offtheedgegardening

Losing Battle

There is a splendid multi-stemmed myrtle in Max’s garden. Cinnamon peeling limbs, glossy evergreen leaves, heady white blossom and bull’s eye berries; year long it gives joy. It would be perfect, if not for one flaw. Beneath its canopy, and further still, it flings its fruit densely and indiscriminately. These germinate like sturdy cress, pushingContinue reading “Losing Battle”

Month

As I count down the days to my sabbatical month* I find myself feeling a little sad about the things I am going to miss. Like the early morning sun illuminating the dew on a succulent lampranthus. * Actually the last week of December and the whole of January which of course, if we areContinue reading “Month”

Late on Parade

Salvia elegans, otherwise known as Pineapple Sage, is late to the garden parade. Only in the last few weeks has it come into its own. Dithering throughout the summer and early autumn, holding back with dramatic flourish until early winter. Now many of its rivals are long passed, leaving a gap in the market forContinue reading “Late on Parade”

Six on Saturday – Abridged Version

Bit rushed so here is abridged version of SoS. Cheers Mr P – check him out. No. 1 – Respect No. 2 – New old pots No. 3 – Now? Are you serious? No. 4 – Broken primulas No. 5 – Garlic shoot, no poo No. 6 – Single Sophora Adios ’til next time!

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”