Thursday, December 18, 2008

Abusing My Banana


I fully intended to wrap my banana. I'd been learning the same lesson winter after winter, spring after spring. Never again would I allow its majestic leaves to begin a new season rising from a putrid pit of green. No, this was the year my banana would get wrapped and begin life from a standing position, already several feet tall.

Lo and behold, I blew it once again. My hardy banana, the uncomplaining Musa basjoo, is going to have to start from scratch in June. And that's optimistic, since this spring was so cold, I saw nary a leaf until summer. Consequently, my banana barely topped five feet, a sad showing from a creature that could easily top twice that size.

So what have I learned? Despite the beauty and disciplined design of my new courtyard garden, I am the same undisciplined gardener. No wonder I opted for so much hardscape this time 'round. I am not proud.






at 9:35 PM

8 comments:

  1. Hi Ketzel! Since most news is grim distributed by NPR, whenvever your reports reached my ears, I knew I would feel better. I listen to NPR exclusively, Cols., Ohio, and except for weekends, and our local programing during the heart of the weekdays, news and special reports are frequently disturbing. (Certainly not all or I wouldn't be a "friend".) But I rush to turn up the volume when I hear your name mentioned and always look at the on-line article. Sorry that NPR is now going to get grimer still. Thank you for the wonderful profiles and your feelings that personalized everything.
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  2. Ketzel:
    1st time i heard you but what a great reference to the five stages! It was very quick though! As someone who works with life transitions i teach those stages all the time...but I was still sleepy so had to go on what i remember. Adding Harry to the story really gave it added depth and texture-I also work with helping ex-offenders transition back into society so his voice really perked up my interest!

    Of the course the irony of doing a story on Moxie and being laid off...well..who can miss it. I listen to NPR frequently but don't like the fact that some the of the people at the top of the food chain-notably Bill Kling who reportedly makes in excess of 1/2 million dollars a year thrives while NPR lays off the people who are the unsung sheroes. Anyway check out the link below and good luck-
    harry

    http://recruiting.americanpublicmedia.org/jobs/Scripts/JobOpenings.aspx
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  3. Dear Ketzel,

    Really brokenhearted when the news aired about layoffs at NPR and your name was mentioned. I enjoyed your excursions into gardens, the riffs on plants, and the genuine, lively interest in people and their relationship to our world. Your voice and curiosity became a secret lover who understood my passion to create a place of beauty with the piece of earth I have the privilage of tending. YOu have a special place in my heart(and garden) I know with your warmth and generous spirit you will always find a way to share yourself with us, your soulmates with the grubby hands. Love peace and joy as you transition, m
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  4. I'm just surprised that a banana tree even survives in Portland OR. but then again a search of google turns up pics of one planted (unprotected!) in Miami Ohio. As well I'm surprised that palms can grow in Portland (and as far north as Victoria BC) and southern coastal Delaware for that matter.
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  5. Don & Joan JohnsonDec 23, 2008 08:35 AM
    What were they thinking? NPR is more than management and more than a number of transmission towers. NPR is a bond developed over time between listeners with a trust in the integrity and judgement of the on air journalists. When we heard your voice, my wife and I stopped what we were doing to listen to what Ketzel had to say. We profoundly miss Bob Edwards and we will miss you on NPR as well. I hope that where ever you go we will be able to benefit and enjoy your unique slant on the world in which we all live.
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  6. Ketzel,

    Yours was the voice that had the words and thoughts that comforted those of us who struggle in the dirt. Our gardens and lives have been enriched by your efforts. You will go on to even better things.
    Thank you for all your work (and play). You will prevail
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  7. The Moxie series has to be one of the most engaging I've heard on NPR recently. What a great concept.
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  8. Don't feel too bad. I killed two baby begonias last week because it was too cold to go outside and pick up two four inch pots and bring them inside.
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