I do believe I am becoming a wee bit ruthless as I grow older and more crotchety. This winter, I tossed a couple of underperforming orchids and a grapefruit that I had started from seed because it had scale and I couldn’t get rid of it. I felt no remorse, only relief. What’s happening to me?????
A couple of years ago, I planted two Buddleia “Blue Chip” because they were supposed to stay relatively small. They didn’t really, but the pollinators and I enjoyed them anyway. I planted one in each bed, on either side of the stairs. One of them got a little out of control and I kept meaning to move it, but I never got around to it.
Here’s a look at the Buddliea in question, on the far left of the bed near the stairs.
This week, while preparing my beds for the season, I took a closer look at it and it appeared for all the world to have died. And it was much too big for its spot. So out it went. The second Buddliea is less intrusive, and looks a little more alive, so it can stay – for now.
Here is The Doomed One, awaiting the truck which will take it far away.
Bye bye.
Digging RI 
Being ruthless is way better than keeping the un-performers too long.
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I agree. And you make room for new plants!
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A few years ago after a terribly frigid winter, I went out to survey the garden and found my Buddleia
cut off at ground level. I left it thinking that I would clean it up when I found a replacement, but to my surprise, it began to regrow and has been healthy ever since. Now I just cut them down in the spring to keep them in control.
I too have become more ruthless over the years…mostly with houseplants which get the (cold) gate in January and February! 🙂
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I admit to having done that with a messed up cactus this winter. I also left a palm I wasn’t fond of outside and winter “took care of it.” Ditto for the variegated ivy with a bad case of scale. No regrets!
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I’m getting to be the same way as I get older! Totally ruthless…no guilt 🙂
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Hmmm. I wonder if this is really a symptom of “maturing.” An interesting thought. I wonder how ruthless I’ll get…..
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I’m becoming ruthless, too, but with less regret. You are not alone.
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You too, CJ? It’s a veritable epidemic.
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In my opinion, this time you have some space for adding more color to your garden!
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Yes!My sentiments exactly.
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