Aquariums and gardening.

[RD.]

I picture huge lakes and rivers with salmon hunted by bears.i picture moose walking about. Maybe just a stereotype but that how I've always imagined it. Never thought you would of got humming birds though.

No salmon nearby, but plenty of trout etc. Haven't seen a bear on our street, but over 30+ yrs on this street seen plenty of deer, a couple of young bucks in front of our house last week, foxes, coyotes, and a few moose tossed in for BIG fun. lol On a few different occasions we have also had cougars in the city.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

No salmon nearby, but plenty of trout etc. Haven't seen a bear on our street, but over 30+ yrs on this street seen plenty of deer, a couple of young bucks in front of our house last week, foxes, coyotes, and a few moose tossed in for BIG fun. lol On a few different occasions we have also had cougars in the city.

Cougars wow, I saw a Persian cat cross the road the other day.

 

[esoxlucius]

The green ones (musa basjoo) are quite hardy.

I was mooching about on line earlier. The choice is way better than at my local garden centre. I was amazed that a lot of these exotics can be bought on line and delivered to your door. Apparently they package them up real good.

So I bought a small green banana plant, the one you recommended, the musa basjoo. It didn't cost that much, I'll just see how it arrives and, if it's in good shape, I'll get some others too.

I'll probably start the little fella off as a house plant seen as autumn's fast approaching. Next spring I'll leave it in its pot and put it outside.

You said you cut the leaves back and protect the crown for winter? Do you need to cut the leaves back if you have it as a house plant too or leave them on year round?

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I was mooching about on line earlier. The choice is way better than at my local garden centre. I was amazed that a lot of these exotics can be bought on line and delivered to your door. Apparently they package them up real good.

So I bought a small green banana plant, the one you recommended, the musa basjoo. It didn't cost that much, I'll just see how it arrives and, if it's in good shape, I'll get some others too.

I'll probably start the little fella off as a house plant seen as autumn's fast approaching. Next spring I'll leave it in its pot and put it outside.

You said you cut the leaves back and protect the crown for winter? Do you need to cut the leaves back if you have it as a house plant too or leave them on year round?

No mate, I only do that to the red bananas. Green ones are hardy I just leave those out. I would not do that with yours yet as it's not mature enough. If keeping it as a house plant be aware that the easiest way to kill it is too much water. Once you plant it in the garden and you see signs of growth, water and feed like crazy, just don't do that during autumn and winter in the house while not actively growing.

 

[Fishman Dave]

The most tropical thing that amazes me every year is my umbrella plant (Cyprus alternifolius ) in my pond that grows way too large to protect or bring indoors but to date is surviving temperatures well below freezing.
That along with my potted Yucca that grew too large to keep in the house. At 5 ft tall and almost the same diameter in total I have to move it into the greenhouse when the weather goes to freezing. It fills a great space under our old conifer trees along with the more native hardier versions.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Very nice.
I have an umbrella plant in my garden. It's planted next to the pond rather than in it. I had no idea they got so big. I'm assuming that's because it's in the water rather than the ground?
Must say I'm very tempted to move mine into the water after seeing this. I have trouble with pond plants as the turtles eat everything. Not sure if they would go for an umbrella though as they are quite tough.

 

[Fishman Dave]

This one started in the waterfall of my indoor pond but fast outgrew it. When they get established I think I would be fine with your turtles.

 

[esoxlucius]

You two are just taking the p*ss out of me now aren't you, lmao.

Well at all least I have a nice anthurium.....until I kill it, lol.

 

[esoxlucius]

The most tropical thing that amazes me every year is my umbrella plant (Cyprus alternifolius ) in my pond that grows way too large to protect or bring indoors but to date is surviving temperatures well below freezing. View attachment 1471542
That along with my potted Yucca that grew too large to keep in the house. At 5 ft tall and almost the same diameter in total I have to move it into the greenhouse when the weather goes to freezing. It fills a great space under our old conifer trees along with the more native hardier versions.
View attachment 1471543

What's that plant with the huge leaves in the top right of your top pic, reminds me of fatsia leaves. Also the far left large spiky leaves just creeping into the picture, looks like a huge cordyline?

 

[FJB]

Beautiful gardens, everybody!
Anybody has experience with fig trees outdoor year round? We have a small one (but producing figs) in a very large pot and the plan is planting in the ground in the next days, to remain there for as long as it lives. It was supposed to be a cold hardy variety but still needs to be covered in the winter. If anybody how suggestions as to how to cover it, we would appreciate that. I supposed we have time until possibly November or so. Cheers!