if only ...

If only ... I had been able to work out what trees I wanted earlier, then today I would have a good structure of mature trees, instead of areas of potential verticality.



If only ... I had realized that I could control the wisteria growing over the deck by cutting it back hard, and understood that it would always come back strong as ever. I would still have the intoxicating scent and heavy mauve blossoms each spring.


If only ... I had not got rid of the eucalypt nicolii just because it had a tall straight trunk and didn't seem to fit into how I then imagined the garden. I didn't know then that parrots and other birds are attracted to the nectar amidst the safety and comfort of very tall trees.