Monday, May 22, 2006

Kindling or live plant?

I don't know if you remember, but 16 days ago we bought a hydrangea to plant in the back yard. Now I really shouldn't be calling it a hydrangea because, thus far, it is only a brown stick. Now you may be asking:

Why did we buy a $60 brown stick?

This question is especially salient considering every other offering at the nursery had at least begun to show blossoms or leaves. No, we had to zero in on the one thing that was still dormant. Great idea Charlie Brown!

Still, at that price and with the good reputation of Home Depot, we bought it, Serge feeling good we didn't cheap out and get the 30 dollar fruit tree (I was gunning for the plum tree too) and me feeling good despite the expense, because I've always had a thing for hydrangeas.

So, that's how we bought a $60 brown stick.

And sixteen days later, okay sixteen rainy days later, it still has shown no signs of stirring.

Are we fucked? Have we been royally had?

Here's me showing the hydran, er, brown stick. The sun (during it's five minute appearance yesterday) was in my face, hence the squinting.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope you kept your receipt. Get back to Home Depot and tell them you are not satisfied and want to exchange the brown stick for a living plant.

Snooze said...

Every plant I get ends up looking like that. Good luck with the veggies.

gav25 said...

when you buy plants in that state you usually make sure that there are at least a few visible green buds sprouting. otherwise it's hard to tell if it's dead or hibernating.

just my nerdy horticultural 2 cents.

nice garden =P

Gav

Joel said...

Tomatoes and WHAT? I thought you said...well just not sure what you said! ")

tornwordo said...

I said tomatoes IN pots this year. Not tomatoes AND pot. LOL

Anonymous said...

You could always try smoking the hydrangea, I suppose... :)

Colleen

Chunks said...

Did you check to see if the "Hydrangea" (dead stick) is even good to plant in your "Zone"? Some stores carry different plants but it doesn't mean they will grow in your "zone". Doesn't stop them from selling it to you though! I live in "Zone 2" the only thing that grows here is dandelions and spruce trees, haha!

jjd said...

we planted some hydrangeas which we also got from home depot awhile back. they never looked quite as dead as your brown stick however. I might suggest a return and soon so you cannnot be blamed for causing said death of your stick.

GayProf said...

Yeah, it reminds me of the time when I tried to plant a Magnolia tree. Texas is the South, right? Magnolia should grow. It's hot and humid. I figured it would quickly be bursting with giant flowers. Nope.

As other people have mentioned, Home Depot will take it back. Maybe you want two plum trees?

Adam said...

Gav made an excellent point. If you dont see some green then its probably dead. You can also get a pen knife and on a branch slice it open to see if the inside of the branch is moist and green. If its brittle and dry....well you studied untertaking didn't you?

The Persian said...

I wish I still had a garden, it's one of the downfalls of condo living. What a cute little garden you have, im so jealous!!

:)

Patricia said...

my thumb is about as green as your hydrangea, when it comes to knowing about bushes and such. does canada have any such thing as the states' cooperative extension service? or a university horticulture program might be helpful. our folks like that just ooze with information and are always happy to help. maybe even e-mailing your question and/or video would work. of course then they'll come arrest you for saying that you're going to plant tomatoes and pot :)

Sunshine said...

I know I shouldn't be laughing at other people's misfortunes but abetted by the look of exasperation on your face, I was ROFL. :P

Just be patient - may just be a late bloomer. I didn't hit puberty until 15. :P

D e s i g n Girl said...

Yes, as another reader said, return it to Home Depot. We just bought 3 of those things, although they are smaller and blooming right now. I can't say I have much faith in them either....a co-worker said they are hard to grow. We shall see.... I may be posting a future clip of 3 dead sticks.

madamerouge said...

"salient"

nice!

IDigHootchAndCootch said...

nice video.

Are you sure the label said "hydrangea" and not "broom stick". Because really $60 for a broom stick is not bad.

The Wisdom of Wislon said...

How's the plant now?

I've had a winge today on my blog not about stick challenged plants though :>)

_Psycho said...

To think I thought I spent a lots with 45$ of flowers for the backyard. I feel BETTER now

Tony, the Restless Foodie said...

Yep, you're fucked - return it! And make all kinds of drama when you get there. You know they have some poor undeserving minimum wage person at that counter so give it your Oscar winning performance!

dawn said...

That is like the worst gardening show ever.

Lyvvie said...

Aw, give it a break (not literally!!), it's just a bit sad to be away from all it's friends down at HD. Give it a couple weeks, but if nothing happnes, then keep that receipt and take it back!

toobusyliving said...

This won't make you feel any better, but I love Hydrangea. My sister who lives in Vancouver has so mnay it's almost an embarrasment of riches, considering your situation!