Hi from Robert

(@robreti)

Posts: 139

Estimable Member

Topic starter

Hi all,

My name is Robert and have recently moved to Oakville, ON, Canada to a house with a garden - finally! Although I have worked in the field of accountancy during most of my professional life, I have a Masters in Horticulture from Hungary, with a major in ornamental plants. My thesis was actually revolving around the winter hardiness of broad leved evergreens. I was madly in love with pushing the envelope and trying out new plants in my country (about USDA 6-7). When I moved to Canada I thought I could forget all about it, but I have received a new push by noticing that I was not alone. The book "Palms won't grow here..." also boosted my morale. So, I have started digging like crazy , in order to be ready for the coming planting season. I might not be able much this year, though, because I realized that large concrete slabs were left in the loan, abotu 1 foot deep, so I need to have top layer changed first.

My aspirations include: Sabal minor, Trachycarpus fotunei, Rhapidophyllum histrix, Lagerstroemia indica, x faurei cultivars, Bignonia capreolata, Daphniphyllum, Nandina, Trochodendron, Magnolia grandiflora and virginiana, Sarcococca, etc... Due to the warming climate, I guess Oakville entered zone 6,giving a bit of hope that I might succeed. Well, you should have seen my neighbours' faces when I talked about my plans 🙂

Well, here I am and ready to take the challenge and face challenges! With time, I am going to post pictures, too and am eagerly waiting to see your comments and your past notes.

Take care, guys, all the best and talk to you soon!
Robert

Posted : 03/04/2010 3:46 pm

hardyjim

(@hardyjim)

Posts: 4697

Illustrious Member

Welcome Robert
Can't wait to see what you come up with,sounds like fun 8)

Posted : 03/04/2010 6:20 pm

lucky1

(@lucky1)

Posts: 11322

Illustrious Member

Welcome aboard, robert.

What a bummer that you've got concrete slabs buried there...damn developers!

We'll look forward to seeing your purchases and where you plant them.
And we'll definitely pick your "educated brain" about what we can and can't do.
Then we'll go ahead and do it anyway. 😆 😆

'Coz that's the way we are...push push push the zones.
And elaborate winter protection schemes. 8)

Barb

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

Posted : 03/04/2010 8:41 pm

BILL MA

(@bill-ma)

Posts: 1272

Noble Member

Welcome Robert,
Zone 6 no problem BLE'S and Palms will be in your yard before you know it, especially with your background.
Looking forward to all your projects and ideas to come.

Bill

Posted : 05/04/2010 7:18 pm

TerdalFarm

(@terdalfarm)

Posts: 2981

Famed Member

Robert,
welcome!
I look forward to tips on BLEs.
--Erik

Posted : 05/04/2010 8:37 pm

Paul Ont

(@paul-ont)

Posts: 1385

Noble Member

Welcome to the forum.

When you are ready to get plants, if you want some suggestions, I would recommend a trip to the Niagara region. Here are some good places to check out beforehand:

South Coast Gardens (Near Port Dover), large selection of Magnolias and other not-common plants (inc. Crape Myrtle)
Nettle-Creek nursery- Have a good selection of the 'background' type plants that are so necessary!

I'm sure you know where to get palms, but there are, at least, 2 sources in the region:
1) Cole's Florists in Grimsby
2) Rice Road greenhouses near Fonthill.

Ok, welcome again!

Paul

Posted : 06/04/2010 7:55 am

ROBRETI

(@robreti)

Posts: 139

Estimable Member

Topic starter

Thank you guys for your nice words! Special thanks for the adresses!!!! People think I am crazy due to my love for palms, Magnolias (grandiflora + viginiana) and crepe myrtles! They are soooo tropical to people that they can not belive that there are varieties well worth to try....

I guess I have to be careful where I plant, because I just realized that 5.5. m's from the curb counts as public space ("boulevard") and I have to get permission from the city to plant anything but Pachysandra... I wonder if they will be Ok with my exotics.... COuld they refuse my request?!?

Take care all and talk to you later!
Rob

Posted : 06/04/2010 2:03 pm

lucky1

(@lucky1)

Posts: 11322

Illustrious Member

I'm sure Oakville would be thrilled to have palms growing on THEIR curb.
I wouldn't even ask them...just take the accolades when the newspaper comes out to do a story on you!

😀
Barb

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

Posted : 06/04/2010 4:37 pm

ROBRETI

(@robreti)

Posts: 139

Estimable Member

Topic starter

Thanks, Barb!!!!

Posted : 06/04/2010 7:21 pm

Jova

(@jova)

Posts: 93

Estimable Member

Hi Rob... I get people gawking at my musa basjoos and trachy's here, so I can only imagine the type of attention you will get with similar species up there in Ontario:) I've got a couple years experience under my belt with what can handle the 6a climate in my area, so hopefully I might be able to offer a word of advice here and there, but for the most part, I'm still a newbie here and trying to soak up all of the info I can from all of the folks here that are way more seasoned than myself:)

Posted : 04/05/2010 2:51 am

ROBRETI

(@robreti)

Posts: 139

Estimable Member

Topic starter

Thanks a lot, Jova! I guess we have similar climates, except for the fact that you might have longer and hotter summers than me in SW Ontario. However, all you successes and less successful experiments are very precious to me; I could learn so much from them!

Right now I am planning my Asian garden with Camellias (C. sinensis included) some bamboos, Stewartia, peonies, Daphnyphillum, Sarcococcas, Nandinas, etc... It is going to be a hit or a total fatal defeat... Based on my readings I have hope, though. Besides hope, I am having my clay soil changed to something more friendly for these guys....

Thanks again for your nice words, Jova!!!!!
Rob

Posted : 04/05/2010 12:49 pm