When we booked our Tree Man do some heavy duty garden work, and plant a New Zealand native palm. It was not meant to be what it has become, a memorial for Dash Kitten.
Our Tree Man rang up yesterday and requested that we bring forward our work as the weather anticipated on our previously scheduled date was expected to be ‘severe’. Today’s weather is down to deteriorate to storm force winds and rain, so we are glad we did.
Placing the Nikau Palm
As a result, the Tree Man visited today and the first thing we did was discuss the siting of our Nikau Palm
He advised semi shade and sheltered, and, the ideal situation turned out to be close to where Dash was found by our neighbour, which seems fitting. The palm is a New Zealand native, just like Dash Kitten. It is about 10 years old at the moment and about 8 feet/2.5 metres tall (about 6ft/1.80 mtrs when planted!)
Our memorial palm will be in excellent native company, both the Kowhai and the Flax nearby are relished by New Zealand native bird the Tui, (the link also lets you listen to Tui song). We are giving local wild birds a helping hand as both provide tasty seasonal nectar. The tree itself took a considerable mount of care and skill to plant, as you may be able to see.
Miranda watches from inside
The tree man first put 2 year slow release fertiliser tablets into a ‘bell’ shaped hole – to allow the roots more room to spread out as it grows – then quality compost around the base. The palm was then placed in the hole, braced securely with stakes and hessian ties, with more compost on top.
The result is a sturdy planting that will cope with most weather. We were also advised not to water the tree in as chlorine in the water supply would burn the sensitive roots – but to allow the coming storm rains to do the work for us.
The Nikau Palm in position
Our beautiful Palm is now in place, our Tree Man has done a skilled job and we have a lasting tribute to our boy. Thank you to Wayne of Pencarrow Tree Services for his skilled help.
*soft paw* A beautiful memorial to Dash, Aunty. May it grown tall and strong and be a lasting tribute to such a pawsome kitty and his loving fambly xox
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Love to all. Wills, Katie, Abby, and Mom
What a beautiful tree and a fitting memorial tribute to precious Dash. Huge hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz …. RAY
Still so sad over Dash’s passing. This will be a wonderful tribute to Dash. I can just imagine his saucy self running up it in the coming years and surveying his whole kingly domain!
What a beautiful way to remember and pay tribute to your most handsome boy, Dash.
That is simply a wonderful and most loving tribute to dear Dash. Hugs, hugs and more hugs from all of us.
A beautiful and thoughtful tribute to Dash..drawing the birds which he would have loved watching. We’re glad you chose this way to be comforted and keep him close.
Julie, Anastasia, Tinker, Angel Tom, and Chopin
Not only is the tree beautiful and fitting, but you mentioned how it will complement a setting that attracts birds..all of this a gift to sooth the heart and remind you of sweet Dash.
What a lovely tribute! <3
Julie, Anastasia, Tinker, Angel Tom and Chopin
That is just beautiful!
What a lovely tribute to Dash – he is with you always in your heart.
We also are planting a living memorial to our “Abby’s Garden”. Unfortunately for us we are in the beginning of our Fall season so at this time we will have to plant annuals and wait until spring to be able to get some perennials so each year new life will spring forth for Abby. What a beautiful way to leave a lasting memorial for Dash. In time, I think you will find great solace in your garden for Dash. He would want you to. Remember that your relationship with Dash is not over, the love will always continue on. His legacy will always be alive. Through you Dash lives on.
A beautiful tribute to beloved Dash. <3
I know Dash loves it already and how fitting and beautiful just as Dash was in body and spirit. xoxox
A lovely memorial ma pal. RIP dear Dash and sendin you big hugs Marjry xxx
It’s a lovely living memorial. In time, In time, it will help make that part of your yard a place of happy memories, not just sad ones. Sending lots of purrs and hugs from all of us.
This will be a really wonderful memorial to Dash <3
This will be a really wonderful memorial to Dash. I hope you draw love and inspiration from it.
It’s beautiful, Marjorie. A perfect living memorial to your sweet boy. Hopefully there will come a time when you can look at the tree and smile with a happy tear in your eye.
xo
Oh Miss Marjorie, what a pawsome comforting living tribute to your boy, and my pal Dash
Mommy looked up the Nikau Palm for me and it’s beautiful! I’m sure Dash will love it and you will enjoy it all the more since it will bring memories of him. Comforting purrrrrrrrrrrrrrs to the whole family.
What a wonderful tribute to Dash. You have such a lovely yard and it’s the purrfect place to remember him.
Auntee Marjorie, dat iz da pawfect memorial to Dash. It will be living fureber juss as Dash libs in all ob owr hearts. Hugs and lubs to yoo frum Ms. Molly Cat and Mama
Such a wonderful living memorial for Dash. You will think of him each time you see it. Our humans have planted three threes in memory of other humans…none for any of our angel kitties, but they all have their places in the gardens with lovely plantings and various types of markers. We continue to mourn Dash’s untimely trip to the RB and our sending EXTRA purrs and hugs which we hope will help with your grief, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo and Mom Janet
Beautiful tree. Beautiful memories. Hope you find peace soon.
poodle hugs and prayers to you.
That is such an awesome tribute to Dash!
What a beautiful tribute to DashKitten.
Love to you and your family,
Sass & Lou
Beautiful tribute indeed.
((((Purrs))))
What a fitting memorial to Dash and a place you can go to feel nearer to him much love to you all Moo and family xxxx