I've raised it up quite a few times, and yes, I hear a crunch or two sometimes. Last Spring was the first time I noticed smaller leaves obviously stress-related. But it had plenty of berries. That's when I put the rock there and said, what the heck I'll give it a try and worse comes to worse I'll take it down. Just to make it clear, this Serviceberry has been toppled not just once or twice. Like I said, I had it staked well for two years, but during a strong thunderstorm one of the cables broke. I will try staking again and take off some height. Ianna, yes a vortex. I suspected that I have created this situation out of ignorance after reading an article on walled gardens. It stated that even a garden surrounded by tall hedge can cause winds to play havoc with trees and shrubs inside. That's what I have - tall privet hedge that I used to keep sheared to about 6' but it got to be a real chore so I grew lax and the hedge is way higher now.

i am touched ... wait.. lets not go there ... i had a neighbor at the old house.. that had one of the undulatas under a black walnut.. like 12 inches from the trunk .. and they did just fine... they didnt water like a hosta gardener would.. so they werent gigantic or anything... thats my knowledge base about such welcome back... ken PS; just plant them .. they arent going to disappear overnight ... you will know if they struggle next spring ...

(((Jan))) I am late chiming in, but I just want to know you are not alone.... I am a state employee, and I completely get it. So sorry for what you are going through. Work is stressful enough without the added burden of politics and controversy. In my case,for over a year, there has been endless ridiculous drama resulting from employee complaints and an internal investigation. It has been incredibly stressful. I have struggled with depression throughout my life, and the work situation in combination with other life stresses pushed me over the edge to being very depressed. Crying in the car between meetings, losing interest and motivation, feeling completely trapped and hopeless. It has gotten much better since going back on antidepressants. I am again realizing I probably need to stay on them forever. I don't like it, but know that I truly need them. I also encourage you to find whatever support systems you can-- the EAP program, a trusted friend, this board, respite care, family, whatever you can access. You HAVE TO take care of yourself. Even if it's one evening a week, you must find time to do whatever YOU need to do-- sleep, read, shop, sit... Lastly, my DH is a special ed teacher (and another state employee). Autism spectrum disorders are very challenging and exhausting. It is 100% normal and acceptable to use respite care. The very reason for it is to give exhausted parents, who have a 24-7 responsibility to their children, in addition to jobs, family, other children, a much needed break! You are a human being under a lot of pressure! Please be kind to yourself. Great big hugs & lots of empathy from me-- Jen

I think you have the "decorating gods" on your side when it comes to finding these deals, as they should be. You are using your gift to preserve and promote a classic decorating style that people without unlimited budgets can aspire to. Thanks for sharing your find! Can't wait to see pics of it w/ the sofa.