Today we went for a walk. This is an example of the crazy things I have got planned for my month long sabbatical. It was nice. We may well do it again. One of the first things we saw was large fallen tree, a beech perhaps but difficult to positively identify without scrabbling and aContinue reading “Renewal”
Author Archives: offtheedgegardening
An Alternative Christmas Message (no corgis)
It is nearly here. Whether you immerse yourself completely in the festivities or hole up in a cave on top of Ben Nevis until it is all over, tomorrow is Christmas Day. Personally I love it, although I can understand why people distance themselves from the excesses and unnecessary pressures. I love it because itContinue reading “An Alternative Christmas Message (no corgis)”
Grevillea ‘Olympic Flame’
This beauty is Grevillea ‘Olympic Flame” with its exotic flowers that remind me of tropical birds of paradise or perhaps scorching uncut toenails. Take your pick. One image is definitely more attractive than the other. Which ever you decide upon, it is a fabulous shrub and hardier than its fancy plumage would suggest. I haveContinue reading “Grevillea ‘Olympic Flame’”
A Solstice Six on Saturday
In the northern hemisphere, tomorrow is the winter solstice. It is a time of optimism, an opportunity shout “up yours” to winter and, whilst shaking an angry fist, “your reign is nearly over Baby”. The currently submissive Day will begin to nibble at the dominant Night, slowly at first, getting hungrier as the weeks pass. Continue reading “A Solstice Six on Saturday”
Grumpy
In our house we are very happy that the wind has changed direction. As I type I am accompanied by a roaring, whistling, splashing medley. Much mischief is occurring in the back garden, where the weather is doing its utmost to uproot plants, dishevel pots and flatten the shed which is being held up byContinue reading “Grumpy”
The Journey
As I may have already mentioned, I am not a keen driver. I do it because I have to. I don’t dread the more familiar domestic journeys, but longer excursions are not so welcome. Needs must. We all have our crosses to bear, and to be honest there are much heavier loads. However, there areContinue reading “The Journey”
Respite
The wilds of the last few days have diluted into dull murk with a smattering of hail. Last week was a washout workwise and I am twitching in my enforced respite. I am hopeful for the coming week, the last before my January sabbatical. And then respite of choice. Before we know it, spring willContinue reading “Respite”
Out to Sea
Today I have both too many words and not enough, a quandary indeed. Instead, let us be quiet and gaze out to sea …….
A Little More Conversation
True Story Lord Mantle: I like Francis Bacon. Me: Oh I don’t, he gives me the eebeegeebys. If I was to write a critique of his work, or even a thesis entitled The Artistic Merits of Francis Bacon, that would be exactly what I would say, “he gives me the eebeegeebys”. Except I am notContinue reading “A Little More Conversation”
Best
A frosty morn; a road trip with Hero, warmed by winter mixture; a coffee rendevous with Torrington Tina, Rusty Duck and Mrs Bun; a lesiurely wander around sugar sifted gardens, enjoying the familiar and admiring the new; chickens and fir cones and deer and ferns; icy rills and the ghosts of water lilies; soup, cheddarContinue reading “Best”