The option to grow
I gave myself a challenge a year ago and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing it evolve. However, my challenge has given me a problem and I have the choice of three possible solutions.
A friend of mine coppiced an overgrown corkscrew willow tree. She potted up 40 cuttings and promised me one of them, should they take. When my small willow tree was 7 inches tall in its 5-inch pot she passed it on to me for further TLC. Several pots later it’s now 4 ft high and looks wonderful. The roots of the willow tree search out water. To ensure there’s always water available, the pot has stood in a pot base 2 sizes larger than the pot. A sunny position and a continuous water supply have been just the right conditions to produce a miniature willow.
The problem is this willow tree is completely out of place on the patio. I could just leave it and maintain the level of TLC or I could plant it in much more natural surroundings. However, my garden is too small, though I’m sure I could squeeze it in somewhere. Alternatively, I could give it to a farmer friend to plant on the banks of his pond. Time will tell which option I choose!
I’ve thought of the times when I know I need to extend or change something I’ve settled into or become too comfortable with. One could say I’ve settled into complacency. I’m definitely not a risk-taker but I have found that stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a risk has proved very worthwhile. It’s all too easy to become static and therefore stale when we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to grow. I would be doing my amazing corkscrew willow tree a favour by giving it more space to grow and show off its true potential.
Eventually any pot-bound tree, shrub or plant will lose its vitality and attractiveness. My challenge was to grow a corkscrew willow tree from a cutting. My dilemma at present is an accomplished challenge which needs further direction.
A friend of mine coppiced an overgrown corkscrew willow tree. She potted up 40 cuttings and promised me one of them, should they take. When my small willow tree was 7 inches tall in its 5-inch pot she passed it on to me for further TLC. Several pots later it’s now 4 ft high and looks wonderful. The roots of the willow tree search out water. To ensure there’s always water available, the pot has stood in a pot base 2 sizes larger than the pot. A sunny position and a continuous water supply have been just the right conditions to produce a miniature willow.
The problem is this willow tree is completely out of place on the patio. I could just leave it and maintain the level of TLC or I could plant it in much more natural surroundings. However, my garden is too small, though I’m sure I could squeeze it in somewhere. Alternatively, I could give it to a farmer friend to plant on the banks of his pond. Time will tell which option I choose!
I’ve thought of the times when I know I need to extend or change something I’ve settled into or become too comfortable with. One could say I’ve settled into complacency. I’m definitely not a risk-taker but I have found that stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a risk has proved very worthwhile. It’s all too easy to become static and therefore stale when we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to grow. I would be doing my amazing corkscrew willow tree a favour by giving it more space to grow and show off its true potential.
Eventually any pot-bound tree, shrub or plant will lose its vitality and attractiveness. My challenge was to grow a corkscrew willow tree from a cutting. My dilemma at present is an accomplished challenge which needs further direction.
Merle Sparkes
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