Flora and Fauna

[Marc Jones]

Quick one...

anyone know names of plants that are native to Tobago but could handle the UK?

I assume the answer is none could given the climate difference, but I would love to finally plant _something_ in my neglected garden so I thought I'd at least ask!

Thanks

Mr not green fingers.

[Clyde Alleyne]

Marc, nearly all tropical plants, trees or shrubs do not tolerate cold weather, but don't let the climate difference stop you. I know that lots of people keep tropical plants in colder climates - the trick is not to plant them in the ground, but to keep them in pots outdoors until it gets cold, then bring them indoors for the winter. As you are an admitted "not so green thumb", I would suggest that you consider more durable plants like Crotons (for their beautiful colours), palm trees or even banana trees (to remind you of the tropics). They all do well in containers (with the right care!).

[Marc Jones]

Marvellous!!

Many thanks. I can now consider adding some plants to my vacant garden!

[Brian Taylor]

but remeber to only plant what you get in your homecountry, since bringing back plants and seedlings from here is not allowed. same as fruit vegetable and honey...
maybe a photo wall paper in your living room can do the trick...

the idea with the pots works good. have some friends in germany that carry their pots out and back in every year and they plants are growing like crazy. all stuff from a local dealer. give them a much bigger post and they will use the space to grow

happy gardening
STEPH

[Roland Siebenhorn]

Hi Marc,

the chinese banana sort "Musa Basjoo" (O.K., it's not from Tobago, but at least a banana....) is frost-resistant and grows pricket out if you cover the trunk during the winter with cushion foil. The leaves freezes to death in Winter but foliates again in Spring.

There's also a frost resistant palm tree, "Trachycarpus Fortunei", which grows outside. Again she's from China, but still a palm tree and brings you a holiday feeling in your garden.

Do you remember the giant bamboo at the entry of Englishman's bay?
The sort "Phyllostachys aureosulcata" grows up to 4 meters (13 feet)
and is also frost-resistant. But ask your neighbours before you plant it....

Greetings,
Roland

[Marc Jones]

EXCELLENT!

Neighbours? None next to me, live next to a park.

Bamboo here I come!

[David Watkins]

Marc,go and talk to the park gardener,he would be able to advise you and give you sources.
David