GardenHelp.org

Earlier this week I was devastated when I discovered a neighbor had hacked up one of my favorite trees. Many of you may have already read my post on the discovery  that put me out of sorts for days. I did try to take the high road in that post and offer some options that could have been taken rather than what happened which was to convert this previously fantastic tree into an ugly set of stumpy, topped branches. But, really, at heart I was sad and mad. The butchered tree is on my regular dog walking route, which I almost completely altered to avoid seeing the remains of the tree I so loved for years. But, I didn’t. I made myself walk past it everyday this week, and each day it got a little easier, but the sight of the tree still makes me sad. Call me sentimental; call me a tree hugger. I guess that’s just who I am. Today I took my camera along, so I could share a photo of what I’ve walked past all week. Pretty sad isn’t it? I can only hope they plan to remove the rest of the tree rather than see what kind of monstrosity tries to awaken from this horrendous pruning job.

In the past I used to offer free advice to my neighbors as I saw them doing strange things in the garden that was clearly because they didn’t know better and just needed a little help. It didn’t take me long to learn that most of these people don’t want my helpful advice and it just gets me in trouble. That being said, there are a few out there who have been thankful for my help. I can think of one poorly staked Gingko that was freed from its bonds and set forth to grow quite happily after I made a suggestion to its caretaker who was looking very confused about it one day as I walked by. Still, do I leave a note for these folks suggesting options for them in the future? Or do I keep my mouth shut and just pray they don’t go after their specimen Katsura the way they did this previously lovely Stewartia? If you’ve got the answer, pray tell!