Your zone seems cold for B.C.

Coastal areas are mild, Mike.

The Interior Okanagan Valley plateau gets considerable cold winds from the NW in winter, as Arctic "outbreaks" slide down.
But microclimates exist along huge interior lakes (Okanagan Lake, where John is...easily a full zone warmer than me, yet only 35 miles south).

The Okanagan gets a lot more heat than the Coast in summer and, thankfully, less humidity, being at the northern tip of Canada's only desert.

Naively (I suppose), I'm counting on global warming to make winter milder here than historically.
So far, summers are hotter, and winters are...well...still winter, often without a lot of snow cover which is really damaging.

Barb

PS--hey Mike, maybe post still pics of the stages of box constructions.

thats a great looking palm hut Barb. it would appear you have several year left of use. It will be a shame to have to destroy the hut to make it bigger. Maybe the plan should be to start growing another Trachy or two so you can recycle the hut?

start growing another Trachy or two so you can recycle the hut

Already have some younger Trachies in waiting. 😆

Look forward to seeing your winter protection Kent.
Barb

A rare above-freezing morning, beautiful sunshine.

Opened up the hut and turned off the heater.

<a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/southslope/6532394585/" title="DSC05184 by edible_plum, on Flickr"><img src=" " width="480" height="640" alt="DSC05184"></a>

I hope the squirrel and neighbourhood cat stay out... 👿

<a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/southslope/6532394599/" title="DSC05186 by edible_plum, on Flickr"><img src=" " width="480" height="640" alt="DSC05186"></a>

Yup, it's still growing! 😯

<a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/southslope/6532394645/" title="DSC05187 by edible_plum, on Flickr"><img src=" " width="480" height="640" alt="DSC05187"></a>

One week today it's Christmas...I love Christmas :bounce: :blob4: :happy5: :hello2: :headbang: :hello1:

Barb

Nice here too...in the mid 50s (F) I 'm sure.

Maybe Spring is just around the corner, Jim.
If only we knew... 😉

Hi Barb,

your palm looks real happy!javascript:emoticon(':D')

Sorry for the long delay but my Washy filifera was seed grown back in 2000 or 2001. It's not very large since I almost never repotted it and you know how Washys need root tip growth. I did protect my Washy a few weeks ago.......leaves inside protection look great, out side protection are toast. Trachy still not fully protection. Greenhouse for Trachy is 1/2 up (frame almost complete, no poly film).

Other than a cold spell in early December, it's been pretty darn nice as far as temps and lack of snow. Took covering off both windmills outside so they could get some fresh air and gave them a little drink as well.

2 more months to go................

Tim, with your warm temps since Fall started, I'm surprised that Washy isn't growing 😉

Scott, they'll be happy to get that fresh air on mild days.
I forgot to close the door again when it got colder.
The heater warmed the entire neighbourhood... 👿
Not looking forward to the utility bill.

Barb

Well done and plays fine I think, Barb! Your Trachy and I both like it! 🙂
I begin to think about the same thing but have to make it stronger because frosts here happen to -30C.