The golden droplet flower of the New Zealand kōwhai shone like a misplaced piece of summer at Chambercombe Manor at the weekend. Not thriving there, but managing to muster enough strength to pop out a few flowers on its scantily clothed boughs. Sometimes less really is more.
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Tree Watching – A little waffle to fill the space
There is not a lot of action at the moment in Larchland. There may be a slight swelling of buds, but this is probably wishful thinking by Ms Eager Beaver. So I will use this lull in visible activity (I am sure there is a lot going on behind the scenes) to get you upContinue reading “Tree Watching – A little waffle to fill the space”
NW5 – George
As handsome as ever!
NW4 – Rejoice
It is February now and the wheels are turning faster. The days are noticeably (and rejoicingly) growing longer meaning that not only is it easier to get out of bed in the morning but the plants are benefiting from more light. If I were a true plantophile these would be listed in a different order. Continue reading “NW4 – Rejoice”
NW Day 3 – Ophelia
The hazy colours, frozen in time, brought to mind John Waterhouse’s painting Ophelia. Just before she got in, obviously.
NW Day 2 – Diamond Day
Over the past few years I have had my battles with ivy, tugging and unravelling, prising their adventitious roots from tree, border and unsuspecting shrub. I have also admired and appreciated their many good points, listened to the throb of an insect blanket supping on their tardy flowers, watched as clumsy pigeons and flightyContinue reading “NW Day 2 – Diamond Day”
NW Day 1 – Puddle
I didn’t promise anything about the posting of evocative photographs. Obviously I have no control over what you may or may not deduce from an innocent picture. This one seemed appropriate today, the reason why I am keeping to myself. You can interpret it entirely as you wish. It could indicate a leaky hosepipe, theContinue reading “NW Day 1 – Puddle”
Whatever the Weather
To bore others is one thing, to bore yourself another. Bearing that in mind, I have decided to place a temporary embargo on any mention of the weather. Nothing at all. Not even in passing. Or as an afterthought. If a tornado sweeps me up and deposits me at the end of the yellow brickContinue reading “Whatever the Weather”
Alabama Slammer
Today I have been working on a piece for Devon Life magazine about Castle Hill Gardens. Sorting through the masses of photos I took last April of this enchanting Palladian House with its extensive landscape gardens, I came across this photo of Fothergilla major Monticola Group, sometimes known as the Alabama Witch Alder. This shrub,Continue reading “Alabama Slammer”
Hail Hurts and other lessons
Things I have learnt in the last week: 1. Longjohns are my new best friend, with my thermal vest a close runner up. 2. A good hat which doesn’t obscure vision or fall off and cosily covers the ears is imperative. 3. When the aforementioned hat falls into a muddy puddle and is put onContinue reading “Hail Hurts and other lessons”
Off The Edge Gardening 