offtheedgegardening

Ice and Fire

The polar caps are receding at a terrifying rate. I think I know where all the ice has gone, my fridge. Today was the day of the big defrost. This needs to be done so we can fit some food into it for the Christmas period. Something has gone amiss. Not only is the freezerContinue reading “Ice and Fire”

Hibernation

I’ve decided to go into hibernation for a little while. I will be in a reconditioned badger sett, lined with cosy blankets and well stocked with good books, fine gin and cheese and onion crisps. No dramas, no problems, no worries. See you soonish! Meanwhile here is the amazing Fuchsia arborescens for your admiration.

Excuses

Taking photos in bad weather is challenging. At the best of times I am an inveterate speedy snapper. My theory is that the more photos taken, the more likely at least one will be in focus. When it is raining this procedure cranks up a gear. I wrestle my camera from beneath layers of waterproofs,Continue reading “Excuses”

Six on Saturday – Letters

Here we are again, happy as can be, all good friends and jolly good company. That’s right, it is Six on Saturday time again. For anyone who has spent the last year lost in The Empty Quarter, or perhaps has been undertaking a silent vigil in a monastery somewhere deep in the Himalayas, and haveContinue reading “Six on Saturday – Letters”

Style

I had a little helper in the garden today. Such style. A gal after my own heart.

Babes in the Wood

Unlike most of its compatriots, there is one planter at The Farm that will not be emptied for the winter. This re-purposed concrete water trough contains a couple of Euphorbia x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ and a trio of the golden-eyed blue daisy, Felicia amelloides. The euphorbia is tough as old boots and although might look a littleContinue reading “Babes in the Wood”

What Happened Next? – Once More

Well, Weatherpeople, you got that completely wrong didn’t you? No rain, you promised. None. And I foolishly believed you. After yesterday’s wall to wall miserable mizzle, you said that today would be better. That much was true, I suppose. It was better, but by no means best. Weatherwise anyway. The rain started mid morning andContinue reading “What Happened Next? – Once More”

Better Late Than Never

A welcome day off. After a wander down to the harbour followed by a bit of shopping, I thought that for a change I could do some gardening. In my own garden. I have spent the last few weeks preparing gardens for the imminent winter, protecting plants and where possible moving them undercover. Just notContinue reading “Better Late Than Never”

Cotoneaster Almost Love

It has been said, mainly by myself, that I don’t like cotoneasters. This is not altogether true. Perhaps an exaggeration for the purposes of drama. In fact I quite like this one, and many of its ilk have engendered a smile of approval. What I do dislike are dusty, industrial hedge-trimmer massacred, generally neglected, supermarketContinue reading “Cotoneaster Almost Love”

Six on Saturday – Monochrome

This week I have, like many others it would seem, been undertaking a challenge. My task has been to post a black and white photograph on Facebook, each day for seven days. Usually I avoid these modern day chain letters, but on this occasion I thought it might be good fun. There are a fewContinue reading “Six on Saturday – Monochrome”