It was an exceptionally wildlife-centric day yesterday. And educational at that. My day started with the sighting of a bird of prey emerging from a hedge, its feathered victim clasped in its talons. After a short rest at the side of the road, and a staring competition with me, it flew off towards the cairn,Continue reading “An Education”
Author Archives: offtheedgegardening
A Pressing Engagement
For the past couple of years The Farm have juiced their apple crop to sell to their visitors. Previously I have missed the Day of the Great Juicing but, as luck would have it, this year the event coincided with my work day. Earlier in the week Slasher had picked the fruit. This is mainlyContinue reading “A Pressing Engagement”
Six on Saturday – It’s a Miracle
It is Saturday. Outside it is blowing a hoolie and periodically horizontal rain joins in the fun. My ‘to do’ list makes War and Peace look like a novella. I have writing to finish and don’t need any diversions thank you very much. All great excuses not to participate in The Propagator‘s Six on Saturday.Continue reading “Six on Saturday – It’s a Miracle”
Osteospermum ‘Double Berry White’
A day of dodging showers at The Farm. No matter, most of the time I was in easy reach of a waterproof or a shelter. There were plenty of indoor jobs to be done. In the greenhouse the tomato vines, which had been allowed to express themselves freely over the last few weeks, were trimmedContinue reading “Osteospermum ‘Double Berry White’”
Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’
Do not compare persicaria with its delinquent relative, the black stetsoned Japanese Knotweed. Although often vigorous, they are not concrete breakers, and their beautiful flowers are long lived and buzzing with insect life. This Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ is looking spectacular at the moment, both to myself and the hover flies that are crowding its slim pearlyContinue reading “Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’”
Octopus roses and cauliflower ears
It is not often that I have a mono-job day. I am by nature a flitter, and prefer to have a variety of tasks to fill the hours. Today however myself and Mrs Bun undertook to tame the great tangle of rose that divides the vegetable garden with the rest of the garden. ItContinue reading “Octopus roses and cauliflower ears”
Six on Saturday – Once More
It is the weekend again and what does that mean? No not roller disco and pints of piña colada, it means it is Six on Saturday time! Thanks to The Propagator for hosting this meme. Firstly we have Roscoea purpurea, it is a dark leaved variety so may well have another name. I’m afraid any label isContinue reading “Six on Saturday – Once More”
Confused
Over the past couple of weeks I have noticed some horticultural anomalies, events seemingly out of kilter. There have been second, albeit fleeting, flushes of rhododendrons and wisteria, forget-me-nots are coming into bloom and crocus leaves emerging. Today at the Mantle Estate, my most favouritist magnolia was having another attempt. Confused? Perhaps a little. MindContinue reading “Confused”
Salvia forskaohlei – Indigo Woodland Sage
A low whitewashed wall forms one end of the play area at The Farm. In front of this wall (on the football free side) there is a narrow border, about 60cm wide, running the length, about 3m. It is a sunny bed with shallow soil. Last year we grew dahlias (which on reflection did surprisinglyContinue reading “Salvia forskaohlei – Indigo Woodland Sage”
Just Looking
Today I did a lot of looking. Sometimes it happens that way. Things catch your eye and demand closer inspection. Like the raindrop on the ‘Lobelia Hadspen’ Purple flower above. If you are in the pay of CSI or Miss Marple you will have noticed my reflection within the little drop. Then it was anContinue reading “Just Looking”
Off The Edge Gardening 