Saturday, June 13, 2015

loss in the garden

Every season the garden teaches me something.  Whether it be patience, perseverance or simply to be still, I always come away changed from what unfolds.  This season has brought about some loss in my garden.  The biggest loss to swallow is my maple that is in the center of my shade bed in the front garden.

  I began to notice that large branches were dying and with this being the second year that it has not produced seeds I knew that something was wrong.  After consulting with an arborist we have come to learn that one of my favorite trees in our garden has girdle root which means that 20 something years ago when this tree was planted someone most likely planted it incorrectly by leaving it in its metal basket.  The roots are basically suffocating the tree by wrapping themselves around itself instead of growing outward.

I will miss the change of seasons with this tree and all of the memories that have come with it.  When my son was born I would look out his window into its canopy on cold November days as I fed him in his room.  Its brilliant autumn color when the beans were headed out to go trick-or-treating will be missed as well.  Yes,  I am mourning my tree.  Comes with the territory of life.  Nothing is permanent and we all have to adjust our sails to the changes that come.

So you shift and get busy heading in a different direction.  Or as Liz Taylor would say....


Though I don't wear much lipstick I do think this quote is fantastic and so it has been my mission the last few days to walk around my imperfect space to look for beauty.

 {my newly planted Oenothera tetragona by my bird statue}

 {quick combo...Campanula and Foam Flower}

{My new shrub Calycanthus Floridus....Allspice is beginning to bloom brilliantly}

 {long view of the back bed as it unfolds this spring}

 {golden rod, phlox, butterfly weed, roses and sedum filling in and getting ready to bloom...almost covering utility box...finally!}

 {Rambling Red climbing rose and Hyacinth Bean which is an annual vine to fill this season as the rose grows}

{the little guy cutting lettuce for dinner}


Beauty elsewhere

{a visit to the arboretum}

And today we went down to visit some family and enjoy the farmers market.  So many organic farmers selling their beautiful vegetables and plants.  And whatever your stance is or isn't on GMOS,  any crop that is sprayed with crap is bad for the Earth and all who inhabit it....bottom line.  




and to take in a little of this....

my brother entertaining the whole market with his tunes...
{photo taken by my lovely sister}


John Till Music


My tree was special.  The garden is ever changing as nature is.  It's our job to keep on going and seek out the beauty.
I hope that whatever your garden, whether it be a window box or a farm, that you pass on your love of it to just one person.  Together our seeds will transform the future.

Pass on the garden folks and make it a great weekend!  
Happy Growing!  



79 comments:

  1. So sorry on the loss of the maple tree. They are so beautiful and also have such a lovely canopy. You have many memories of it I'm sure. But the rest of your garden is very lovely. I can see there is so much in it that you must be kept very busy. I see some wonderful hostas in there too and some Campanula which I planted years ago and it hasn't thrived but is at the bottom of my Dogwood tree. Have a wonderful week ahead dearheart.xx

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  2. I'm so sorry for the loss of your tree. Nicole!! I've lost two trees in the last three years and it is just awful. The last tree left a scar in the landscape. But this is also an opportunity for a new beginning. We all need a new beginning every once in a while and the garden is the perfect place for one. You will find the perfect tree to replace the dying one and it will be beautiful! Your garden is looking gorgeous this year. It is so vibrant. We went to our farmers' market as well and every thing we brought home was delicious!! I hope you have a great weekend!

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  3. What a shame Nicole, that tree is quite something, and I know how attached we get to them. It really is a centrepiece. But no doubt you will find something beautiful to do with the space instead. Everything else is looking quite wonderful, you've really been working so hard this year. The farmer's market looks fantastic, I'm with you on the organic produce, and it's so nice to find local food as well. Love the picture of your little man picking lettuce in his bicycle helmet. Adorable. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. CJ xx

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  4. Oh...I feel sad too to hear about the story of your tree:( There's gain and there's loss even in gardening world... but let's count the blessings for there's more of it! I love the picture of your little gardener taking a break from his play to do the family's dinner! You've trained him early and he is taking his responsibility seriously too:)

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  5. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful maple tree. 😞
    Your garden is looking Amazing & very cool too!
    the farmer's market sounds very cool too. Your brother looks cool & how lovely of him to entertain the people on the market! 😀

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  6. It is sad... it's always the memories that feel like they are lost at the same time that is the saddest part. Hope you continue finding happy things in your garden and around you to inspire and bring joy xxx

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  7. I understand what you live with your tree because I love my trees too and they have an history. every time I have to cut a tree due to a storm, I put another tree on our land!
    Love the new shrub you have!! your garden is so clean!!
    You should come and work here friend!!!
    I have too much crazy grass here ( it is always raining here and we can't do anything in the garden!)
    Miss xoxo

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  8. Our redbud died over winter, and that was sad. So sorry to hear about your tree. Thank you for taking us on a walk through your garden. So lovely, and beautiful. Your farmer's market sounds wonderful. We don't get organic stuff here at ours. Mostly commercial stuff, and people how buy up then re-sell.

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  9. Good Morning, I'm sorry about your tree that you have such fond memories of. I think back to the different homes we've owned and how I always had a favorite tree. Your garden is looking wonderful. I especially love your variety of calycanthus. What does the fragrance remind you of? Cute photo of your son cutting lettuce. Thank you for sharing the link to your brother's awesome music. I would love to visit your farmer's market. Enjoy the week ahead. xo

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  10. This is so sad, I'm so sorry for you to lose such a big part of your garden!
    Maybe you can leave the stump and make a place to sit, like in the book, The Giving Tree??
    I know you will find a special way to honor your sheltering friend! You are just too clever of a gal! Give him a hug from me!

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  11. It's sad when something doesn't work in the Garden.. even if it's something small.. So sorry about your lovely tree. . Love Farmers Market.. The few towns I've been in one place I live they would host in right in the middle of their little downtown area.. which was right down the block from where I lived and I loved loved waking up Saturday morning and just walking down the street to see and buy so many lovely things. Back here In San Francisco where I lived most of my life Has always been the biggest one.. Love it as well. Nice your brother plays Music.. It always add a great touch.. The rest of your Garden looks wonderful.. I seen much beauty in it.. Happy Sunday with love Janice

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  12. Nicole, it`s true that gardens teach us to be patient. You have so many beautiful things going on in your garden. You should be very proud. And great that you can look at the bright side.

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  13. Your gardens are always so beautiful and picturesque. so sorry about your tree-do you happen to have a fireplace or wood stove where you can use the wood that way after cutting down the tree? this is so sad but now you can enjoy choosing another tree

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  14. It is so sad about your tree, I can see that it will be a big loss to your garden. I hope that you will be able to plant another tree in the future and enjoy seeing that grow to its full potential. Your garden is looking beautiful isn't it, I love the different combinations of leaves and colours and the little areas for sitting and the decorations! It is wonderful!!! Great photo of your brother too! Your sister is obviously as good a photographer as you! xx

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  15. dear nicole,
    i am so sorry for the loss of your maple tree. thank you for taking us a walk through your beautiful garden.
    i love the farmer market......all the veggies looks so fresh.
    have a nice week my friend,
    hugs regina

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  16. it's such a shame about the maple tree, is there no way to dig down and try and release the roots, my guess is they left it in the wire basket to restrict root growth to the house and foundations. your garden is beautiful,
    if you cant release the roots I'm sure you will get another beauty to replace it.

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    Replies
    1. The arborist said that they could try a procedure but that it is expensive and the success rate is only 30 percent. Good point on the foundation thoughts...wishing you a lovely day!

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  17. I am completely charmed by your garden. I understand your feeling of loss for the tree and the memories associated with it. But your memories will not fade! If you don't let them! A new tree will produce new memories. Perhaps your child will remember the planting of the new tree, and many years hence come back and look on that tree that he remembers planting!

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  18. I'm so sorry about your beautiful maple and I can understand how upset you are - especially as it's associated with baby feeding memories. A few years ago our eucalyptus tree blew down in a storm - the girls and I cried. That same week we planted a replacement and it's now bigger than the original and I love it. Try to take comfort in the fact that your garden is filled with lots of beautiful things. Gorgeous photo of your son harvesting the lettuce.

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  19. I know you miss your tree, but your entire garden is gorgeous and such a reflection of you and the beans. Your yard shows so much love.

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  20. Ah so sorry about your tree. You need to have a bit of thinking time then root out your lipstick. I love your long border. Jo x

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  21. Oh man, that sure is sad news. Feel your pain. Your back bed is gorgeous, so lush and lovely to gaze upon. I love your little man cutting some lettuce. Had an email from my son (32) said he remembers all the tomatoes and chard and veggies we grew when he was small and how he sure would love a garden now. We laugh as we sure weren't on trend then and now we are ok!! Love all that great produce and organic is the best for us and our lovely planet. Great shot of your brother! Take heart, you will regroup and redesign your space into a different but equally lovely growing space.

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  22. So sad of that maple tree, but that's life........Can understand you are mourning but not too long, make a new plan, go to a nursery and get another tree. Your garden looks wonderful, so is the farmer's market entertained by your brother's music, life is nice......
    Wish you Happy Gardening (with the Beans)

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  23. Your garden is so pretty and shame regards your tree x

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  24. In fondo si tratta di attraversare un piccolo lutto! ma la dolcezza delle fotografie sono così vitali da far sorridere. Anche se in pieno lutto. Che così è ... superato !

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  25. So sad about your tree, is it going to be removed? It looks as though you would get a lot more sun in your house with it gone. I love the look of that allspice shrub in flower.

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  26. Your garden looks beautiful but It's a pity of the maple tree, it really is !

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  27. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your tree. Nature can teach us so much and the cycle of life is one of those lessons. It sounds like you have some lovely memories of it and hopefully all the new beauty blooming in your garden now will create some wonderful new ones. We love visiting the farmer's market in NYC as well. It's always good to support the local organic farmers and get great produce at the same time :) Have a marvelous week ahead dear friend!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  28. I'm very sorry about your tree, Nicole. I know what it's like to form an attachment to a tree and have to say goodbye. It's very sad and disappointing. I am sure that you will find a new tree to plant in its place and you'll do it right and have a lifetime of enjoyment from it. The rest of the garden is looking beautiful and it's great to see the farmer's market, especially your brother as the entertainment. Good for him. I hope you have a good week.

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  29. I'm so sorry hear about your beautiful tree.What a loss. Maples do have beautiful leaves through the seasons. Well, you have a new challenge. I know you'll pick something fabulous that will be just as pretty! You did find more beauties in the rest of your garden and farmers market. And what a special treat to hear your brother play!! How cool was that?!!! Enjoy your week, my friend!

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  30. Oh Nicole, I am so sorry about the loss of your tree.... Isn't it amazing how memories are caught up in all aspects and things of life.

    Your garden is so beautiful, my friend! You have a gift when it comes to flowers and nature :) Can I talk you into coming to my house to "help" with my sad gardening skills? {{smiles}} You are such an inspiration!

    Hugs to you, dear one!

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  31. Ugh, that's just terrible. It's so hard to lose such a major part of a garden like that. Both for the sake of the surrounding plants and emotionally for the humans! Everything looks so beautiful right now and it's all really filling in so nicely. I love that quote...I think it will be my motto for the week to come. ;)

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  32. Oh what a shame - it is always sad to lose a tree and all that it offers to the garden - will you plant something in its place? I had to laugh at the picture of your son picking lettuce - I guess he feels it necessary to wear a crash helmet whilst doing it - lol. Keep up the good work - your garden is looking lovely.

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  33. I am so sorry about the loss of your tree

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  34. Sorry to hear about your tree, how sad that it wasn't planted properly. I'm sure you'll find something wonderful to mark the next step in your garden :) The flowers look so pretty - I love climbing plants! The market looks amazing as well, look at that broccoli!! xo

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  35. You're such a positive, passionate and creative gardener that I'm sure you'll find a great spin on the loss of your beloved tree. I'm sorry that you're feeling it, though. The rest of your garden is looking gorgeous and it is lovely to get out and about, soak up the atmosphere of the market and enjoy yourself. How great to see your brother perform. Have a good week Nicole. Sam x

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  36. I feel your sadness about losing such a beautiful tree. But you will have the opportunity to plant a new tree and care for it and see it grow. I wonder if you found any inspiration at the arboretum? The produce at the farmer's market looks great, and live music while you shop, just brilliant, and I love how seriously your son is taking his lettuce-harvesting duties. A really special shot Nicole.

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  37. Oh, I'm sorry about your maple tree and all the lovely memories attached to it. I am the same way. I get attached to my garden friends. The garden is a wonderful teacher for those who know how to listen. Learning to let go and move on is one of those lessons - a hard one. But Liz is right. God love her. I'm writing that one down! You will turn that empty space into something beautiful. I just know it!

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  38. Oh, I feel your pain! The tree! What a shame it is!

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  39. Oh, and I just clicked through to your brother's site. I love his music! Does he have an album? I couldn't find a link to a shop or anything on his site.

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  40. Wow! Your brother rocks... don't you dare tell him I said that though! :D I am sorry about your tree, very sad!
    Hugs,
    Beth

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  41. So sorry about your tree. On our block we have lost several trees because they were planted improperly years ago. A big shade tree like that defines a garden to a great extent, so its loss is never an easy adjustment. There is still lots of beauty in your garden, though. Love the photo of the Calycanthus!

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  42. It indeed is painful to lose such a beautiful tree you've been with and grown along all these years. I'm sure better things will be on your way.. It's so nice to see your brother entertaining the crowd with his lovely music. Have a lovely day!!

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  43. Mildred sent me over to say hello. What a beautiful garden you are creating. It is sad when yesterday's mistakes catch up with the present. I hope that something good will come of the loss.

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  44. Discovered your blog from Mildred @ Cattails. I am sorry to hear about your tree but you have such a wonderful attitude. Will check out your brother's site. I love your garden and you are so right. There is so many things that are discovered in our gardens. LJ

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  45. I so sympathize with the loss of a tree. We've lost two magnificent Oaks over the past five years. They held many happy memories too. They are now being made useful as furniture or pallets. Being a gardener of sorts, in one spot I planted lovely, tall red roses that greet new visitors to our home. In the other is an undisciplined array of cosmos, sunflowers, shrimp plant, butterfly bush, etc. with a place to sit and read. All we can do is make lemonade from the lemons.
    Your blog is very nice. Just popped over from CatTales (Mildred) for a peek.
    Have a blessed day. ~:)

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  46. Coming over from Mildred's blog for a visit.
    Sorry to read about the loss of your beautiful tree... that's too bad.
    Lovely gardens and garden plants at your place!

    ~K.

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  47. I, too, popped over from Mildred's...I enjoyed seeing your flowers. I am sorry to hear you lost your tree. We had to have our huge old maple taken down a few years ago. I still miss the shade, but I don't miss the worry of it when we have severe weather. One big limb just missed my daughter's car! That was when we decided it had to go. It was rotten in the middle.

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  48. So sorry to hear about your tree! Glad to see so many other plants thriving, though....love the picture of your little guy cutting lettuce :)

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  49. oh, i hate to lose a tree, too. :( but your yard and garden is beautiful! came over from mildred's place to say hello!

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  50. I followed Mildred's link to your lovely blog. I bookmarked it to read further other posts another time. I feel for you on the loss of a tree. We lost the apple tree two winters ago due to heavy snow. You have a beautiful garden.

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  51. Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? I never could grow anything but weeds. Lovely, just lovely. I am your newest follower. Found you while visiting Mildren. Such a cutie little fellow you have there too!

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  52. Sorry for your maple, what a strange thing to leave the metal container...
    Sorry about the void in all the memories.
    Maybe, you can get a few cuttings and try to make a small clone of it? I don't know how to propagate a maple tree but it worth a try if it's possible.

    Loved your little gardener, picking up lettuce. :)

    ps. The photo of your brother; what a beautiful caption. Full of expression and happiness. It's a treasure.

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  53. Hi Nicole, I'm coming to visit from Mildred's blog. You have a lovely blog, yard, and attitude. So sorry for your maple tree. Who would have thought that would be the problem. We live in a Senior Complex and only have a balcony for any kind of plants. But I do have a iris from a cut of my MIL, and a Christmas Catcus from her also, and a Creeping Charlie from Aunt Trula. So my Pot family on the balcony has a lot of meaning to me. So glad Mildred introduced you to the blog family. Wanda

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  54. What a shame about the maple. I understand why you're mourning it. I love picture of your little boy picking the lettuce!

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  55. I'm here from Cat Tales. Your garden is lovely. I'm sorry about the tree - that's a hard thing to lose.

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  56. lovely garden and adorable little farmer/picker.. came over from Cattales

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  57. Morning, Mildred sent me over to say hello. Beautiful gardens you have, love all your wonderful touches.Blessings Francine.

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  58. This post brought to mind this poem. https://peonymoon.wordpress.com/2009/01/04/maya-angelouswhen-great-trees-fall/ LOVE TO YOU!

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  59. What a shame about the tree! I miss the tree we had at the side of the house, so I can appreciate your loss. On the plus side of things, your garden is looking terrific Nicole. It is really starting to come together.

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  60. Hi Nicole, So nice to meet you and visit your lovely garden. So sorry about the tree. We lost a few and it is heartbreaking. Being and working in my garden is such a joy. I am visiting from Mildred's link and intro. Now a new follower too. Happy Gardening.
    Hugs from Texas, Celestina Marie

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  61. Che spettacolo incredibile quella zona di Hosta! Così come tutto il giardino! Complimenti! L'Oenothera qui ogni anno viene mangiata da piccolissimi insetti che non riesco mai ad eliminare!!!

    Un saluto :)

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  62. I lost a redbud tree that was only 7 years old. I really wanted to have one and then it just died. I was told in my situation that the two years of drought were hard on it and when we had a hard freeze there wasn't enough moisture to bring it through the next year. Your gardens are so well tended and your flowers look so good. Mildred sent me over and a friend of Mildred's must be a pretty great person.

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  63. Hi Nichole! Our mutual friend, Mildred sent me your way! My, but you have the most beautiful yard and gardens. I am sorry to hear about that maple tree. I guess, like we humans, trees and plants get sick and die...such goes the cycle of life. I'm sure it's lovely shade will truly be missed. I hope you are having a great Tuesday :)

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  64. Your garden is so lovely Nicole and I always enjoy visiting. I am sorry to hear about your tree. I lost a Magnolia after the two past harsh winters and it was heart breaking to have to take it down. Your new Calycanthus Floridus..is gorgeous! Happy Bloom Day!

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  65. Hi,
    I found you over at Cat Tales :-)
    I love your garden. Beautiful!
    Have a great week,
    Carla

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  66. Hi Nicole, Your property is inspiring from every angle! I am sorry about your tree. We lost a big bumelia to termites this year - well it's 3/4's dead - and it leaves such a big hole! Best wishes on a fast growing replacement.

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  67. Beautiful garden friend! The flowers are so stunning. Happy gardening friend!

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  68. Oh Nicole! I am SO sorry to hear about your tree! That is such as sad loss! On a happier note your garden looks AMAZING! It is just beatutiful!!

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  69. We become so attached to our gardens and the plants that inhabit them. Trees feel like so much more than just a plant, though. They are magical and a bit mysterious. I'd be mourning, too. Check out my garden love column. :o)

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  70. Nicole, yours is one of my very favorite gardens I've seen online or in magazines. Of course, it will be just as beautiful without that tree, but I understand your loss. Trees take so long to grow and we're right there with them throughout; it's not easy.

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  71. Hi Nicole, I'm slow responding to my favorite bloggers! I was "fasting' the internet for a week. I needed it but missed my blogs! I'm so sorry to hear you lost your Maple....I live in the house I grew up in and my dad always talked about remembering the big oak we had out back when it was a sapling. It was too close to the house and had to go....I actually left the house the day it was cut down....too painful.
    Anyway, I love, love your yard! You've really created an oasis and must be basking in the joy of all that beauty. I'm in total agreement with about organic.....we are organisms.....we need real food. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Happy gardening!

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  72. Everything looks beautiful in your photos and your philosophy is sound. You are right that gardening teaches us so much about life. The tree will leave a space and that space will create an opportunity for you and the beans to plant (properly!) a new tree and create memories to share. Love to you all.Rx.

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  73. Dear Nicole, oooh no, loosing that tree? That is hard! It is such a beautiful tree and gives your front yard a very special vibe. But as you said, a garden is always changing and we must go with the change, because there is nothing to win, when we go against it.
    On the photos that you have posted here your garden looks very lovely and I am sure you will make the front yard pretty, even after the maple tree is not there anymore.
    Warm regards,
    Christina

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  74. What a shame about your poor tree, they become old friends don't they? Sound advice from Liz Taylor, what a woman xx

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  75. sorry to hear about that tree :( we have been picking vegetables from our garden and it's been wonderful. we are exploding with perilla leaves and lettuce and i see that our beets are growing. i can't wait for the tomatoes and our fava beans. i saw a small formation today and it got me excited :)

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  76. Ah...Nic...so sorry to hear this...I absolutely LOVE maple trees. Love them. I'm actually quite teary-eyed right now. It is quite sad to see a tree go. Yes...I agree...I try to find beauty wherever I can. With our drought and dead brush and trees wherever I go, I try to find some kind of beauty. I'm not quite as optimistic as you, but I try. ;) Much love dearie! xoxoxo Jen

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