The Tropic of Hales Owen
by Peter Bridgens
Chamaerops No. 43-44, published online
05-08-2002
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Pictures: Every square inch in this garden is
used for exotic plants. Phormium, Phoenix, Trachycarpus and Yucca
are just a few of the many varieties that are doing well here in
the ground and in pots.
I have been an obsessive gardener for the past 20
years, and thought some of it was rubbing off on my wife when, upon
moving into our house 12 years ago, she requested a south-facing
garden. This, come to find out, was so that she could iron in the
garden in the sun! I, however, had different desires for our garden.
Initially, I had an ordinary suburban garden using plants which
enjoyed a sunny aspect: a few shrubs and herbaceous perennials.
All looked well in the summer, but for much of the year there was
little to see. In winter the view from our sitting room was like
the plains of Siberia. I wanted more. I’d always admired palms
and quite fancied a home in the tropics. If you can’t move
to the tropics, however, the tropics have to come to you.
I started falteringly nine years ago with Trachycarpus
fortunei, a large specimen at a bargain price. That settled in as
Trachys do. Alongside was another bargain, an enormous Yucca Gloriosa
for £9.00. Then came a Chamaerops humilis and several bamboos.
Of course all these are small beer in climatic terms. We knew that
with a southerly aspect and the close proximity of surrounding houses
the garden was likely to be fairly protected. Then our next door
neighbour built a conservatory, and what a difference that made.
It gives out lots of heat. This together with heat from our large
patio door has ensured that the part of the garden near to the house
is virtually frost-free.
Next came a small Butia capitata. That’s survived
without winter protection for a number of years. It’s planted
in a sunny spot in light soil with a high level of added grit. It
grows without pause in winter, putting on new fronds even in January
and February. Further Chamaerops were purchased and planted, one
in an east-facing location. All survive without protection even
in the coldest of temperatures. (Recently a friend locally recorded
-14ºC. I don’t record the temperature in my garden - I’m
a worrier!). My only significant failure to date was a large Brahea
armata, which was planted in a south-facing position. Unfortunately
it succumbed to ”death by drowning”. Whilst the winter
was mild it had been too wet and rot set into the crown of the plant.
This was in spite of it having been planted in what seemed like
optimum conditions. As an optimist I’m trying again with a
larger Brahea.
Undaunted, I have added several very large Phoenix
canariensis to the garden. Sadly, one failed to cope with the cold
and a less than ideal position. The remaining plants have gone from
strength to strength. One plant that lives in a very large pot remains
outside in its container throughout winter, on the terrace. Even
in the coldest weather its only aid is a single layer of fleece
that I place over it. This plant has now developed a trunk of approximately
60 cm. I have to admit to being surprised at my success with the
Phoenix since friends locally have failed with these. Another Phoenix,
P. roebelenii, stands in a pot on the terrace for the summer months,
though I would not risk it outside during colder seasons. Also out
for the summer are various Aloes and Agaves. My garden is only 40
ft. square and whilst its small size helps in terms of the climate,
it prevents the addition of further palms at present due to lack
of space. If I can persuade some less interesting plants to die,
then I have designs on a Jubaea chilensis and Chamaedorea radicalis.
The garden also supports a variety of other choice
and tender subjects. Lapagaria rosea grows and flowers without protection.
There are several varieties of Aspidistra which are growing well.
Climbers/wall shrubs include Berberidopsis corallina, Trachelospermum,
Crinodendron hookerianum, and Muelenbeckia complexa. Also featured
are various Aroids, Hedychium, and Canna. Some of the Canna remain
in the ground over winter without protection. I have been amazed
at the hardiness of all these as well as Watsonia and some Gladioli.
Other southern hemisphere plants of surprising hardiness are Crinum
powelli and Crinum moorei, Amaryllis belladonna, and another hardy
favourite of exotic appearance, Dierama.
While I’ve probably spent a small fortune on
my garden over the past few years, it’s still less expensive
than emigrating to Singapore or Western Australia. And besides,
my wife’s iron wouldn’t work on their power supply!
Post Script
In the West Midlands, this winter was a cold and
wet one, resulting in some losses in the garden. These have been
surprising. Ceanothus arboreus "Trewithen Blue" was crisped,
Cistus succumbed, and most Phormium looked as though they had been
landing pads for elephants. I’m a little disenchanted by Phormium,
but Astelia nervosa makes a worthwhile if slightly smaller replacement.
Perhaps surprisingly, Acacia dealbata was cut back but has survived.
I’m loathed to mention Cordyline (someone once wrote in this
journal ”Palms are too expensive so plant another Cordyline”),
but they have survived; even when the crown has been pulled out
as rotten, a new one has developed. Dasylirions, two varieties,
though I know not which, have shrugged off winter without so much
as a shiver, unprotected in their pots with a high proportion of
grit in their compost. Unfortunately the Butia capitata is no more
- crown rot saw it off. In its stead I have added a Sabal minor,
which I’m hoping will settle down in the Tropic of Hales Owen,
and a Yucca aloifolia has been planted as well.
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