Yes, I was just suggesting free items such as leaves to use in your protection methods. I figure why go out and buy something when nature provides it for free.
Chong has some good advice for you. Unfortunately, I think you'll have to protect whatever banana you grow in your climate. The rewards are really worth any trouble though. I would start with musa basjoo and musella lasiocarpa.
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Austin
Arkansas River Valley
Average January Low: 31°F, Average August High: 92°F
Extreme Winter Lows: 5-15°F, Extreme Summer Highs: 100-112°F, Annual Precipitation: 52 inches