Report From PIA – November 27
Once gardeners understand some of the basics of growing plants and possess a measure of confidence about gardening, they often move on to more daring plantings. They want to see if a particular plant, not quite hardy where they live, can be kept alive.
As I walked around Poison Ivy Acres in the drizzle today, I looked at the Eucalyptus neglecta I recently planted and sent it this mental message: live.
This variety of Eucalyptus is supposed to be a cold tolerant variety, but still, it’s listed as hardy in zone 7 and I am most decidedly in a warm zone 6. I’ve mulched the area with manure already, and for this first winter will place a dome bamboo cloche over it once it’s colder, but nevertheless, I’m pushing the limits here.
Similarly, I’ve got a “hardy” banana (Musa basjoo) in a pot indoors right now, and I intend to plant it outdoors next spring. I’ve found that marginally hardy plants survive better if planted early in the season instead of in the fall, so I’ll keep this banana as a houseplant until May. After that, I’m hoping that it will live on the sheltered south side of the house.
This type of zonal roulette may be foolhardy, or it may just be one of the best things we gardeners can do. Attempting to stretch the boundaries can promote creativity, optimism and thoughtful consideration.
I want to push the envelope in other areas as well…within reason, of course. It’s not likely that I will cultivate a singing career since I can’t carry much of a tune, and brain surgery is, well, brain surgery, and completely out of the question for me. But don’t tell me that I can’t grow a Whole Life Gardening book, or an expanded speaking schedule. I may have to be more assiduous about how these are planted and nurtured, but I’m willing to do what I can to promote growth.
I planted this Eucalyptus neglecta in late September, so if it doesn't live through the winter I'll order another and plant it in the spring.
I admit that the banana tree is a bit hard to see with all of the plants that I've crammed in this room for the winter. It's on the table, second from the right.
