offtheedgegardening

Fashionably Late

As a girl in the 1970’s my mum bought me a moss-green corduroy trouser suit, and I looked like the bee’s knees. Or rather I imaged that I did. It was rather avant garde for St Ives CP Junior School. There were “looks”. Since then I have allowed the latest trends to get lukewarm beforeContinue reading “Fashionably Late”

The Journey

My daily commutes range from a scant 10 minutes to a country half an hour. Both have their advantages. An extra few minutes in bed is always a joy, especially as winter gallops towards us, but I also enjoy the longer journeys. My music is invariably playing, problems are solved, plans are made. And earlyContinue reading “The Journey”

Lantana

A t-shirt and refreshing (non-alcoholic) cold drink day. Felt full of vim even though I have got a code in my dose. Love my job. Love this lantana too.

Still Going Strong

Today’s gardening duties were straight out of The Book of Horticultural Cliches, chapter three Autumn. Collecting seed, moving perennials, tidying, planning for next year. Hesperantha were flowering, a cerise cyclamen popped and we swept the first of the leaves that had fallen in the recent gales. This rich-red pelargonium however was having none of it.Continue reading “Still Going Strong”

Six on Saturday – The Nearlys

Saturday again and here is my contribution to The Honourable Mr P‘s Six on Saturday. There is a thread running through this post, all my featured plants have something in common. They are all Nearlys. Not quite flowering. Bearing in mind the recent weather, I can quite understand their reticence. In the hope that by nextContinue reading “Six on Saturday – The Nearlys”

Favourite

Perhaps my favourite watsonia seedling. Until the next one flowers, at least.

Strange Fruit

This strange fruit caught my eye today at The Farm. On closer inspection all became clear. In the past year I have created a new tradition. When harvesting tomatoes I throw any that have split or been munched by one of the non-human inhabitants of the greenhouse, out of the door and over the scrubbyContinue reading “Strange Fruit”

An Education

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”

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”