Ep 86. The Revival of an American Holly

In this week's episode, we chat about B & B versus the benefits of Container-Grown trees that limit transplant shock. But sometimes B and B's are disguised as a container plant. A lesson I learned in a sad way.Then tending to the outside holiday decorating turned the sadness into laughs and happy tears as we decorated Ellie's memorial tree – a replacement one as the Blue Spruce that served as a Christmas tree died. We talk about the attributes of Ilex Opaca and the mystery of a 'Mary Holman' American Holly that became the replacement tree. But it, too, showed signs of severe decline and was at risk of dying. But TLC helped turn it around.  We wrap up with the lesson that there is beauty in imperfection.  Link to Related Stories:Holiday Decoration ReflectionsNeedle Cast on Ellie's Memorial Tree Ball and Burlap versus Potted Tree   Decorating with Leave Behinds (aka "Road Kill" - smile) A story about Bill's Weeping Hemlock in Merry Christmas Memories ***I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected]. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStoneEpisode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast PageThank you for sharing the garden of life,Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden DesignerGarden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com  More about the Podcast and Column:  Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries. It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about. Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone  Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.comDirect Link to Podcast Page