After the dismay as many members have had big parts of their gardens destroyed, this topic is to discuss what you can plant to create a quick jungle.
I had ripped out the rampant Phylostaccys nigra and huge Hypericum hicote in 2009 as they were simply taking over half the garden. This left huge gaps and I did wonder if I had done the right thing
Here was the area in April 2010 with vast lots of space and little else. The 12 foot Musa basjoo had been cut to the ground and I was thinking I needed height.
Here in mid April starting to try out plants. The large Ensete Montbeliardii placed near the back to give instant height.
Here at the end of May with most plants planted out. Thses included Echuim pianini, Colocasia mammoth, Ensete Montbeliardii, Ensete Maurelii, Heliconia bihai, TRex, several Dahlia and bedding Petunia, yet to put in an appearance were the Hedychiums, and Musa basjoo which had been cut to the ground.
This is the Ensete Maurelii at planting time
End of June and filling out nicely
Mid July
Mid August
Mid September
Mid October
Here 30th October with me as scale. The Ensete Maurelii has already been dug out and was in the conservatory. Many other plants were to follow in the next 2 weeks. I month later 30th Novemeber the first winter blizzard kicked in. It shows that we can have a really exotic garden like many Americans with harsh winters. You just have to grow the right things
Each shoot went on to develop a flower spike which were very unimpressive-only around 18". I have wondered since though what would have happened if I'd just left one shoot in place. Tried growing them again last year but all except one is complete mush now
