Louis has a splendid outdoor palm collection which
includes Roystonea regia, Ravenea madascariensis var. monticola,
R. rivularis, Pseudophoenix sargentii, Licuala ramsayi and several
other beautiful species, including a splendid collection of Chamaedoreas.
Growing exotic palms in a temperate climate requires
some basic knowledge. At past biennials I've met many members from
areas throughout the world that should be capable of producing gardens
similar to those of Southern California. People from the southeastern
United States, South Africa, South Australia, New Zealand, Southern
Europe, and Israel for instance that could have palm collections
equal to or better than those in California, but when they tell
what they are growing, their collections are lacking. Often they
state that their climate is too cold to grow what can be grown in
California, but the true cut off point should be cold temperature
and not a psychological one.
Most California gardens have little or no frost
or freezing temperatures, and some have none at all so if your area
fits this description, there is no reason why you can't grow the
same palms. Plan to visit the four private gardens on the Biennial
tour. And go home prepared to develop a fabulous temperate climate
palm collection of your own.
California Dreaming
