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Growing palms and tropicals in cold climates
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The 2008 summer garden tour for PNWPEPS (Pacific Northwest Palm & Exotic Plant Society) was held today on Vancouver Island, my home, so travel was easy. This first stop was in Sidney at a custom nursery, Fruit Trees and More. Owner Bob Duncan is the British Columbia version of Stan McKenzie in South Carolina (or as close as you'll ever get). He has some great things on the go with the focus on fruit production. The list is enless, pears, plums, figs, cherries, peaches, apricots, olives, kiwi, grapes, quince, medlar, pomegranates, persimmon and of course, citrus.
Here's a sampling of pics from Bob's awesome nursery.
Bob Duncan at the enterance to one of his houses for more cold tender citrus.
My gardening and travel companion from Chemainus, Lavona posing with a Meyer Lemon.
Apricots ripe and sweet!
I believe this is Washington Navel. We sampled some of the fresh oranges and they where without a doubt the best tasting oranges I've personally ever tasted.
Keith enjoying the tour.
Next stop was at Jeff St. Gelais' place in Victoria, probably one of the regions most avid palm enthusiasts. His garden reflects his passion and dedication to palms and exotics.
A glimpse at Jeffs' front garden.
This photo can't do this Butia capitata any justice. It's about 12' tall (Lattice fencing behind is 6' tall) and the Musa basjoo Banana is a good 16' tall. A Trithrinax acanthocoma is slightly visible in the lower right.
Jeffs' true from one seed ... double trunked Windmill palm.
A forest of Trachycarpus wagnerianus, not all of which could fit in the photo.
Brahea armata
Jubaea chilensis
Pubic plantings in Beacon Hill Park (Dallas Road) in Victoria, BC.
A 100 year old Sequoiadendron in the park.
Final stop, Bird of Paradise Pub in Victoria.
Yours truely with Chamaerops humilis
Cordyline australis reaching beyond these walls.
Finally ... a large 10 foot Chamaerops humilis out front.
Cheers, Barrie.
Posted : 11/08/2008 2:13 am
Barrie, thanks for sharing the photos. They were great.
Dean
Dean
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Posted : 11/08/2008 1:01 pm
Oh man, Barrie, those were wonderful pics!
Loved the story/shots of Bob Duncan's place
He certainly is dedicated and successful...ripe oranges made my mouth water!
And Jeff's palms! Wow.
The double-trunked windmill is gorgeous.
As are all his palms, and trunking yuccas and cordies.
Great use of colour and textures in his landscapes.
and that forest of Waggies...bloody incredible!
And those y.rostrata(?) outside that pub, fabulous.
I must admit that those are THE first pictures I've seen that made me want to move back to Vancouver.
BTW, Barrie, I think the sixth pic from the end heading should be "public" ,
😆 😆 😆
Nice to see you!
Barb
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If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
Posted : 11/08/2008 7:12 pm
Barrie - great pics. do the residents of Vancouver Island plant palm trees in their own gardens or are palm trees only for the adventurous gardening souls?
Kent in Kansas
where it's cold in winter (always)
and hot in summer (usually)
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Posted : 11/08/2008 10:41 pm
Topic starter
Barrie - great pics. do the residents of Vancouver Island plant palm trees in their own gardens or are palm trees only for the adventurous gardening souls?
By "palm trees" I assume you mean the routine easiest palms? If so, yes. Semi-trailer loads of these are sold at garden centers each season. Some nurseries are known for palm sales and draw the lions share with their better pricing and selection. Some of these places sell in excess of 2,000 palms at each location every year to every-day regular gardeners. No "adventurous gardening souls" required here.
Barb ... I don't recommend moving back to Vancouver. Vancouver Island however is another matter 😆
To see Bobs' place in person is far better than pictures can portray. We had a sampling of his Washington naval oranges (best ever !!!)
*** For those unaware, the city of Vancouver, British Columbia is located on the mainland (continent) and Vancouver Island is separated by Georgia Strait, roughly 30 nautical miles westward.
Cheers, Barrie.
Posted : 11/08/2008 11:07 pm
Barrie nice pics. I`ve had the pleasure of meeting Jeff back in April great guy. Gave me a Trachy to take home with me. That garden is amazing.
John
Okanagan Palms and Tropicals
6b-7a
Posted : 11/08/2008 11:42 pm
Barrie, doubt I could afford to move back 😆 😆
Barb
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If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
Posted : 12/08/2008 12:21 pm
