Being a mommy and raising those littles can replace many things in life, at least temporarily. I DO remember!

@tinkercreek yes... Children are wonderful but i always think of my veggie garden when i go to a produce stand ....

Now you do! Still needs some cleanup and fresh mulch across the path . Unfortunately the whole lot sits under that giant "trash ash", which allows me only 2-3 summer months without constant cleanup.

That is actually a Bloodgood Maple, which (fortunately) has barely grown since planted about 8 yrs ago.

@tinkercreek I killed 2 of those too.

@Lorajay How did you do the deed , Round Up or a ax ?

@Besalbub poor soil and irregular watering

@Lorajay An ax would have been quicker and more humane .

@Lorajay So maybe they are a bit fragile? Mine lost a branch balancing the left side over the winter, just dead as a doornail this spring, and I don't know why.

@tinkercreek I have heavy clay soil and I provided morning shade and afternoon sun. I think I also fertilized it the 1st year and did not put on 6" of mulch. In other words I did everything wrong both times.[mendocinomaples.com] Both times I got lucky and got them 1/2 price . It was early enough in the year because every once in a while you can just get lucky at Lowe's when they have too much stuff they do everything half price.

Thanks! When I bought the place, it was just solid foot-high blue vinca vines from one side to the other, except for the two large trees.

@tinkercreek - You've done a great job transforming it. It looks great.

@MissKathleen Thank you, it's been a fun 'living canvas'!