People probably don't know what that is. I don't either, but I think I can relate to your excitement and the feeling of triumph at last. Who knows what makes these plants behave the way they do? The great unknown factor. I had something similar with some Canterbury Bells, never tried them B4, just languished flat as a pancake the first year I set them out. Last year they were pretty enough but not terribly vigorous. Now this year they have lots of buds, can't tell for sure which color they're going to be, but they look really nice. And I didn't do a thing to help them along like compost, mulch or sprinkle any bloom booster there like I always intend to but don't get around to it. BTW, I'm happy with that Bloom Booster I did manage to sprinkle around, think it works well but not enough experience yet to know which plants it works for best and which ones best not to try it with. I do think it helped my Regal lilies which were very weak last year and lean anyway. This spring I staked them up as usual, but felt how much stronger the stalks felt. Either than or the kelp solution I sprayed them with. That's the only thing I did for them. Note to self. Get some more sprinkled around but leave the youngest ones alone because they may need to get on their feet so to speak first.

I looked at this photo and felt your pain. I, unfortunately, can relate to this. We've just had 9 days of rain and my dahlias took a severe beating. After getting all that rain the high wind gusts came in to finish the job. The stakes didn't break but the ground was too wet for them to stay upright. We got a total of 12 inches of rain in those 9 days. I didn't have the heart to photograph the devastation. I almost cried when I first saw it. I don't want a permanent reminder. I am a little worried about the tubers rotting. There is no standing water in or around that garden bed but I think I'll be taking up some of them this weekend too.

I've raised it up quite a few times, and yes, I hear a crunch or two sometimes. Last Spring was the first time I noticed smaller leaves obviously stress-related. But it had plenty of berries. That's when I put the rock there and said, what the heck I'll give it a try and worse comes to worse I'll take it down. Just to make it clear, this Serviceberry has been toppled not just once or twice. Like I said, I had it staked well for two years, but during a strong thunderstorm one of the cables broke. I will try staking again and take off some height. Ianna, yes a vortex. I suspected that I have created this situation out of ignorance after reading an article on walled gardens. It stated that even a garden surrounded by tall hedge can cause winds to play havoc with trees and shrubs inside. That's what I have - tall privet hedge that I used to keep sheared to about 6' but it got to be a real chore so I grew lax and the hedge is way higher now.

(((Jan))) I am late chiming in, but I just want to know you are not alone.... I am a state employee, and I completely get it. So sorry for what you are going through. Work is stressful enough without the added burden of politics and controversy. In my case,for over a year, there has been endless ridiculous drama resulting from employee complaints and an internal investigation. It has been incredibly stressful. I have struggled with depression throughout my life, and the work situation in combination with other life stresses pushed me over the edge to being very depressed. Crying in the car between meetings, losing interest and motivation, feeling completely trapped and hopeless. It has gotten much better since going back on antidepressants. I am again realizing I probably need to stay on them forever. I don't like it, but know that I truly need them. I also encourage you to find whatever support systems you can-- the EAP program, a trusted friend, this board, respite care, family, whatever you can access. You HAVE TO take care of yourself. Even if it's one evening a week, you must find time to do whatever YOU need to do-- sleep, read, shop, sit... Lastly, my DH is a special ed teacher (and another state employee). Autism spectrum disorders are very challenging and exhausting. It is 100% normal and acceptable to use respite care. The very reason for it is to give exhausted parents, who have a 24-7 responsibility to their children, in addition to jobs, family, other children, a much needed break! You are a human being under a lot of pressure! Please be kind to yourself. Great big hugs & lots of empathy from me-- Jen