That McCurtain looks happy! So do the Trachys, they were planted over winter right (the Trachys, not the S. minor)?

Paul, they're the trachies you sent me a few years ago. They've survived the past 2 winters here!

Nice!
Should we all add new spear photos to your thread or. Should we all start our own threads on this fun topic?

Go ahead and add them to this thread! 😆

Will do!

The first photo is of my largest T. fortunei, which endured its 2nd winter of defoliation. It has pretty much stopped growing with the heat, despite ample water.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EhT6uYLsQozTFSj2jZAjKQ?feat=embedwebsit e"><img src=" " height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/terdalfarm/NikonTestJune2011?feat=embedwebsit e">Nikon test june 2011</a></td></tr></table>

The Sabal "Louisiana" planted out of a 30 gallon trash can from Alligator Alley in September was mostly defoliated despite electric heat tape on the base and a shelter. Still, -30 C will do that. Bryan says his Lous which survived the previous winter did alright this year, although OKC did not get nearly as cold as we did here.
Anyway, it is growing well now. Sorry about the weeds at the base.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IotJUYjE8rXrE6keN8Rjiw?feat=embedwebsit e"><img src=" " height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/terdalfarm/NikonTestJune2011?feat=embedwebsit e">Nikon test june 2011</a></td></tr></table>

I planted three cheap "blue pot" needle palms from Home Depot in spring 2010. All were covered but not heated. One died; the largest is survived by pups at the base. But this little guy did alright. Pushing up spears. Come on, Barb, you got to like that, right? 😆

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vLcaNWSiGI57W3Xv6TJB1w?feat=embedwebsit e"><img src=" " height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/terdalfarm/NikonTestJune2011?feat=embedwebsit e">Nikon test june 2011</a></td></tr></table>

The huge cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) died in autumn last year, but I gave it heat tape and mulch in case the base survived. This little side shoot lost all green foliage but has nonetheless managed to grow. Not much to look at, but still kind of cool to see.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7iOocutcSdVSDV_oWH2oig?feat=embedwebsit e"><img src=" " height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/terdalfarm/NikonTestJune2011?feat=embedwebsit e">Nikon test june 2011</a></td></tr></table>

My avatar Butia came through its 4th winter great (its first with heat tape, thank goodness) and shelter. Most of the damage you see here to the older fronds is from those d**n goats. It loves the heat and is growing well lately.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tyxL4a_k6rMXBVsCXUDLcw?feat=embedwebsit e"><img src=" " height="531" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href=" https://picasaweb.google.com/terdalfarm/NikonTestJune2011?feat=embedwebsit e">Nikon test june 2011</a></td></tr></table>

Great recovery pics!

I was wondering how your palms were doing Cameron. They look good! You just use leaves on them right?

Eric - GJ! Nice to see that cabbage palm put out something. Same with the needles.

Canadianplant, I just use some mulch and leaves, and cover the whole pile with a recycling bag.

And here is an update:

My T. fortunei seedlings are now over 3 years old, and have started to develop their first palmate fronds.

Here is a pic taken a few months after they were planted:

And here is a pic taken a couple of weeks ago. It's hard to see, but the frond here is partially divided. Most other seedlings have started showing divided leaves too:

I'm thinking that this means these seedlings won't go into "decline"! Hopefully next year I can expect some trunk growth!! 😆

Cameron.