offtheedgegardening

Tonics and Barks

As he does most Sundays, this morning OH trundled off to buy the papers. He returned some time later with crisps, beer and this book (oh and the papers). That is what I call fine shopping. I am sure I am not alone in owning a significant number of gardening books, some might say tooContinue reading “Tonics and Barks”

Six on Saturday – Tempus fugit

Pay attention impetuous youth! All you downy-haired saplings listen carefully to what I am about to say and take heed! The rumours that Old Father Time presses his foot firmer on the gas with each passing year is in fact a painful truth. Was it really a week ago since the last Six on Saturday? Continue reading “Six on Saturday – Tempus fugit”

Double Vision

A couple of months ago Lady Mantle was invited by Max for lunch. This was the first time that one of my clients had visited another. It got me to thinking. When I lived in Bristol, before I saw the horti-light, I used to visit a hardware shop not far from where I worked. ItContinue reading “Double Vision”

Six on Saturday – Autumn Antics

It has been a rather discombobulating week, with midweek shenanigans and not much work. The little work I did proved to be rather beneficial, it seems that I am no longer in denial about the onset of autumn. It appears that I have caught up with everyone else, just in time for winter to rear its,Continue reading “Six on Saturday – Autumn Antics”

Thelma and Aunty Louise

One of the many benefits of my job is that, whether I’m looking for them or not, I acquire new friends along the horticultural way. As a matter of course my employer ends up becoming my buddy as well as my client. Perhaps I should warn people of the risks involved before they take meContinue reading “Thelma and Aunty Louise”

Six on Saturday – Accusations

There have been accusations. Wicked and cruel lies. Rumours abound that I have been flaunting the Six on Saturday rules. It would be unfair to name names as to the source of this gossip, but I will give you a couple of clues to their identity – Haribos and edifices. I would like to putContinue reading “Six on Saturday – Accusations”

Curmudgeon

I am not a fan of Halloween. Quite the contrary. However on this night, when my door bell rings, I attempt to go through the appropriate motions with at least a little feeling. I pretend to be terrified by the little ghouls and ghosties, I offer hypo-inducing sweets to the adorables in their costumes, IContinue reading “Curmudgeon”

Distracted

When I arrived at The Mantle Mansion this morning I was distracted by something I had passed at the entrance. I wandered into the kitchen, poured myself a cup of coffee and greeted Their ‘Ships, who were dining on kedgeree and peasant porridge. “What is that out the front?” I questioned. They giggled in aContinue reading “Distracted”

Six on Saturday – Dreary

It always takes me a few weeks to accustom myself to the shortening days and falling temperatures. All week I have struggled to get up in the morning and when I drag myself out of bed I am more belligerent teenager than disco diva. Today was no exception. There is one word that concisely sumsContinue reading “Six on Saturday – Dreary”

Acer japonicum ‘Vitifolium’

Hero and myself spent a wonderful day at RHS Rosemoor, successfully dodging heavy showers and small children dressed as gruffalos. It has been very difficult to pick just one photo to sum up the day. The magnificent cheese scone from the restaurant before we got going was a contender (had to build up my strengthContinue reading “Acer japonicum ‘Vitifolium’”