Neighbors . . (3)

Do neighbors ever think that they are helping - when in fact they are not?

Years ago I bought a Weeping Cherry Tree and planted it in a half whiskey barrel (Knew I was moving and would want to take it with).

A few weeks later the tree was dying. I was flummoxed. Its not that easy to kill a tree. And not so quickly.

Turns out three different neighbors had all been watering it - plus me! We drown the poor thing.

Just now - my neighbor came in carrying a black cat and said "Look who I found!" My black cat has been missing for 5 weeks.

The dogs were watching her intently.

When I said "That's not my cat." the cat hissed and reared up. The dogs went insane. The neighbor had to run to the door avoiding flying claws and dogs.

I'm certainly not an expert but from what I remember, a weeping cherry tree does not take well to an acidic condition. If the barrel you got was a true whiskey barrel, it would create a highly acidic condition. No matter how often you wash it out, unless you burn out the alcohol that is absorbed into the wood, that watering will just bring it out and kill the poor tree.

As to cats.......well, hmmmmm ... sounds more like a neighbor just trying to either be nice to you or, of course, he might have a hidden agenda. I tend to be a bit more posative about people so perhaps you should give him the benefit of a doubt?