Phoenix canariensis

http://serenity-knits.blogspot.co.uk

I have been looking at ways of over winter wrapping the Phoenix canariensis(palms) as they form the main structural planting scheme on my site. 
I came across this aesthetically pleasing image, right, this is what they do in warmer climes. wrap them in lights. I have spent a couple of Christmas's in Florida and this is how they decorate their palms it's very pretty. Whether it's one standing alone or an oasis. 
Not realistic for the south of England however...                                                                              

http://www.bigplantnursery.co.uk
A snowman style perhaps, it doesn't look very nice does it? It's wrapped in straw and hessian I suppose if it keeps the palm alive... but what else is there?

Protecting the trunk of the tree from the severe cold is more important than protecting the leaves. I have found images of blankets being wrapped around the palms saying aesthetics wasn't at the fore front of their minds. I wonder if it worked? Even so, I prefer the hessian and straw route as believe that the aesthetics as well as keeping the plant alive are both of the utmost importance in any design. Maybe brightly coloured dyed hessian would be an option...

www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk
A cow fleece...umm, No!

www.gardenevolution.co.uk
This is what can happen if you don't protect them, a very costly mistake

Think I'll keep looking...

Tuesdays Presentation

Tuesday's presentation didn't go so well for me. I was trying really hard to concentrate on my work but all I could really see or think about was the constant stream of people coming through the door at the back as well as all the others standing there watching and i suppose I just clammed up. Really, not good.
I hadn't gone to bed till 3.30 that morning (i have been working late nights and getting up early mornings to work for the last few weeks) as I wanted to get as much work on the wall as a could, as I have been chasing my tail all term. I was very pleased and happy with what I had achieved. Until I got my marks back. I know they should spur me on but I really feel as though I have had the stuffing knocked out of me. I'm not giving up however, it has taken me a couple of days to get the fire back in my belly and carry out all the changes, so here we go, one day at a time, I can do this.