Hi Daz, nice to meet you too - I presume that you were talking to me, and the other Mick will shortly be having one of those "D'oh" moments. Yes I do know Firth Park - not well because as you know it is in north Sheffield, while I live on the most southern bit (the warm subtropical region)...

Hi Ali

Yes they are great looking palms aren't they?

My eriospatha is green, while the capitata is notably bluer. Like Martin my capitata is much larger, but will not be planted until next spring (planted the eriospatha this summer).

It will be interesting to watch the growth rates.

I seem to have got away with it so far, Dave.

Hi Grub My brother in law (just been down to stay with his family this weekend) grows them BUT 1) black ones all died last year, he swears they didn't flower or dry out. 2) the plain/variegated ones are trying to take over north London. He was not advised about rhizome barriers when he planted them ...

Hi Grub

Yep, thats what I heard too & and why I got one for my birthday pressie this year from the mrs. Also bought a capitata a couple of weeks ago because it was on offer at 50% off (sorry Nigel - from a DIY shed) - have you got any Grub?

Hi guys The truth is that I am not struck on bamboos. There are a couple of areas of our garden which are in need of some tall growing plants to provide a bit of screening and wind protection. Bamboos would seem the obvious choice, and would fit in well with the jungly look that we all try to achiev...

Hi Nigel

Which butia do you think is most suited to the UK climate?

There, I've said it.

Hello all. I thought that as a newbie my first post should be thoughtful and inclusive.

Considered and considerate.

Engaging, I thought, perhaps challenging, but not provocative.

And then I thought...