- The Bright Side – It could be worse !!
Well, we finally got that big once or twice a year artic blast here in the Dallas area, and it was a brutal one for us, and for my beloved backyard resort. Temperatures fell into the low-mid teens for 3 straight nights. Up until this point, we had light freezes that had knocked bananas, cannas, papayas, hibiscus, and other tender tropicals down, but my palms all looked like they were just passing another day swaying in the Carribbean sun. No more.
Much to my chagrin, my big Mexican fans and California fans show clear and major damage on the foliage. As does my prized 7ft Sago. Did the cold actually kill them? Not likely. They’ve all been in the ground many years and have had time to acclimate. But, they really do look pitiful now. I just take this in stride, as I know the pleasure my backyard resort gives me most of the year more than makes up for a little grief now. Yes, they’ll take just a little longer this season to get in Backyard Resort shape. Of course, I’ll be helping them along with a little extra fertilizer, water, and TLC as I have no intention of being deprived of the full glory of my backyard resort for very long.
Now, this does give me pause. What if we got one of those once every 30-40 year cold snaps and dipped to low single digits? Could my “marginal” palms survive that? They have been in the ground a long time, and theoretically have acclimated, but what if? The thought of losing my 40ft Mexican that was barely knee-high when I planted it just makes me ill. So, I shall choose not to think of that, and just look forward to my 2010 Backyard Resort season.
Oh, on the bright side ….. my two big windmill palms show no damage whatsoever. If you’ve read the Backyard Resorts Ebook, then you know these bullet-proof beauties are my favorites. Just like that laidback caribbean lifestyle … No Worries …..
Cheers …
Tags: Tropical Backyard, Tropical Pool Landscape, Winter Hardy palms