Mr Hippos Garden

On Mr Hippos many past visits to the beach he had noted the abundance of the ornamental shrub Oleander.


This spring, desiring to plant one to re-create in one small way the fond vision Mr Hippo has of the beach (it would go right beside the pool) Mr Hippo ventured to his local garden supply store to purchase one.


Mr Hippo was distressed to be informed that the garden store didn't stock them, since they do not survive winter where Mr Hippo lives.


However, Mr Hippo, being the plucky courageous and adventurous hippo that he is decided to try and grow one anyway.


He determined what location of the yard would provide the warmest micro-clime to grow plants that normally exist only in a higher climate zone than his, and, desiring to have his tiny piece of the beach at home, procured one on his recent beach retreat.


Mr Hippo also marveled at the small trees growing in abundance and determined to acquire one of those too. However, none of the nurseries he called had the specimen in stock.


It actually turned out to be a good thing for Mr Hippo that there were none in stock, since the only reason they were so small and interesting is that they grew that way in response to the harsh climate conditions, and that if Mr Hippo had actually planted one at Casa-del-Hippo, in a few years it would have grown into an 80 foot monster with a 60 ft spread.


Of course, Mr Hippo would not be around to see it reach its mature size, but one must not be a selfish hippo, but instead take consideration for those that will follow in ones footsteps.


The plant made it safely home in the larger of the two vehicles that Mr and Mrs Hippo drove to the beach and now it resides colourfully in the ground beside the back step of Mr Hippos abode, snug against a south facing wall.


Mr Hippo can only hope that the conditions for the successful maturation of the plant will be suitable, and that his beach side acquisition will grow over the years and be a marvel to all that gaze upon it.