Chorus from my Potted Palms Today

[Cindy Adair]

When I entered my shadehouse at dawn it was as if all my palms were singing “Pick Me” while extolling their own virtues!

I had been working for months to clear a new prime real estate section and add path decisions. 

I wanted 3 of the same species to plant. 

The location is just below this grassy relatively flat area with a few Mauritia flexuosas and some volunteer coconuts at the entrance.

The shrubs/small trees can be thinned as needed as they are also volunteers.

Today I had 4 hours of help so knew the remaining access paths could be dug out and the clump of an invasive (albeit pretty) heliconia removed. 

In my full shadehouse the Basselinia pancheri trio was a close second, but the Cyphosperma won my heart.

 

[Cindy Adair]

I put 2 Coretect tablets in each planting hole and some granulated imidocloprid on top as it may absorb faster which is essential for prime rhino beetle time.

Almost guaranteed to have rain sometime today and the soil is already at the sweet spot of not too wet and not too dry.

The coconut palms cast the shadows and you can see the trio in place.

You can get the idea that drainage on my slopes even with mostly clay is not an issue here.

At the bottom of the photo below you get a hint of the sun sneaking through where there is a lower and flatter level. This is in progress using the partial clearing with adjustable shade that I prefer.

Of course planting higher first lets me toss dirt dug out for paths down the hill without worry of damaging anything.

The riding mower keeps the lower level under control until I make time and find energy to sort it out.

Lots of special palms (like two Sabinarias) and two Amherstias and other ornamentals already adjoining this new area.

Although not close to my house my long awaited electric golf cart now makes it a quick ride carrying tools and plants so I visit often.

The invasive grass will return, but I hope to limit it by persistent trimming and competition from soon to be added plants and later shade from the palms.

[happypalms]

Beautiful I know how the palms talk you into choosing them, they coheres ones mind and twist it into formation. The easiest way to grow plants is think like them. They talk and feel pain and our energy. I find nothing better than planting plants especially palms, I know every plant I have planted and they know me as well. Oh here he comes they say I can hear them chatting away. Yes and we all have to work smarter and if it’s in the form of golf cart or tractor so be it. I have even resorted to a post hole drill now to plant my plants. Good luck with your new plants it’s so much fun watching palms grow.

Richard 

[peachy]

I have been buzzing around my garden in my power chair for 20 years now.  I have about 25 palms big enough to be planted in Spring (september/october) with no idea as to how or where I am going to put them in so I envy all that lovely space you have. C balanssae are gorgeous with their lucious black trunks and is a species I am tempted to go out and look for.

Peachy

[hbernstein]

On 5/25/2025 at 1:17 PM, Cindy Adair said:

I put 2 Coretect tablets in each planting hole and some granulated imidocloprid on top as it may absorb faster which is essential for prime rhino beetle time.

Almost guaranteed to have rain sometime today and the soil is already at the sweet spot of not too wet and not too dry.

The coconut palms cast the shadows and you can see the trio in place.

You can get the idea that drainage on my slopes even with mostly clay is not an issue here.

At the bottom of the photo below you get a hint of the sun sneaking through where there is a lower and flatter level. This is in progress using the partial clearing with adjustable shade that I prefer.

Of course planting higher first lets me toss dirt dug out for paths down the hill without worry of damaging anything.

The riding mower keeps the lower level under control until I make time and find energy to sort it out.

Lots of special palms (like two Sabinarias) and two Amherstias and other ornamentals already adjoining this new area.

Although not close to my house my long awaited electric golf cart now makes it a quick ride carrying tools and plants so I visit often.

The invasive grass will return, but I hope to limit it by persistent trimming and competition from soon to be added plants and later shade from the palms.

Cindy, where did you get the Amherstias? I'm looking for a source to acquire one for Pinecrest Gardens, but they are either not ready for sale or sold out (perpetually).  Know any P.R. nursery that might ship to Florida?