offtheedgegardening

Kilver Court Garden, Somerset

I tend to divide my friends up into categories. As well as divisions of personality such as “sophisticated” (not many of these), “artistic” (quite a few), “dangerous” (enough) and “grown ups” (a couple), there are tribe types such as “sporting”, “virtual” “work”, “school” and of course “horticultural”. Sometimes they stray into more than one department,Continue reading “Kilver Court Garden, Somerset”

Up and Downs

A day of ups and downs at The Farm. Ups: In the orchard two of the new apples trees, Tom Putt and Farmer’s Glory, have unexpected blossom. A pretty adolescent cat lurked about the site, tortoiseshell and rather timid. The quince tree beautifully floriferous. Plug plants arrived, including Pelargonium ‘Orange Fizz’ and Lophos ‘Wine Red’. IContinue reading “Up and Downs”

Light

From first til last the light was special. On occasion, whilst driving through the Devon countryside, I marvel at the strikingly vibrant hues as I whizz pass field and garden. Then, slightly disappointed, I remember that I have my sunglasses on and what I am seeing is just an enhancement of the truth. Today, sans shades, allContinue reading “Light”

Home

Home. Tired. Tulips.

Good Combo

Bergenia ‘Wintermarchen’ and self seeded polyanthus. A good combo if ever I saw one. Off on my adventures for a few days, hold the fort whilst I’m away.

Bug Hotel

I spent my day at The Farm helping Young Master G construct a bug hotel at the edge of the meadow. The aim of this salubrious establishment is to provide a comfortable, safe place for everyone. Everyone, that is, as long as you are an invertebrate or perhaps an over-wintering amphibian. Reptiles (of modest size)Continue reading “Bug Hotel”

Geum ‘Tequila Sunrise’

Tonight, due to severe depletion of my energy cells, there will be no chitty chat. To make up for this shortcoming I have chosen, just for you, the prettiest picture of the day. Geum ‘Tequila Sunrise’, simply stunning. Normal service will resume once I’ve had a good kip. Probably.

Iochroma australe

Is it really true? I think it might be! This Iochroma australe has a long way to go before it fulfils its destiny. If all goes well, if its benefactor is vigilant, it is fated to become a stunning shrub covered in pendulous lavender bells. Everyone has to start somewhere. And this is an excellent start.

Sometimes Look Back

About an hour’s drive from where we live is Hartland Quay. If you sailed westward from our house, close following the coastline, you would pass Morte Point and Grunta Beach on the way to Woolacombe and Putsborough, then round Baggy Point to Croyde and Saunton, skimming the estuary where Appledore and Insow nestle and the rivers TorridgeContinue reading “Sometimes Look Back”

Things I never thought I’d say – Part Seven

“Don’t punch the plants Nancy!” A couple of weeks ago we reached the heady stage of planting out Nancy Nightingale’s new border. We laid the specimens in position, carefully considering potential clashes of colour or foliage before we commenced. As NN is a complete novice I gave her a quick planting tutorial before retreating to aContinue reading “Things I never thought I’d say – Part Seven”