There is an 'ideal' way of doing most things, but we can't always garden 'by the book'. Sometimes it is nice to experiment, to try other methods.
After a hectic day recently, I lay on the grass for several minutes, gazing up at my lovely Magnolia stellata. The tree was a 30th birthday present from my sister, which she bought as a good-sized plant. I planted it, but we moved house a few years later and I couldn’t bear to be parted from my gift. So, I dug it up, to transplant to our new home.
There is a general consensus that magnolias resent disturbance, and respond badly to being moved. But, feeling I had no choice, I excavated the tree, wrapped up the roots and transported it to its new location. It survived, despite the fact that I was so busy with the move that I didn’t manage to replant it immediately, as I should have done.
For the first couple of years it did sulk rather, then started to look a little perkier - but it didn’t put on any new growth. Eventually, with a little TLC, and extra watering, my cherished magnolia did eventually grow up and outwards. Eventually, every spring it bore (and still bears) masses of beautiful flowers, each with a distinct, sweet perfume.
I think this episode demonstrates that gardening rules are there to be bent. There is an 'ideal' way of doing most things, but we can’t always garden ‘by the book’. Sometimes it is nice to experiment, to try other methods. Don’t feel guilty if you occasionally break the rules. You might make a few mistakes along the way, but often you can get away with it!
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