The much maligned lily stamen, replete with granules of rich ochre pollen. Often ceremoniously snipped before they can stain your best frock, drop onto the cream pile carpet or mar the Maltese terrier. This is a great pity, they are as beautiful as the exotic blooms they bless.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Weather for Ducks
Today I was digging up couch grass at The Farm. If you laid all the roots that I painstakingly removed end to end it would stretch to the moon and back. No exaggeration. On the plus side we picked the first apples of the season, the forecast doom and destruction didn’t arrive until the endContinue reading “Weather for Ducks”
Fear
It was my first day at a new job today, which is always a little scary. It is one I have talked about previously, you may remember, the one with all the exotic plants and a puppy called Max. For some reason I was more nervous than usual and couldn’t quite put my finger onContinue reading “Fear”
Municipal Magic
Municipal planting is often derided as out-dated and starchy, almost laughable, at least sniggerable. Today I would like to stick my head above the horticultural parapet and fight the provisional park’s corner. Taking a short cut through Runnymede Gardens in Ilfracombe this morning, I was taken back by the beauty and vibrancy of the bordersContinue reading “Municipal Magic”
Cheek
“When we were out today we bought some plants!” “Horror! The bloomin’ cheek of it, anyone would think it was your garden, who told you that could you go out unaccompanied and buy just anything willy nilly. I hope you got something decent, if it is forsythia or cotoneaster I will faint.” “We have plantedContinue reading “Cheek”
Not a Carrot
Today was a classic summer’s day, a cliché almost. Wall to wall sunshine, a warm but gentle breeze, a sky unsullied by clouds. Apart from quick drying washing and an evening barbecue, this unusual occurrence was not taken advantage of. It was not a working day and I had things to do that did notContinue reading “Not a Carrot”
Flying Ant and other Stories
On balance it was a very good day at Lionel and Lucinda’s. A day of many parts. It was Flying Ant Day; a curious and slightly sinister version of Formicidae relocation. It was a Day of Welcome Gifts, of cut and come again and rocket, of home-made mackerel pate and elderflower cordial. On the downsideContinue reading “Flying Ant and other Stories”
Lavatera “Pink Blush”
This gently unfurling Lavatera “Pink Blush” was nibbled whilst tight in bud, causing matching holes in each petal around the bloom. It reminded me of making paper chains of dancing ladies when I was an adorable child. Carefully cutting around penned outlines on folded newspaper and, when released, marvelling in the emerging chorus line. SomeContinue reading “Lavatera “Pink Blush””
Farewell
Today was my last day working at Spotty Dotty’s. It was a tough decision but in the end it was too long a journey to make it a sensible proposition. A day spent on my own, punctuated by very heavy showers, so vigorous George the cat didn’t even come out to say hello. In honourContinue reading “Farewell”
Things I never thought I’d say – Part Three
I think I may have fallen in love with a gecko called Maisie.
Off The Edge Gardening 