The price I pay for shade is bloom delay.
The cost of filtered sun is leggy limb.
The plants are healthy, by and large, today,
but parasols of eucalyptus dim
the light intensity, as redwood arms
and jacaranda branches modulate
the brilliant zap that gooses as it warms.
And so my plants extend beyond their weight.

I tried to do them right. I cut them back
aggressively for winter, and I fed
them nutrients and water in the spring.
Defending them (no toxins) from attack,
I wanted denser roses but instead,
I got this balance-challenged blossoming.