Is a tree like a cat?

Is it? I’m really hoping my ceanothus tree has nine lives, because she’s already used at least four of hers! Three years ago she broke free from her support in a high wind and was bent double. Then she was attacked by Jack Frost and all her leaves went brown and crusty – but she lived to tell the tale and has flowered beautifully each year since then. Then storms Isha and Jocelyn hit us last month and Ceanothus became a victim once more – she really must be feeling picked on. I dread to think what state her roots are in after this – she’s incredibly flexible though, don’t you think? I’m amazed her trunk didn’t snap.

I couldn’t right her by myself (she’s quite hefty) and I figured she was safest lying low until Jocelyn had calmed down a bit. GR was nowhere to be seen – he was away on one of his numerous ski excursions in some far flung land. So I had to call upon my lovely young neighbour to help me. It wasn’t easy but between us we managed to get her upright and tie her to a boundary post, which I agree sounds terribly undignified. We could have done with Victoria’s assistance when it came to our knot tying capabilities. She was a Cub Leader and would have been horrified at our pathetic efforts! When GR finally returned, he made a few tweaks to our handiwork, and all appeared as hopeful as could be expected in the circumstances.

But then, while he was absent yet again, disaster struck! It snowed heavily for hours. I kept shaking the snow off poor Ceanothus, but the time came when I needed to get some sleep. The next morning she was bent double with the weight of the snow and she didn’t spring back when I removed it. It was some days before GR returned and I was able to put him to work to restore her dignity once more.

Now I know what you’re thinking – it’s not a pretty sight, and she’s quite tall. Maybe reducing her height might solve the problem? Well, with regard to the former, the situation will look better come the spring, when the honeysuckle to her left climbs the rope and the clematis to her right covers the entire wall and fence. Regarding her height – I’ve consulted the oracle, aka the wonderful advice service available to RHS members. It was bad news – ceanothus don’t like being pruned hard, so she would probably die. The suggestion was that I might be better disposing of her and starting again. But I just can’t bring myself to do that – I have to give her another chance – keep everything crossed for her, please!