This is one plant that I've never had long-term anywhere - nowhere near 12 years! Have tried them several times in different yards in OH, and my Mom has had no luck with them here in AL. I think think they are just more picky than a lot of other plants, about light, moisture, and everything. If it is not completely happy, it just won't make it. Sounds like your 2 that died had some slight difference at some critical point. Figuring out what it was... well, good luck :+) Were they all equally happy/healthy looking last fall? Hope this wasn't part of a "formal" or symmetrical display. If not, just bask in the excitement of your 2 "new" spots to play with.

This is mine, it is always this color except when the heat really hits. Then it turns the ugly browning unless I water, water, water...sometimes I do some years I don't. I have had it since 2007 doesn't seem to lose it's color no matter where it is planted. :)Aqua

I have one from a different nursery. The tree is about as famous as the building, and is far, far older than 20 years... No one knows when it was planted or how long its been there. And, in all the research I did for hardy avocados of the area, no one mentioned propagating this famous one. We had the tiny avocado that the squirrels helped us snag for lunch today, and they do have a very interesting flavor, quite different from the classic Hass, but it's hard to tell with immature fruit what it would have been in a few weeks' time! Does someone know the guy in Devine? Does he know about this tree?

I am surprised 'Ploughmen's' lunches are so popular in London, especially when you consider the lack of agriculture in the area . . . although my late Mother could remember sheep grazing in Hyde Park and it is possible to see horses being exercised in Rotten Row. Mary, a TV ad. claimes that more cider is being drunk in the UK these days, but it's from an Irish co. that produces the stuff. In this neck-of-the-woods they make a local 'rip-gut' variety; powerful strong. There should be a better choice of beer/ale about these days, other than the dreaded Watney's Red Barrel that used to dominate the market some years ago. Britrail passes are still available but you may need a second mortgage to travel by train. Travellers are in the ridiculous situation of using trains to get away from the over-crowded roads, only to find there are not nearly enough seats, especially for peak-time journeys. The rail co's increase the fares partly to put people off from this method of travelling, plus general greed and claims to spend the extra cash on 'upgrading' the service. Still the best way of seeing the country IMO. An elderly US Aunt always uses the train when over her . . .often going in totally the wrong direction . . . and has made endless 'friends' on these journeys. Here is a link that might be useful: Britrail passes