Uncategorized – Page 26 – Off The Edge Gardening

Both

Just one look at the flower spike of Lobelia ‘Hadspen Purple’ leaves me weak at the knees and a little breathless. Or maybe the steep hill that I climbed to admire it was to blame? Perhaps it was a little bit of both. Either way, it is not only stunning but very special. Definitely both.

Good Company

I do love a nice agastache. So, it seems, does this bee. I am in very good company.

Brighten

A little something to brighten your day, Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’. You are most welcome.

Flying Ants

I was at Max’s again yesterday, and on one of my forays to the top of the garden I checked the black plastic compost bin which we lovingly refer to as the dalek. This bin is not a pretty beast, but until we get something a little more aesthetically pleasing in place, and indeed aContinue reading “Flying Ants”

The Curious Incident of the Dog, a Stick and a Bad Shot

It was a mistake to admire the wonderful Red Abyssinian banana, Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, in Max’s garden this morning. I think it is what is known as “tempting fate”. Like a ruddy phoenix this tender African has recently risen from the ashes. Last winter it was left outside with only a thin fleece for protection.Continue reading “The Curious Incident of the Dog, a Stick and a Bad Shot”

Reflections

Last week Lord Mantle announced that he had found some photos of the garden taken before we began our attempt to reclaim it. Later, when studying these shots, it occurred to me how quickly we forget what has gone before. It does well sometimes to look back at what has been achieved and give yourselfContinue reading “Reflections”

Bedraggled

More memories of sunny days. This astilbe flower and butterfly (possibly speckled wood) are most likely a little bedraggled by now. I am too. But then again I was before the rain started.

The Meaning of Life (apart from 42)

For one reason or another I seldom post photos of beds or borders. Generally the pictures I take are rather disappointing . What I thought was a mass of colour and texture turns out to be rather dull. There is little movement, no depth, no heart. So I stick to individual flowers, or new bootsContinue reading “The Meaning of Life (apart from 42)”

Same But Different

Another day of absurd weather at The Farm today. It was however quite different from yesterday, when mizzle turned to occasional heavy rain then straight back to mizzle. Today it switched from bright sunshine to head hurting rain in the blink of an eye. Literally. There was no hope, unless you happen to be calledContinue reading “Same But Different”

The Christening

Of all the challenges involved in being a jobbing gardener, the fickle weather is the champion. Torrential rain had been forecast overnight, clearing later. Last evening I contacted my morning clients and warned them it might be a wash out and we would reschedule. The new day began and the Met Office were quiteContinue reading “The Christening”