My Catalpa looks about the same here near minneapolis. it was sold as a northern catalpa but turned out to be southern catalpa. Not sure why if finally succumbed this year because it wasn’t that cold. It made it through several polar vortices with just some minor tip dieback but the trunk did crack one year.

Never do worry about minor blemishes on my Holly. Some more careful person might know what to do. Too my knowledge, each leaf lasts 2 years, so shedding of older, yellowing leaves is typical. Constantly using my blower, on dry days, to get them off the walkway underneath. By Summer all is fine.

I have clients at all budget levels and it's just common sense to view one's home / real estate through the filter of "increasing the value or decreasing the value". Realtors do it all time. I have no problem harnessing my consultation to my client's criteria whether it's monetary or a paint color. I have perfect faith in my ability to design a solution (at any price point) that a client will care about and want to implement. I say that from experience not from ego. One of my first questions to homeowner's usually is related to how long they plan to live in the home and their answer helps me guide my "best advice" for them from there. Sometimes we do have to give a client disappointing answers or help them dial down their remodel or improvement ambitions but, that just goes with the territory. Nevertheless "design" planning has value whether improving a reading corner or a whole house. It doesn't just change the home or room, it can change us inside and we can bloom. I do not depend on "trends" for my consultation and recommendations to a client but, it can be very inspiring and exciting for all of us to see what sellers are bringing to the market place. I find new things inspiring and worth sharing all the time. Who's to say if it becomes, a "trend" or not. I care about good design solutions. And, I always love being excited and amazed by NEW things and I love having excited and inspired clients! I will never never tire of that! Above I've posted a cool item saved recently! I love how "texture" is becoming appreciated and sought after as another tool in the design tool box at last!

Over-watered and/or over-fertilized is a potentiality no one could argue against, given what's known, which really isn't a whole bunch at this point. How about an image of the entire planting, including the pot? The usual suspects would be: Over/under-watering, root congestion, a high EC/TDS level (too much salt in the grow medium/ soil solution), a badly skewed nutrient ratio in the grow medium due to the soil not being flushed regularly or effectively, natural senescence - depending on where the spoiled foliage is located on the plant. Sometimes a valid diagnosis can be reached by the process of elimination. Other times, you might find it easier to simply take a good overview of all cultural conditions you hold sway over and make your best attempt to dial them into the plant's sweet spot. Al