There is an old adage that says the best time to plant a tree was yesterday, and the next best time
is today.
There is another adage about trees that says something to the effect of an old man planting a tree
from which he will never experience shade… well he is an old man and can’t remember the rest of it.
I wanted an apple tree in our yard since we moved to the lake but after the neighbor told me they
attract bears, I thought it best to leave the apple trees at the Garden Center. Then last year I happened
find a retailer selling trees that had stock from 4 different varieties grafted to it. They also happened to be
varieties that I was familiar with and met with the approval of my tasting. All except one that could have
supplied the local starch plant with raw product, but I digress. The idea of 4 different kinds of apples on
one tree was very intriguing, but again the wild life issue came into play and I decided not to.
Things changed this year as I acquired a truck and was at that same retailer which happened to
have the same type of trees available. I was there with my truck, they had trees so it was clearly a sign
from the universe to buy a couple of trees and plant them. I got the first part done and got the trees home.
Next I was faced with the issue of finding a place in our yard that I could plant them. It had to
have some sun light, and be accessible to the garden hose. It had to be a place that I can fence or else I
just bought some very expensive snacks for the neighborhood dear. So the issues continued.
If only I had planted that tree when I first wanted to, I would now be wondering what to do with
the extra apples instead of how I will find a place to plant a tree.
Many times we put things off for a year or two or more and then finally do what we had wanted
to years ago. That holds for so many things, not just planting a tree, yesterday was the best time and today
is the next best.
The progress we benefit from did not come from those who waited a few years to get it done.
This is the time, and while we can find all kinds of excuses the challenges of this year are going
to bring about some real progress.