When I was at horticultural college, one of my tutors was a keen beersman. His arboriculture lectures would include examples of the trees we were studying, pointing out their proximity to a hostelry. Along the road from The Merchants Arms are some fine examples of Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, outside The Highbury Vaults a splendidContinue reading “On the Street”
Author Archives: offtheedgegardening
Red and Green ….
…. should never be seen. Or so they say, actually I think it looks quite effective!
Jekyll and Hyde
No one’s perfect, few plants are either. This is Rhus typhina or the Stag’s Horn Sumach, native of North America. With stunning autumn colour, velour stems and pyramids of crimson fruit, this is its time to shine, the time we are reminded why we love this small tree. The vigourous rhizomes that pop up mini-me’sContinue reading “Jekyll and Hyde”
Lagging Behind
Late flowerers are most welcome in the garden, their stubborn presence temporarily holding back the inevitable march of winter. Of course early, mid and continual blooms are not to be sniffed at, but at this time of the year it is not the stalwarts or the eager beavers but the loiterers that are celebrated. ThisContinue reading “Lagging Behind”
Carpobrotus edulis – Hottentot Fig
Just to prove the maxim “right plant, right place” this Carpobrotus edulis is thriving on the North Devon dunes. The Hottentot Fig’s ability to grow in places that would appear inhospitable to the majority of sensible flora has allowed it to become invasive in places as far reaching as New Zealand and the Mediterranean. ItContinue reading “Carpobrotus edulis – Hottentot Fig”
Mono Part Four – Hero
Right hand woman, voice of reason, human valium, comfort blanket, cake magician, horticultural psychiatrist, partner in crime, patience in human form, giggle monitor, my lovely friend, Hero.
Mono Part Three – Shadow Dance
Earlier today myself and Hero were asked by Superbaz to walk across the lawn on the up stripes and back on the down stripes. After we stopped laughing at his impertinence I gave him a Chinese burn. He will miss me so much.
Mono Part Two – Fern
Day Two of my black and white series features one of my favourite ferns, Woodwardia radicans or the European Chain Fern. This striking evergreen is called the Chain Fern as it very cunningly forms mini root balls at the end of each frond, as the tip touches the ground they root themselves into the soilContinue reading “Mono Part Two – Fern”
Monochrome Set
I have been challenged to take some black and white photographs. Never one to turn down a dare, unless it involves wing walking or baked beans, I thought it might be fun to give it a go. So I adjusted my faithful “point and shoot” to Monochrome Magic (or some such setting) and ventured forthContinue reading “Monochrome Set”
Gaultheria mucronata
Plump, pink, perfect! Like a middle aged Barbie.
Off The Edge Gardening 