2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Well, today I broke down and went through last years pics and compiled a little slideshow! With it being a bit cool (high 40'sF), and cloudy, it really warmed my soul and got me ready for summer of 2010!!! Hope it does the same for anyone that watches it!!!! I am sure there are several of you that will be able to see some of your own "BABIES" that you have shared with me in the past.
Didn't know the best place to post this, so I decided here, but there are a few pictures of bananas mixed in!!!
Hope you enjoy!!!




2009 Summary slideshow by randy4ut - Photobucket

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Very Nice Randy... That should inspire the masses to wish spring would be here soon.. :^)

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Awesome mix of plants! Thanks for sharing that. :)

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Ok you're in Zone 7a/B, how much of that do you have to dig up or REALLY protect each winter?

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Great thanks allot for posting it

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Honestly Mike, I dug up about 3 bananas, covered only my Butias capitatas, and a couple borderline plants, I cut to ground level, layer of plastic to help keep some of the moisture out and then about 6-8" of mulch. That is all. With this being said, I do bring in all the potted plants and place them in unheated garage (large potted palms), place them thoughout the house, and a few at my good friend's greenhouse.
With quite a few of my hardy palms still small, it looks pretty bleak in the winter! Once they get some size to them, that should give me much more greenery in the off season...

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Wow...Now I have lots of hope and great expectations- I haven't done much "tropical" yet but I'm hoping to get started this year with some Bananas, Cannas, and EE's.

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Mike, you should be in better shape than I am. Don't mean to sound like I know alot, but I promise, soil prep is THE key!!! And then make sure you know your plants and be ready to lose a few. Always have "back-ups" and in summer, WATER WATER WATER!!!!

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Looking good Randy.
Are you sure you still work full time LOL!
I can only imagine the hours start up and tear down takes.
2010 for me will be the beginning of my Zone 5 effort to create my own mini jungle. All of my palms and bananas are doing surprisingly well in my heated shop and should be in great shape to go out for spring. Have you used any of the Jackpots before or can you recommend a good pot that I can get in the 40 or 50 gallon size to bring inside for the winter?
:02:

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

:nanadrink: Very cool! I like your use and selection of big leaf plants...

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

As always Randy, your yard is awesome. Thanks for posting it! :bananas_b

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Great looking yard Randy.

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Hey Jay, thanks for the compliment!!! Kinda changed over the summer compared to when you saw it in spring, didn't it!?!?!?
As far as the Jackpots, I have looked at them and like what I see. I have about 3, 45-60 gallon nursery pots that I got from a long time friend of the family that runs a nursery in McMinnville, TN and they were free! Can't complain about that.. Anyway, I need to either get another one or two of the large nursery pots, or if not, I may break down and try a Jackpot. Let me know what you use, purchase or whatever you end up getting!!!

Re: 2009 Backyard review slideshow
 

Great photos, as always, Randy! I see the Curcuma zedoaria I sent you bloomed. Mine did not bloom for some reason this past year. Hopefully it will bloom this spring.