s life, it must either germinate or not germinate, just the two options and the first is preferable.  There is, I suppose,Continue reading “Just Try and Stop Me!”

Today was proper winter.  Winter just like in story books.  Not damp and dark, but raw and bright.  After a frosty start, and the first windscreen scrape of the season, the sun rose blindingly.  Where its magic wand touched the crusty ground it thawed, making is quite workable.  Shaded plants glistened with stardust.  Wearing moreContinue reading “Chilly Gilly”

This post is for L&L ensconced in an exotic paradise.  I am convinced they are not missing us at all and so need to be reminded of all the wonderful things they are missing in Blighty.  Reclining on beachside loungers sipping pina coladas, paragliding off forested mountainsides, swimming with dolphins in the balmy waters, hikingContinue reading “Postcard from Home”

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!