Now That's Luck

As I last reported earlier this week, the S. Minor in my front yard looked like it was heading or an early demise. The four year old, productive and well established palm found itself directly in the path way of the DC water company which has been charged with removing the ancient lead water pipes which have provided this house with water for nearly a century.

I tried removing the Palm last Saturday, and ten gallons of dirt, and two broken shovels later, it wouldn't budge. I mean it was if it was cemented into my front yard. I surmised that it would take a lengthy crowbar and a whole lot of elbow grease to remove the plant, and in doing so, I'd likely kill it. So I left its fate in the non-English speaking water company workers.

Well, not exactly. I did leave them a message - in Spanish - explaining the predicament and the personal value I attached to the plant. And pleading with them to find some way around this palm.

Today was D-day, and much to my amazement, they were able to dig right up to the edge of the plant but it wasn't removed. It looks to be in fine condition, and the four seed stalks it's sending up remain in good shape.

I did however remove many of its fronds, reasoning that it would remove stress from the plant since it had endured some modicum of root damage. So the palm is trimmed, watered, and seemingly continuing to enjoy its prominent place in my front yard.

I was so thrilled with the workers at the water company that I slipped them a $20 and encourged them to purchase some good cold beers. They gladly took me up on my offer.