Ready to dig its roots in

Gardener's Blessing
Ralph Emerson Purkhiser

May God grant thee enough sun to warm the earth,
Enough rain to make things grow,
A good strong back, a wide brimmed hat,
And a good sharp goose-neck hoe,

Strength for a day of toil
And some quiet evening hours,
With a sip of tea, and a gentle breeze,
And may all your weeds be wildflowers.

Three months ago when I bragged about my inherited hydrangea, I could hardly wait for planting season to arrive — then when it did, I grew nervous and began to drag my feet.

North side of the house?

Not enough direct sunlight.

South side then?

No way, it would block the forsythia.

Back flowerbed?

In the only suitable spot for Grandmother's hosta?

Okay then, somewhere out in the yard?

Just another obstacle to mow around.

How in the world will I get it out of this big planter?

This dilemma eventually took care of itself when the rotten wood began to fall off, making the rest easy to remove.

But what if it becomes fungussy and diseased?
Hates living here and refuses to bloom?
Or just shrivels up and dies?

You'll never know at this rate, will you?

Finally settled on a location, dug a big hole, pushed it in. Even remembered to use root stimulator.

And look what I found hiding under several years of dust in the garage — An old fashioned hydrangea's best friend!