Today was the first day I was able to closely inspect my garden after the frosty temeratures South Flordia experienced within the last two weeks. I can only report on my observations, not the final results that won't be known for perhaps months. However, the findings were grim, but not grave. Thank the Lord in Heaven!!
Not surprising...the bananas were devestated. I'm not sure how the pups will fare...they look brown too. But bananas are filled with water, so hopefully the pups stayed warm enough to withstand the cold, especially somewhat sheltered by the adults that did not fare well. The real bummer is that I use these tropical beauties as a privacy screen and I've lost that for at least 6 months. UGH!
My second concern is the Bottle Palms. I have two of them, and both are young, although they've both been in the ground at least a year. One looks better than the other, although both have some green. Who knows? I can only hope for the best!
A couple other beauties appear to have taken a huge hit...the pink mandavilla vine looks completely dried and crumpled with the exception of one little shoot of new growth. HOPE!!!
The Oyster Plants look like the wilted salad my grammy used to make (quite delicious, actually!), until I gently moved the limp top layer away to discover live healthy foliage underneath.
The Petra Croton had similar findings...discolored, wilted top leaves and colorful, healthy lower leaved protected during the frost. Although I have no prior experience with such devestation in this tropical climate, I must assume that the main structure of the plant is unharmed and will rebound like a champ!!!
The Plumeria, or Frangipani, cuttings were well rooted, but still very young to withstand such a harsh freeze. I'm not sure how these sweet little starts will fare. Again, I can only wait, hope and pray!
Others that took a punch but will heal beautifully sooner than later include the various hibiscus in my yard (so far I have the Presidential, Fort Meyers, El Capitolia, and an unknown - red with yellow streaks)
...the brown turkey fig (I dutifully covered this one with a tarp)
...Lantana
...Heliconia (the shoots that were under cover are reluctantly perservering!)
...the young Firebush looks dead, but notice the green coloration in some of the branches. My native Floridian friends are encouraging me to leave this little one alone and let it recover on its own!
...the Crinum lilies don't look nearly as pretty as usual...but one of them actually sent out a cluster of gorgeous blooms, despite the cold!!!
...the Ti plants were hit, but already sending out fresh new pretty pink and fuschia leaves!
...and the Elephant Ear and Dragon Plant show some damage but are basically healthy.
And some plants acted like nothing ever happened!
The honeysuckle is displaying pretty berries for the birds to enjoy and getting ready to debut a new set of blooms!
The Ponderosa Lemon is in full bloom (amazing!) and the Meyer Lemon is following suit!
The two new Giant White Bird of Paradise rooted and transplanted only a few months ago along the fencerow as an additional privacy screen are sending out new growth...
...as is the newly transplanted Orange Bird of Paradise at the front door!
The dwarf Canna lilies and Pentas somehow made it!
The pretty Ground Orchids and Hen and Chicks continue to step up to the plate, no matter the weather!
And the ferns are as feathery as ever!
The Tropicanna Canna Lilies, Blueberries, and Mango continue completely unaffected!
My precious Ponytail Palm also appears to be just fine.
And to boot, a family friend provided me with pretty bright yellow blooms to cheer me up! NICE!
To summarize, I think it'll be alright!!!
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