offtheedgegardening

Tadpoles

Over the last couple of weeks three very welcome packages have dropped onto our door mat. Firstly my Hardy Plant Society seed, secondly my Royal Horticultural Seed and thirdly my Hardy Plant Society Seed. Yes, so good they named it twice. For those of you not in the know, I will explain. Each year theContinue reading “Tadpoles”

First Day of Term

This day, the 32rd of the year, has meant many things to many people. On this date, had they still been alive, Clark Gable, Stanley Matthews and Muriel Spark would have been blowing out candles on their respective birthday cakes. Contrarily, Mary Shelley, Mondrian and Buster Keaton all took their final breaths. In 1884 the first volume of theContinue reading “First Day of Term”

Horror

Directly outside of our back door there is a small courtyard, jammed with pots, a small plastic greenhouse and a bench. A set of red brick steps lead up from this area, to the main garden above. A couple of years ago I fell down these steps. I was carrying the dried washing and attempting to strokeContinue reading “Horror”

Corked

Brace yourselves folks: today I worked in my own garden. But there is more shocking news: I worked in my own garden in the morning and in the afternoon. I have been worrying about getting up early when my sabbatical ends next week; “less action, more sleep” has been my catch phrase throughout this extremely short month.Continue reading “Corked”

Things I never thought I’d say – Part Six

I’ve found a snail that I would love to have in my garden.

Rebels

There have been complaints. There have been mutterings that John’s comments are longer than my posts. Be careful what you wish for. Yesterday I cranked up the new charabanc and chauffeured a select few to RHS Rosemoor. It couldn’t have been a better day. A glorious morning, sunglasses on, unruly passengers sedated with liquorice and blackcurrantContinue reading “Rebels”

Giant Squid

A wonderful day at RHS Rosemoor. Wrestling giant octopus may have been involved.

Favourites

I have my favourites. There are quite a few. But one that is forever jostling, elbows akimbo, to reach the front of the queue is the crab apple. Undoubtedly I have mentioned it before. There is no question that I will feature it again. All hail to Malus sylvestris, Champion of Trees!

Wise Words

Forgive me, I am going off the horticultural piste again, but rest assured it will be fleeting. Today I watched the inauguration. Under duress. It was an important moment, I was told. So I sulked and half read my book whilst barracking from the cheap seats. When the shenanigans were almost over they rolled out the religiousContinue reading “Wise Words”

Elephants

Bergenias, now there is a problem, do I like them or not? Well, the jury is out having a cup of tea and a lengthy chat, possibly not about the issue in question, and definitely not in a rush to come to any conclusion. These robust perennials, also known as elephant’s ears, have always left meContinue reading “Elephants”