offtheedgegardening

Worry

This little chap made me very happy on Monday, not quite as happy as the day old lamb, but it was close. However, no sooner had Happiness landed, it was unceremoniously shoved out of the way by that old bully Worry. This muddy, singularly unimpressive plantlet is a self-seeded Geranium palmatum. The mother is close byContinue reading “Worry”

What is guaranteed to make you feel better …..

When you are knocked sideways by the wicked wind …. which is frazzling your edges, when you are trying to do your best? Why, a day old Devon Longwool lamb suckling its proud mother, cosy in the sheltered barn, of course! Well it worked for me.

Woodwardia radicans – The European Chain Fern

I spent the day safely cocooned at home, pottering, making soup, enjoying my temporary captivity. Occasionally I looked out into the gloom, watching the rain sheet sideways, listening to the ever increasing howl of the wind. On days such as these I think of those outside, unprotected from the elements; the homeless, the rescue services,Continue reading “Woodwardia radicans – The European Chain Fern”

Short Story

A (very) Short Story “What did you do today?” “I got very wet and made mud pies.” The End ps I hope you appreciate my artistic photograph. Before anyone suggests it, the special effect was achieved not through wobble, rain or ineptitude. It is an expression of my miserable, soggy, heart.

Correa schlechtendalii

This Correa schlechtendalii has flowered all winter long. Thanks for that, it has been much appreciated.

All Things Incredible

Yesterday me and my old mate Hero went to the Seed and Potato Day organised by Incredible Edible Ilfracombe. The promise of seed and potatoes is quite enough to get me out of my pyjamas on a Saturday morning. In fact I would have been happy with one or the other, but then I amContinue reading “All Things Incredible”

Quick

I have just noticed that I have done 666 posts. “Quick” I thought “do another”. Six hundred and sixty seven, a far nicer number.

Ladies that Lunch

Today I had lunch with Lavinia. I haven’t seen her since December and we had a good old chin wag, so much to catch up on. For various reasons, which do not include her discovering the family silver in my handbag, I will no longer be gardening for L & L. This is fine, things moveContinue reading “Ladies that Lunch”

Question

What is better than the first camellia flower? A glint of cerise catches your eye in the distance. Abandoning your wheelbarrow you tentatively investigate, non negotiable curiosity drawing you towards a hint of something special. In a scrappy hedge of hardy fuchsia, self seeded ash and buddleja, tucked in behind a lodge, the discovery of anContinue reading “Question”

Ancient Wisteria

It is easy to imagine that all kinds of sprites, piskies and imps live in the bole of this ancient wisteria. In fact, if you look very carefully, you might convince yourself that you have seen one. I did. There is little doubt that is all kinds of less fanciful creatures (also) live here. Hibernating ladybirds, butterflies and perhapsContinue reading “Ancient Wisteria”