It seems that this winter is a bit colder than last year. While we've received a reprieve from the type of rainstorms that hit last year -- such as the January 4th storm that knocked a tree down on my home in Land Park -- it's been frostier. Last Sunday morning, I walked across the lawn and it crunched under my feet. The philodendrons under my maple tree sagged and the lilies hugged the ground. I was devastated.
But what really stood out in the icy air was my giant cactus, that which I nursed from a six-inch high stalk last spring and had grown into a beautiful specimen, was limp. Later on in the day, the other vegetation perked up, but my cactus did not. In fact, it is now turning black in spots, and the arms are like mush. This morning, it's still in the low 30s.
It's very sad. This plant was living and flourishing. It's painful to watch it die and feel helpless. Every day it withers a bit more. It's almost like this young healthy cactus is turning into an old man, shriveling up. My garden is becoming a graveyard. I could have tried to string Christmas tree lights throughout the garden or maybe covered some of the more tender plants if I had known the frost was coming, but I've truly been swamped with business and my real estate clients and haven't paid much attention to the yard. I feel guilty about neglecting it.
Below are photos of "before" and "after." I'm hoping somebody knows something about cacti and can offer advice. Should I cut off the dead portions and wait until spring? Should I wait until spring to see what's left of the cactus? Or should I plan on digging it up and replacing it?
Photos: Elizabeth Weintraub, Cactus in Land Park, Sacramento
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming from publisher Archer Ellison in January 2009.
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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.
Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.
The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
