WINTER 2003/04
Pseudopanax ferox
Another winter has passed in the garden. A low of minus 6c was recorded but thankfully not for a prolonged period. The 28th of January brought heavy snow turning my little jungle into a winter wonderland, exotic planting and snow somehow seem a bizarre combination.
This
is the first winter that the plants have received no protection
whatsoever from the elements. In past winters I have always had
some horticultural fleece on standby, for the coldest nights. The
results so far seem promising . Musa basjoo has sailed through
and is growing strongly. Musa sikkimensis stem is showing
no sign of rot but is yet to send up a new leaf, this could have
something to do with the shaded position it is planted in.
Musella lasiocarpa is also proving to be a very hardy Banana,
with no protection, it is now growing strongly, with even the
smallest suckers surrounding the parent showing no sign of winter
damage.
All the palms in the garden are thriving with the exception of Sabal minor. I think this winter has finally finished it off, it has never been happy and has become smaller each year, struggling to recover each summer, I have come to the conclusion, that it is not suited to the growing conditions I can supply, requiring more summer heat to get it going after the winter.
Its
still early in the season, yet but the gamble of no protection
seems to have paid off, with no major casualties to report. The
cannas and gingers are just starting to show after their winter
rest, and even a spider plant that was left to fend for itself is
starting to reappear from below ground ! 
I have a few changes in mind for the garden this year. The grass is going to be removed, it has struggled for sometime now due to the shade from surrounding plants. The pergola has already been removed, to allow more room for Tetrapanex rex to expand its wonderful leaves. Hopefully the garden will have its new look by mid summer, then I can sit back and enjoy it.
