In the last few weeks I have had cause to warm to the common montbretia. Today at Westwell Hall, in glorious combination with the dark leaved elder, it looked spectacular. There is a lot to be said for being a little bit common.
Category Archives: Button Moon
Mad Dogs and Englishwomen
It has been a challenging day for a few reasons: a) I’ve hurt my back. I am in official denial about this in the hope that if we don’t mention it again it might disappear as quickly as it appeared; b) after exhaustive avoidance tactics I was bitten on the ankle by a horsefly andContinue reading “Mad Dogs and Englishwomen”
Love in a Meadow
The soil is parched, despite regular watering. In spite of this hostile environment many of the plants on Button Moon are continuing on a trajectory so upward I am scared where it all might end. No more so than the wildflower meadow. Last year it was a mixed meadow, this season a little less diverse. Continue reading “Love in a Meadow”
Prerogative
The other day I was admiring a row of Lavandula angustifolia in The Buns’ garden. “I was just thinking” I said to Mrs Bun, who was troubled that I had drifted into some kind of pollen induced coma “that you can’t beat good old English lavender.” Relieved that the body inaction was just due toContinue reading “Prerogative”
Kind of Day
It was that kind of day.
The Wall
This dry stone wall at Button Moon is not only a beautiful example of local craftsmanship but also does a sterling job of holding up the land behind it. Recently it has an additional, and altogether more exicting, raison d’être. Behind its slate barricades lies a great tit hatchery. Although we haven’t actually seen theContinue reading “The Wall”
Upside Down, Boy You Turn Me
Yesterday a parcel of plants was left, according to the email I received whilst I was out working, “In a safe place”. This oh so secure and nurturing place was outside my front door in the rain. To add insult to injury it was upside down, in a box with clear arrows to prevent suchContinue reading “Upside Down, Boy You Turn Me”
Toil
It seemed like a brilliant idea. “Let’s make a flower bed in the middle of the lawn. More colour, less mowing. There will be plenty left if you ever fancy a game of crochet.” A perfect plan, not just perfect, inspired. “We’ll pile the sods in corner a few meters away and when it hasContinue reading “Toil”
Holes
Today at Button Moon was a day of digging holes. Big holes, little holes, medium sized holes. Some awkward roots and slates, some easy passages. Luckily I was armed with a golden spade, it made life much easier. Everyone should have a golden spade, even if you haven’t got golden boots. Into these holes IContinue reading “Holes”
The Future
Last week, on my first day back on Button Moon, we prepared the annual wildflower beds for the coming year. It seemed a fitting way to mark the occasion of my return to the fold. The border was weeded, the bones of last year’s blooms were pulling up and any remaining seed broadcast. Looking forwardContinue reading “The Future”
Off The Edge Gardening 