In my specific 8b micro-locality I get freezes even when it is predicted to stay several degrees above freezing; the predicted freezes are usually colder than stated. I got a freeze two nights ago and it froze a little last night also. I have kept my single banana plant covered and will tomorrow night and then I will uncover and see if the leaf that extends above the mulch is still alive. This weather should be the end of the freezes. The florida yellow flies will soon be out and already most of my plum, pear, and early apple trees have or are blooming.
I took in a potted bare rook pear that has a prospect pear graft that is starting to bud out. The prospect is a tree that has be recently been discovered in Carrolton, Mississippi
Nafex Southern Pear Interest Group . It may be unique or it could be an original turnbull pear, but in any case I wish to add it to my collection of pears.