Hello,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I am new to cold hardy palm cultivation. I also admit I am in serious zone denial living here in zone 5. Anyway, I am building a new home in Central, PA next year and plan on planting some of my cold hardy palms outside. I have the opportunity to create micro-climates within the home area and would like to get some ideas on how I can create the best micro possible. The site has a 15' high bank with southern exposure on the slope. There is a slight curve to the bank that gives it protection from cold wnw or nw winds also. There are also a few larger shade trees in close proximation to the house. I also will have hot water radiant heat installed in the house and was wondering if running a n under ground piping system through the planting beds would have any benefit.

My current palm collection consists of needle, sabal minor, sabal riverside, sabal x texensis, trachy fourtunei from washington state, trachy wagnerianus, and washingtonia filifera. All of these are 2-3 years away from seeing the real world.

thank you in advance for your time,
Cali