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doodles99
02-11-2009, 06:28 PM
I'm new here. I am looking for solid information as to what will grow in my area- upper east TN. I like the tropical look, but I don't know where to begin. I've read that musa basjoo is the plant to start with. Where is the best place to buy these? Is there a book I should buy that will help me achieve my tropical look in my back yard? I've looked at alot of people's pictures and they look great!!

Lagniappe
02-11-2009, 06:43 PM
Welcome! One of the most attractive triopical gardens I've seen is in that area (I've seen pics, at least).

Michael_Andrew
02-11-2009, 06:56 PM
Basjoo would be good. Maybe some elephant ears, cannas, hibiscus (hardy), palms (there are some hardy in your zone like Trachycarpus Fortunei and Sabal Minor) and I don;t know what else what do you all think? You could get a book but hang around here and you'll learn and get plenty of ideas. I agree there is a member here that has a beautiful tropical garden in your area!

ClevelandCATHY
02-11-2009, 07:26 PM
Welcome, There are a few of us from Tennessee here. Just keep hanging out, and you will learn a lot. Everyone here is kind and helpful.

stumpy4700
02-11-2009, 10:14 PM
Hi Doodles, Here in Nashville you can find the Basjoo in Lowes or Home Depot. for about 10 bucks. Also there are lots of members who can sale or trade with you.

Tog Tan
02-12-2009, 07:44 AM
Hi Doodles and welcome to the 'naner board. As you can see, there are many folks here to help out. All the best to your acquisition. :0517:

Bob
02-12-2009, 09:14 AM
Welcome doodles. I'd echo Michael Andrews sentiments and add that a needle palm, Rhapidophylum Histrix (sp?) would be very hardy and add a tropical look as well as maybe some alocasias (Persian palm is a great one) which are inexpensive as small plants and grow quickly, not hardy but easily potted. Check out some of the older posts when you get time. There are lots of great ideas.

Caloosamusa
02-12-2009, 03:58 PM
Welcome aboard doodles99!

I wish you well with your banana efforts!

damaclese
02-13-2009, 08:47 AM
Basjoo would be good. Maybe some elephant ears, cannas, hibiscus (hardy), palms (there are some hardy in your zone like Trachycarpus Fortunei and Sabal Minor) and I don;t know what else what do you all think? You could get a book but hang around here and you'll learn and get plenty of ideas. I agree there is a member here that has a beautiful tropical garden in your area!

what about sweet potato vines not hardy there but nice tropical anual and they come in some spectaculer color forms

lorax
02-13-2009, 10:28 AM
Welcome!

Bananaman88
02-13-2009, 12:57 PM
Welcome to our organization! I would suggest that you check out the gallery of member Randy4UT. He is from the eastern part of TN and his plants will blow you away!

doodles99
02-13-2009, 09:42 PM
Thank you all very much! Seeing other gardens in TN is very inspiring!! I'm glad all the pictures have the names of the plants with them. I can't wait to get started.
:)

Randy4ut
02-14-2009, 03:27 AM
Hey there fellow Tennesseean!!!! So you are from Bulls Gap, huh??? Isn't that near Greenville? I live down in the SE part of the state, Cleveland and love helping others get started with growing tropicals... When you get a chance, check out some of my photobucket account and let me know what inspires you. I will help in any way I can. Most of the pics are in subfolders listed on the left hand side of the main page.

Pictures by randy4ut - Photobucket (http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/randy4ut/)

Just hollar if there is anything you need to know or think you might be interested in...
BTW, welcome to the forum. You will not find another forum with nicer and more generous folks than here, I promise!!!!

mskitty38583
02-14-2009, 05:23 PM
welcome to the org from sparta tn! i have basjoos, cannas, ee's, some brugs, and a few other trops growing(hopefully come spring) in my yard. will be planting some gingers and an edible landscape this spring. i dont think my sagos will be coming back( i wasnt able to cover them before bad winter hit)...so ill have to get more. i will also be planting some bamboo in containers(so they dont get out of hand). look at randy4ut's pics and bigdogs pics in their galleries....it will make you drool all over your keyboard!

doodles99
02-24-2009, 09:47 PM
The pictures are amazing!! Thank you for the links to your pictures. I still haven't looked at them all, but your yard is gorgeous!!

Randy4ut
02-25-2009, 09:36 AM
The pictures are amazing!! Thank you for the links to your pictures. I still haven't looked at them all, but your yard is gorgeous!!


Let me know if I can help in anyway with getting you started!!!

bigdog
02-25-2009, 02:20 PM
Welcome from Knoxville! Always nice to see other Tennesseeans here. My garden isn't exactly a nice garden, but I have a lot of hardy bananas in my gallery that you can look at.