offtheedgegardening

Wills the Cat

This is Wills, Lord and Lady Mantle’s cat. Although I have tried very hard to become his friend, he is so far resistant to my charms. Incredible I know. If he is feeling particularly tolerant I am permitted to stroke him for a short while, although this cannot compete with the affections bestowed upon him byContinue reading “Wills the Cat”

Start

We have eventually broken ground at Nancy Nightingale’s. A rough border shape was marked out, and we began the task of removing the terrible turf. As we were wheelbarrowless (a terrible affliction) the sods were piled into a trug and transported across a 100m assault course (including steps) to be formed into an igloo atContinue reading “Start”

Dafty Duck

Spring is definitely in the air. Time to cut back, tidy all the detritus, let the new shoots emerge unhindered by the last year’s has beens. At The Farm on Thursday I was merrily pulling defunct crocosmia foliage when I had the distinct feeling that I was being watched. Then I spotted the culprit, soContinue reading “Dafty Duck”

Hyacinth

There was no need for a hissy fit, the threat of one was quite enough. A wonderful, warm, sunny day which made for a wonderful, warm and sunny gardener.

Saxifrage

I have absolutely nothing to say. Except if it doesn’t stop raining very very soon I’m going to have a hissy-fit. And also, here is a saxifrage. It is getting fed up too. Although, to be honest, it doesn’t look that way. In fact it looks very pretty, for a delicate little plant that is gettingContinue reading “Saxifrage”

Another View

Hellebore seed factory.

Flamingo

“Are you a Softie Walter, or female equivalent?” I asked my singing teacher, Nancy Nightingale. “No, I don’t mind getting wet and muddy at all” she answered with a trill. “That is just as well” I replied. Rain stopped play last week and I refused to let it happen again. The weather folk at theContinue reading “Flamingo”

Cuddly

This cuddly magnolia bud should keep you going until later.

Cope

Prunus × incam ‘Okamé’ is just a babe, no more than 30cm tall, but that hasn’t stopped it flowering prolifically. It was enjoying the spring sunshine today as much as I was, and that was a great deal. After last night’s riotous, window-shaking, sleep-depriving storm it was all the more appreciated. It seems that calmContinue reading “Cope”

Some Daffs for St David

I would like to wish a happy St David’s Day to you lot across the water. Yes, you know who I mean. The Welsh from Wales. On a clear day I can see your shores from my window; the mystical islands of Worms Head, the fabled Pembrokeshire coast and its equally gorgeous sister, the Gower peninsula. MistyContinue reading “Some Daffs for St David”