offtheedgegardening

The Best Policy

Just has to be honesty!* * This is a gardening joke so apologies to those who are not of that persuasion. Explanation as follows: This is the seed head of Lunaria annua whose common name is Honesty. The name is thought to be a reference to the transparency of the seed head. The phrase “honestyContinue reading “The Best Policy”

Guerrilla Gardening

Guerrilla gardening has interested me for a while. I love the idea of improving our environment by planting neglected spaces with food and flowers, doing something positive as opposed to merely moaning about the short comings of those in charge. In the optimistic hours before sleep I have planned forays to seed-bomb abandoned building sites,Continue reading “Guerrilla Gardening”

Tricyrtis hirta “Empress” – Toad Lily

Today I saw a humming bird with no feathers, here is a toad that can’t swim.

Tribe

Although I haven’t undertaken a controlled scientific survey, my initial observations would suggest that those who visit gardens are generally of a “type”. These fine folk are generally middle aged and above, sometimes coast path walkers or family groups complete with sulking teenagers. Anyone under thirty is rare, except under duress (see sulking youths). ThereContinue reading “Tribe”

Catch them if you can

These are the fruit of Vallea stipularis in various states of repair. This South American shrub has given me much joy this year. Firstly there was the thrill of buds which fulfilled all their promise with glorious flowers, blooming just above the deer nibble line. Then the excitement to find that these rosy pink lampshadesContinue reading “Catch them if you can”

Those Friday Feelings

Tired and tetchy. In fact I am so worn out I can only muster two adjectives at the moment. Mind you come to think of it there is always “weary and weather beaten”, “dreary and down trodden” and let’s not forget “lethargic and leaden”. Enough self indulgence! The apricot conserve blooms of Rosa “Lady Hillingdon”Continue reading “Those Friday Feelings”

Temptation

Very tempting; but include these sumptuous berries as one of your “five a day” at your peril. The fruit of Arum italicum, Lords and Ladies, contain needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalates which as you might imagine are not good for the constitution, causing severe discomfort from throat to lungs to stomach. Their taste is soContinue reading “Temptation”

Swotty Neighbours

I seem to make a habit of living next door to, working with and/or being friends with a progression of smartypants. You know the sort “Did I show you the proton reactor I knocked up this afternoon?”, “Must rush, the Dalai Lama is popping by for a cup of tea and some advice”, “Of courseContinue reading “Swotty Neighbours”

Badges of the Soul

Warning: This post includes minimal references to plants, gardens or any associated product. Emotions may be involved. As we make our way through life we gain badges to sew onto the sleeves of our souls. Some badges we win and some we are given. There is one for “first love” and another for “first heartbreak”,Continue reading “Badges of the Soul”

Parkland

Running in tandem with my life as a grubby gardener and one of only two living Grand Masters of the little known Burnham Cartwheeling Technique, I have to confess to a third more sinister existence. Actually it isn’t sinister at all, I was just trying to get your attention. For almost two years I haveContinue reading “Parkland”