I only have two in the garden. Both are 30 years old, one is raging along while its cousin is still doesn’t even have a trunk, planted about 3 meters apart.

They are tough palms and have done the job that I wanted when planted with a vision.

I see them planted around the place in my home town in full sun situations but to me they look better in shade I think.

A wonderful tough palms and worth growing!

I have one in the ground that gets sun most of the day . That doesn’t seem to bother it as much as wind. The wind can strip the leaves from older fronds . The trunk gets very large on these. I have two in pots that I got on the clearance rack for $3 each . They will stay in pots along our fence line in mostly shade. Harry

Looking great Richard.

I tried some in shade and they just slowly declined in my climate. Not enough summer heat. However I saved most of the shade declining ones by digging them up and putting them into full sun in a perpetually wet spot with white clay below the surface and they just took off. I’ve got I think 15 planted in the same spot at varying stages of growth but when they all start to trunk it’s going to be great to walk underneath the canopy they will create. In winter, like right now, the area is literally oozing water from the ground. Mine have started growing pneumatophore roots like a Raphia or a mangrove. I’m hoping they will set seed one day, however they are not that popular any more and most WA soils are crappy gutless sand which they just hate unless you constantly feed them with fertiliser and leave the hose running on them 24/7.

They are tough. In the middle of January (summer here) I took some 30cm high seedlings out of the shadehouse and whacked them in the ground in full sun but in heavy wet soil and a week later we had a 42.5C day and I expected them to just be fried. No, they didn’t even fade. As long as they are wet they will take tons of sun, and they can take light frost in winter. Heavier frost creates damage but they are so quick to regrow it doesn’t cause lasting harm.

One of my tallest trunking ones took a direct hit from a dead pine tree I cut down that fell the wrong way. I was devastated and thought the growing point may have been shattered. No. Some leaves were damaged but two years later you wouldn’t even know. I love them. They are a real feature in the garden.

A totally under rated and under utilised palm in my area.

7 hours ago, Tyrone said:

Looking great Richard.

I tried some in shade and they just slowly declined in my climate. Not enough summer heat. However I saved most of the shade declining ones by digging them up and putting them into full sun in a perpetually wet spot with white clay below the surface and they just took off. I’ve got I think 15 planted in the same spot at varying stages of growth but when they all start to trunk it’s going to be great to walk underneath the canopy they will create. In winter, like right now, the area is literally oozing water from the ground. Mine have started growing pneumatophore roots like a Raphia or a mangrove. I’m hoping they will set seed one day, however they are not that popular any more and most WA soils are crappy gutless sand which they just hate unless you constantly feed them with fertiliser and leave the hose running on them 24/7.

They are tough. In the middle of January (summer here) I took some 30cm high seedlings out of the shadehouse and whacked them in the ground in full sun but in heavy wet soil and a week later we had a 42.5C day and I expected them to just be fried. No, they didn’t even fade. As long as they are wet they will take tons of sun, and they can take light frost in winter. Heavier frost creates damage but they are so quick to regrow it doesn’t cause lasting harm.

One of my tallest trunking ones took a direct hit from a dead pine tree I cut down that fell the wrong way. I was devastated and thought the growing point may have been shattered. No. Some leaves were damaged but two years later you wouldn’t even know. I love them. They are a real feature in the garden.

A totally under rated and under utilised palm in my area.

That's really interesting Tyrone, I'd have thought that they'd want to be a bit on the drier side over winter, but clearly not. I think @tim_brissy_13 mentioned to me that they often look pretty crappy around Melbourne, which I assumed was due to lack of heat, but maybe it's mainly due to lack of water??

I've got a big one in a pot that I rescued from my neighbours greenhouse last year, along with a golden cane, both were dry as bones and totally neglected. The rivularis pushed a small crinkled new leaf after being potted up but is now looking really good with normal sized new leaves. I was contemplating whether/where/when to plant it out, or leave it in a pot...this is food for thought.

Also have a rivularis x hildebrandtii that Colin sent me, which might have a bit of hybrid vigour. Hybrids aren't really my shtick but this could be a nice looking palm I hope!

2 hours ago, Jonathan said:

That's really interesting Tyrone, I'd have thought that they'd want to be a bit on the drier side over winter, but clearly not. I think @tim_brissy_13 mentioned to me that they often look pretty crappy around Melbourne, which I assumed was due to lack of heat, but maybe it's mainly due to lack of water??

I've got a big one in a pot that I rescued from my neighbours greenhouse last year, along with a golden cane, both were dry as bones and totally neglected. The rivularis pushed a small crinkled new leaf after being potted up but is now looking really good with normal sized new leaves. I was contemplating whether/where/when to plant it out, or leave it in a pot...this is food for thought.

Also have a rivularis x hildebrandtii that Colin sent me, which might have a bit of hybrid vigour. Hybrids aren't really my shtick but this could be a nice looking palm I hope!

Spot on I think - most look bad because of neglect and not enough natural rainfall rather than it being too cold. Some of the better ones I’ve seen are out in the outer Eastern suburbs in the foothills of the Dandenongs where it gets pretty chilly but receives more rainfall than near the CBD or around Bayside suburbs. Same goes for Archontophoenix. I will say though, that Ravenea rivularis was susceptible to crown rot for me when young in Spring. It’s grown out of it now, but I suspected it didn’t like cold and wet conditions while it was still establishing. I planted in a cooler area of the garden in mostly shade intentionally based on what I’ve seen with specimens that dry out too much, but I think that’s the opposite risk when you go too shady and cold.

The best one in Victoria I’ve seen is the one at Geelong Botanic Gardens. It gets morning sun but is well protected from all sides from wind and looks to stay quite moist in that area.

There are a few mature specimens around Melbourne - this one down the street from my place looks pretty good. Doesn’t look like it gets extra attention but I assume the roots have tapped down deep now. The tree to its north must help with preventing it drying out too much too.

I planted this one nearly 25 years ago. It’s the only survivor of about 5 originally planted in this garden. Soil is nearly pure beach sand and no irrigation. This is the result 🤣.

And here’s an interesting planting - Singapore Botanic Gardens have them as aquatics. They like it in there in the tropical climate, but I’m certain it would be a death sentence in cooler climates.

18 hours ago, Tyrone said:

Looking great Richard.

I tried some in shade and they just slowly declined in my climate. Not enough summer heat. However I saved most of the shade declining ones by digging them up and putting them into full sun in a perpetually wet spot with white clay below the surface and they just took off. I’ve got I think 15 planted in the same spot at varying stages of growth but when they all start to trunk it’s going to be great to walk underneath the canopy they will create. In winter, like right now, the area is literally oozing water from the ground. Mine have started growing pneumatophore roots like a Raphia or a mangrove. I’m hoping they will set seed one day, however they are not that popular any more and most WA soils are crappy gutless sand which they just hate unless you constantly feed them with fertiliser and leave the hose running on them 24/7.

They are tough. In the middle of January (summer here) I took some 30cm high seedlings out of the shadehouse and whacked them in the ground in full sun but in heavy wet soil and a week later we had a 42.5C day and I expected them to just be fried. No, they didn’t even fade. As long as they are wet they will take tons of sun, and they can take light frost in winter. Heavier frost creates damage but they are so quick to regrow it doesn’t cause lasting harm.

One of my tallest trunking ones took a direct hit from a dead pine tree I cut down that fell the wrong way. I was devastated and thought the growing point may have been shattered. No. Some leaves were damaged but two years later you wouldn’t even know. I love them. They are a real feature in the garden.

A totally under rated and under utilised palm in my area.

They are really a great palm, especially for what you’re using them for, they will create a microclimate that will be perfect for understory palms and garden that love shade, and if you have wet soil even more perfect, for the understory plants.

Take out those pines, we talked about that one, and the damage they have done for you.

Oh and you just snuck in the hybrid palm, the hybrid palm police are watching you, we have ways of making you talk! 🤣

19 hours ago, Harry’s Palms said:

I have one in the ground that gets sun most of the day . That doesn’t seem to bother it as much as wind. The wind can strip the leaves from older fronds . The trunk gets very large on these. I have two in pots that I got on the clearance rack for $3 each . They will stay in pots along our fence line in mostly shade. Harry

They don’t like wind as you say, they get a bit tattered looking. That is one thing, the trunks on these palms get a big space restrictions as to where you plant them, they are a bargain the ones you got. They outgrow a container quite quickly and are robust container palms that need to be controlled!

Richard

7 hours ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

Spot on I think - most look bad because of neglect and not enough natural rainfall rather than it being too cold. Some of the better ones I’ve seen are out in the outer Eastern suburbs in the foothills of the Dandenongs where it gets pretty chilly but receives more rainfall than near the CBD or around Bayside suburbs. Same goes for Archontophoenix. I will say though, that Ravenea rivularis was susceptible to crown rot for me when young in Spring. It’s grown out of it now, but I suspected it didn’t like cold and wet conditions while it was still establishing. I planted in a cooler area of the garden in mostly shade intentionally based on what I’ve seen with specimens that dry out too much, but I think that’s the opposite risk when you go too shady and cold.

The best one in Victoria I’ve seen is the one at Geelong Botanic Gardens. It gets morning sun but is well protected from all sides from wind and looks to stay quite moist in that area.

There are a few mature specimens around Melbourne - this one down the street from my place looks pretty good. Doesn’t look like it gets extra attention but I assume the roots have tapped down deep now. The tree to its north must help with preventing it drying out too much too.

I planted this one nearly 25 years ago. It’s the only survivor of about 5 originally planted in this garden. Soil is nearly pure beach sand and no irrigation. This is the result 🤣.

And here’s an interesting planting - Singapore Botanic Gardens have them as aquatics. They like it in there in the tropical climate, but I’m certain it would be a death sentence in cooler climates.

They love there water, and sandy wet soil is the they love almost hydroponically. I have seen on growing at garden in a dam, up in burringbar. In a garden you have seen.

And the one in Geelong botanical garden is proof that they will live in that microclimate.

1 hour ago, happypalms said:

They love there water, and sandy wet soil is the they love almost hydroponically. I have seen on growing at garden in a dam, up in burringbar. In a garden you have seen.

And the one in Geelong botanical garden is proof that they will live in that microclimate.

Yes the Burringbar one is a great example. Not quite as extreme as the Singapore BGs example, but proof that they enjoy being saturated in the subtropics. Different story I think though when the winter average temperature is more around 10C like in my area. Would likely just invite rot.

11 minutes ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

Yes the Burringbar one is a great example. Not quite as extreme as the Singapore BGs example, but proof that they enjoy being saturated in the subtropics. Different story I think though when the winter average temperature is more around 10C like in my area. Would likely just invite rot.

Cold is there only enemy, the rest they can handle.

A true aquatic the burringbar example!

10 hours ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

Spot on I think - most look bad because of neglect and not enough natural rainfall rather than it being too cold. Some of the better ones I’ve seen are out in the outer Eastern suburbs in the foothills of the Dandenongs where it gets pretty chilly but receives more rainfall than near the CBD or around Bayside suburbs. Same goes for Archontophoenix. I will say though, that Ravenea rivularis was susceptible to crown rot for me when young in Spring. It’s grown out of it now, but I suspected it didn’t like cold and wet conditions while it was still establishing. I planted in a cooler area of the garden in mostly shade intentionally based on what I’ve seen with specimens that dry out too much, but I think that’s the opposite risk when you go too shady and cold.

The best one in Victoria I’ve seen is the one at Geelong Botanic Gardens. It gets morning sun but is well protected from all sides from wind and looks to stay quite moist in that area.

There are a few mature specimens around Melbourne - this one down the street from my place looks pretty good. Doesn’t look like it gets extra attention but I assume the roots have tapped down deep now. The tree to its north must help with preventing it drying out too much too.

I planted this one nearly 25 years ago. It’s the only survivor of about 5 originally planted in this garden. Soil is nearly pure beach sand and no irrigation. This is the result 🤣.

And here’s an interesting planting - Singapore Botanic Gardens have them as aquatics. They like it in there in the tropical climate, but I’m certain it would be a death sentence in cooler climates.

Some nice examples there Tim, although I'm a bit concerned about the ethics of your bonsai experiment! Having said that, the realities of dry sand have been all too real for me for the last 20 years...

Question: how does R rivularis compare to Phoenix reclinata in terms of cold tolerance?

8 hours ago, Jonathan said:

Some nice examples there Tim, although I'm a bit concerned about the ethics of your bonsai experiment! Having said that, the realities of dry sand have been all too real for me for the last 20 years...

Question: how does R rivularis compare to Phoenix reclinata in terms of cold tolerance?

Hard for me to say definitively, but I’d guess P reclinata is more hardy to cool conditions. P reclinata is almost weedy here even in deep shade; grows into massive clumps that can get a bit out of hand in certain situations. R rivularis only seems to thrive when conditions are right. They’ll languish a bit in deep shade even if kept moist.

46 minutes ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

Hard for me to say definitively, but I’d guess P reclinata is more hardy to cool conditions. P reclinata is almost weedy here even in deep shade; grows into massive clumps that can get a bit out of hand in certain situations. R rivularis only seems to thrive when conditions are right. They’ll languish a bit in deep shade even if kept moist.

Thanks Tim.

I've got a bunch of reclinata that have lived in a couple of kiddies paddling pools for about 10 years. The pots are basically submerged all winter, with no probs at all, and had similar results with some Bangalows.

The comments above got me thinking about the general relationship between cold, wet roots and palm health...ie, do species that like being very wet, prefer to always be very wet, even in winter, provided they're not super marginal?

20 hours ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

Spot on I think - most look bad because of neglect and not enough natural rainfall rather than it being too cold. Some of the better ones I’ve seen are out in the outer Eastern suburbs in the foothills of the Dandenongs where it gets pretty chilly but receives more rainfall than near the CBD or around Bayside suburbs. Same goes for Archontophoenix. I will say though, that Ravenea rivularis was susceptible to crown rot for me when young in Spring. It’s grown out of it now, but I suspected it didn’t like cold and wet conditions while it was still establishing. I planted in a cooler area of the garden in mostly shade intentionally based on what I’ve seen with specimens that dry out too much, but I think that’s the opposite risk when you go too shady and cold.

The best one in Victoria I’ve seen is the one at Geelong Botanic Gardens. It gets morning sun but is well protected from all sides from wind and looks to stay quite moist in that area.

There are a few mature specimens around Melbourne - this one down the street from my place looks pretty good. Doesn’t look like it gets extra attention but I assume the roots have tapped down deep now. The tree to its north must help with preventing it drying out too much too.

I planted this one nearly 25 years ago. It’s the only survivor of about 5 originally planted in this garden. Soil is nearly pure beach sand and no irrigation. This is the result 🤣.

And here’s an interesting planting - Singapore Botanic Gardens have them as aquatics. They like it in there in the tropical climate, but I’m certain it would be a death sentence in cooler climates.

Yep, when these guys are happy, they are really something. Way under rated IMO. That Singapore gardens specimens reminds me of the habitat picture of R. musicalis. Reminds me of kelp growing in tidepools. One crazy genus..

1 hour ago, Jonathan said:

Thanks Tim.

I've got a bunch of reclinata that have lived in a couple of kiddies paddling pools for about 10 years. The pots are basically submerged all winter, with no probs at all, and had similar results with some Bangalows.

The comments above got me thinking about the general relationship between cold, wet roots and palm health...ie, do species that like being very wet, prefer to always be very wet, even in winter, provided they're not super marginal?

I’ve learnt a lot on this over the years. Unfortunately I don’t think as simple as if a palm thrives in very wet conditions in habitat (eg R rivularis) then it will always be ok in very wet conditions in cultivation. In the tropics and subtropics sure; there’s very clear evidence that they can be grown in basically aquatic conditions when it’s warm enough. But I can guarantee with R rivularis if you try the same thing in Tassie it won’t go well (feel free to try to prove me wrong).

10 hours ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

I’ve learnt a lot on this over the years. Unfortunately I don’t think as simple as if a palm thrives in very wet conditions in habitat (eg R rivularis) then it will always be ok in very wet conditions in cultivation. In the tropics and subtropics sure; there’s very clear evidence that they can be grown in basically aquatic conditions when it’s warm enough. But I can guarantee with R rivularis if you try the same thing in Tassie it won’t go well (feel free to try to prove me wrong).

Sounds like it will end in tears 😭

It would probably work here in Southern California under the right circumstances. No doubt that they love water . I have a very large one that I treated like most other palms . When I started watering more , the fronds doubled in size . If I see the ground dry around that palm , I give it a good soaking . Fortunately it is near a hose! Maybe , if I ever have a moat , it will triple. Harry

23 hours ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

I’ve learnt a lot on this over the years. Unfortunately I don’t think as simple as if a palm thrives in very wet conditions in habitat (eg R rivularis) then it will always be ok in very wet conditions in cultivation. In the tropics and subtropics sure; there’s very clear evidence that they can be grown in basically aquatic conditions when it’s warm enough. But I can guarantee with R rivularis if you try the same thing in Tassie it won’t go well (feel free to try to prove me wrong).

I accept that challenge Tim...nah, only joking...as a man with only one rivularis on hand, I have no intention of drowning it. However, if I had 20 it would be interesting to see what happens. @Tyrone mentioned the success of his clay based rivularis swamp in a climate half way between mine and yours, so maybe we're under playing the importance of water to this species?

It's idle speculation probably but interesting to ponder...heres my hypothesis:

1. If the palm isn't exposed to damaging frost or lethal low temperatures for that particular species, and

2. Comes from a continuously wet and boggy natural habitat, and

3. Is not generally sensitive to root rot diseases, and

4. Has poor drought resistance, then

5. Would it tolerate a swamp in Tasmania?

6. Lol!

10 minutes ago, Jonathan said:

I accept that challenge Tim...nah, only joking...as a man with only one rivularis on hand, I have no intention of drowning it. However, if I had 20 it would be interesting to see what happens. @Tyrone mentioned the success of his clay based rivularis swamp in a climate half way between mine and yours, so maybe we're under playing the importance of water to this species?

It's idle speculation probably but interesting to ponder...heres my hypothesis:

1. If the palm isn't exposed to damaging frost or lethal low temperatures for that particular species, and

2. Comes from a continuously wet and boggy natural habitat, and

3. Is not generally sensitive to root rot diseases, and

4. Has poor drought resistance, then

5. Would it tolerate a swamp in Tasmania?

6. Lol!

I’m definitely not trying to under play the importance of water to R rivularis. It’s a water hog and enjoys swampy conditions when it’s warm. Tyrone’s winter averages are significantly warmer than mine. He’s closer to Sydney averages than mine, and I’m closer to you than Tyrone. It doesn’t surprise me that R rivularis could grow nearly in standard water there, but it seems to be a different story for me and I suspect it’s just that routinely getting down around 2C or so and being boggy might be the combination that it wouldn’t like.

All that being said, I haven’t tried in a truly boggy spot so who knows. They are common and available enough to give it a go so why not!

1 hour ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

I’m definitely not trying to under play the importance of water to R rivularis. It’s a water hog and enjoys swampy conditions when it’s warm. Tyrone’s winter averages are significantly warmer than mine. He’s closer to Sydney averages than mine, and I’m closer to you than Tyrone. It doesn’t surprise me that R rivularis could grow nearly in standard water there, but it seems to be a different story for me and I suspect it’s just that routinely getting down around 2C or so and being boggy might be the combination that it wouldn’t like.

All that being said, I haven’t tried in a truly boggy spot so who knows. They are common and available enough to give it a go so why not!

Spoil sport, why let reality get in the way of a good theory!

I'm sure you're probably right in all seriousness...the scenario in the pic below is so tantalising though, reclinatas in a pond in the middle of winter, there was frost on the ground all round them this morning. I planted a couple out years ago in my dry sand in full sun and they were destroyed by frost, which is why I didn't bother with these ones, so what's going on here? The pond itself is way too small to moderate the temperature, so is there some other factor involved? Does full hydration in winter build stronger cell walls? No idea and probably just BS but interesting to contemplate.

For reference, other species that I've had sitting in water all winter include:

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, shade

Sabal bermdana, sun

Livistona nitida, shade

Livistona australis, shade

Probably no great surprises there. Someone send me 20 rivularis seedlings to torture please!

3 minutes ago, Jonathan said:

Spoil sport, why let reality get in the way of a good theory!

I'm sure you're probably right in all seriousness...the scenario in the pic below is so tantalising though, reclinatas in a pond in the middle of winter, there was frost on the ground all round them this morning. I planted a couple out years ago in my dry sand in full sun and they were destroyed by frost, which is why I didn't bother with these ones, so what's going on here? The pond itself is way too small to moderate the temperature, so is there some other factor involved? Does full hydration in winter build stronger cell walls? No idea and probably just BS but interesting to contemplate.

For reference, other species that I've had sitting in water all winter include:

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, shade

Sabal bermdana, sun

Livistona nitida, shade

Livistona australis, shade

Probably no great surprises there. Someone send me 20 rivularis seedlings to torture please!

Water has much higher heat capacity than air or soil so I guess it would moderate root temperature somewhat. Maybe even at the fronds it might help surface temperature just that little bit to avoid heavy frost settling. Definitely an interesting observation.

You’ve convinced me - maybe it is worth a go with R rivularis. Would say full sun is a must though.

While you’re at it, give the same strategy a go with Dictyocaryum and Cyrtostachys renda 🤪

Here’s my little grouping. Excuse the weeds. They go mental when it’s wet. The ground is sloppy and saturated and water runs out of this area all winter. These pictures were taken a couple of mornings ago when it was about 2C. Brrrrrrrrrr

Although not in this picture or area I’ve found that Archontophoenix purpurea loves growing in full sun at least until about 2pm in boggy soil. Those I’ve tried in shade just languish and do nothing in my climate. Put em in the sun in a boggy pig sty and they wake right up. Just like Ravenea rivularis.

14 hours ago, Harry’s Palms said:

It would probably work here in Southern California under the right circumstances. No doubt that they love water . I have a very large one that I treated like most other palms . When I started watering more , the fronds doubled in size . If I see the ground dry around that palm , I give it a good soaking . Fortunately it is near a hose! Maybe , if I ever have a moat , it will triple. Harry

Stick with the hose Harry, a moat might attract sir Lancelot from Monty python, something about a holy grail and a bunch of nuns, and a rescue mission gone horribly wrong for sir Lancelot. Zoot I think her name was.🤣

Richard

1 hour ago, Tyrone said:

Here’s my little grouping. Excuse the weeds. They go mental when it’s wet. The ground is sloppy and saturated and water runs out of this area all winter. These pictures were taken a couple of mornings ago when it was about 2C. Brrrrrrrrrr

I wish I had wet soil like that, prime Johannesteijsmannia real estate. Raised beds would be a game changer for you.

And as far the weeds go it depends on what type they are, but some weeds give a ground cover and that green look.

2 hours ago, Tyrone said:

Here’s my little grouping. Excuse the weeds. They go mental when it’s wet. The ground is sloppy and saturated and water runs out of this area all winter. These pictures were taken a couple of mornings ago when it was about 2C. Brrrrrrrrrr

5 hours ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

Water has much higher heat capacity than air or soil so I guess it would moderate root temperature somewhat. Maybe even at the fronds it might help surface temperature just that little bit to avoid heavy frost settling. Definitely an interesting observation.

You’ve convinced me - maybe it is worth a go with R rivularis. Would say full sun is a must though.

While you’re at it, give the same strategy a go with Dictyocaryum and Cyrtostachys renda 🤪

And a Nypa!!

4 hours ago, Tyrone said:

Here’s my little grouping. Excuse the weeds. They go mental when it’s wet. The ground is sloppy and saturated and water runs out of this area all winter. These pictures were taken a couple of mornings ago when it was about 2C. Brrrrrrrrrr

Looking great Tyrone...that's going to be super nice when they all start trunking.

Do you get frost in that area?

That area is semi protected but in a real cold year it may get a mild frost. I haven’t seen below zero since the winter of 2023 thankfully. In open exposed areas I’ve definitely seen below minus 2C. Not good. These guys yellow a little in that situation and sail through. By summer they’re crankin.

The sun came out today after a bit of drizzly rain. I thought I’d take a picture of the water flowing through the area.

BTW further back in the thread Tim said I’m closer to Sydney weather than Melbourne which is true. I wish I had Sydney winters though. They’re glorious and sunny. Anyway to give my climate an eastern states perspective the closest I can find to my winter temps is Nowra. I may be a tad cooler at night in winter but definitely wetter by about a factor of 50% to 100% more than Nowra.

My garden has already seen a min of 0.5C with no damage this year. There’s a lot of winter to go though. Generally though if my lakes fill up, the risk of a hard frost disappears. There could be an exception though but if the rains are late, beware. My lakes filled up on June 15 but it can take until early August to do that in a dry year. The earliest I’ve seen was May 3rd. That was the year the place flooded. No frost that year. I think once the atmosphere gets more moisture in it, the chance of cloud cover increases and the risk of frost decreases.

12 hours ago, Tyrone said:

That area is semi protected but in a real cold year it may get a mild frost. I haven’t seen below zero since the winter of 2023 thankfully. In open exposed areas I’ve definitely seen below minus 2C. Not good. These guys yellow a little in that situation and sail through. By summer they’re crankin.

The sun came out today after a bit of drizzly rain. I thought I’d take a picture of the water flowing through the area.

BTW further back in the thread Tim said I’m closer to Sydney weather than Melbourne which is true. I wish I had Sydney winters though. They’re glorious and sunny. Anyway to give my climate an eastern states perspective the closest I can find to my winter temps is Nowra. I may be a tad cooler at night in winter but definitely wetter by about a factor of 50% to 100% more than Nowra.

My garden has already seen a min of 0.5C with no damage this year. There’s a lot of winter to go though. Generally though if my lakes fill up, the risk of a hard frost disappears. There could be an exception though but if the rains are late, beware. My lakes filled up on June 15 but it can take until early August to do that in a dry year. The earliest I’ve seen was May 3rd. That was the year the place flooded. No frost that year. I think once the atmosphere gets more moisture in it, the chance of cloud cover increases and the risk of frost decreases.

That's pretty swampy alright, those mud pigs are loving it!

Must be paradise for Archontophoenix there.

On 6/26/2026 at 8:21 PM, Tyrone said:

That area is semi protected but in a real cold year it may get a mild frost. I haven’t seen below zero since the winter of 2023 thankfully. In open exposed areas I’ve definitely seen below minus 2C. Not good. These guys yellow a little in that situation and sail through. By summer they’re crankin.

The sun came out today after a bit of drizzly rain. I thought I’d take a picture of the water flowing through the area.

BTW further back in the thread Tim said I’m closer to Sydney weather than Melbourne which is true. I wish I had Sydney winters though. They’re glorious and sunny. Anyway to give my climate an eastern states perspective the closest I can find to my winter temps is Nowra. I may be a tad cooler at night in winter but definitely wetter by about a factor of 50% to 100% more than Nowra.

My garden has already seen a min of 0.5C with no damage this year. There’s a lot of winter to go though. Generally though if my lakes fill up, the risk of a hard frost disappears. There could be an exception though but if the rains are late, beware. My lakes filled up on June 15 but it can take until early August to do that in a dry year. The earliest I’ve seen was May 3rd. That was the year the place flooded. No frost that year. I think once the atmosphere gets more moisture in it, the chance of cloud cover increases and the risk of frost decreases.

It’s around the full moon that’s the danger period for frost in my area.

9 hours ago, happypalms said:

It’s around the full moon that’s the danger period for frost in my area.

It’s around the full moon that’s the danger period for wild, unsupported theories in my area. Yours too apparently 🤣

1 hour ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

It’s around the full moon that’s the danger period for wild, unsupported theories in my area. Yours too apparently 🤣

I can manifest a wild, unsupported theory regardless of the moon phase...ask the aliens who live in my Nypa swamp!

10 hours ago, happypalms said:

It’s around the full moon that’s the danger period for frost in my area.

You've been watching too much X Files Richard!

9 hours ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

It’s around the full moon that’s the danger period for wild, unsupported theories in my area. Yours too apparently 🤣

I think the police call it full moon fever, or is it the blue light with the phosphorus in the rocks that creates those strange lights in the bush at night. Either way iam up for a bit of full moon fever fun 👍

7 hours ago, Jonathan said:

You've been watching too much X Files Richard!

You won’t be saying that when we come a get you in our space ship 🛸

7 hours ago, Jonathan said:

I can manifest a wild, unsupported theory regardless of the moon phase...ask the aliens who live in my Nypa swamp!

You have them in your nypa swamp, the aliens!

Good gosh you guys get up to to some strange stuff in sunny warm Tazzy, and I thought I was strange on the full moon, I guess what happens at sea stays at sea I suppose!