Man, good to see the thread get some life again after this long (for me) winter still with 4 foot of snow in the backyard! It feels good to see more pics of growing things and of the season to come.

Dan I might have to look into getting one of those. You may have already mentioned it, but does it produce edible fruit? I'm hoping to grow one that does (even though I think my Dwarf Cavendish would if given the proper nutrients). Most of the 15 I have though are Basjoo and will never produce edible fruit

Algis, I'm on a mission to copy-cat a guy who lives in Kentucky. He actually has several Elephant Ears to his name as hybrids. But this is his place in Kentucky. I'm working on making the back edge of the wood at our place, an area about 70' x 20' (deep) into the same look. It'll probably take a year or two to grow in, but I've got a good start and will post photos later.

Here's Brian's garden in Kentucky (two zones colder than me).

That is spectacular John! Better and more beautiful than any fence could ever be and just as effective. If they can do that then you should have no problems at all!

John, the Sikkimensis should produce fruit given the right environment. It's just that bit too cold over here for it to fruit but it grows happily. I'm not sure they're edible, though, from what I remember reading they tend to be rather small, bitter and full of seeds.

The garden in that picture is outstanding, I wish I had the space and resources to have something like that. The main problem we have over here is that, in order to protect against frost, I have to remove the leaves from the banana before wrapping it in it's fleece for winter. I'd never get a garden over here to look like that one!

Just an update on my little collection. I took delivery of two Hedychium Gingers yesterday. Mine aren't in bloom, yet, but here's some pictures of what they should look like..

Hedychium densiflorum "Stephen"


Hedychium Griffithianum


...and my In-Laws are bringing me a Pineapple and a Cinnamon this evening! All in all, I have a fair little collection going now!

Just popping in for a bit. Those are beauties... I really hope mine bloom this year, but it may take until next.

I posted an update at Dave's Garden the other day about my little project. Here's a few shots.

BEFORE



APRIL 2008



JUNE 2008



JUNE 2008



FRONT YARD - JUNE 2008


A few of the banana are getting to my height now, finally. I also purchased my first Red Abyssinian Banana recently and planted it yesterday. It should get to about 20' I hope.

Everyone keep the photos coming, it's growing season

Wow your gardens looking stunning already John and that grove of trees in your backyard's really great. I can just imagine what that's going to be like when you're done

Awesome, amazing job guys! Quite a green thumb you've developed John.

Thanks guys. Thought I'd post a few more updates and some BEFORE/AFTER shots. I've been working hard the last month (taking advantage of this nice warm weather) and have made some nice progress. We've put in 10 new Crepe Myrtles this month too, which really adds some color to the yard (I tend to focus on all things leafy and green). This weekend was dedicated to the "Back Yard Corner Project" - I actually have to name them all now. Tasha says I've been doing yard work "on crack" this year.

Graham, you should recognize quite a few of these tropicals - they are home to your part of the world. I love my Giant White Bird of Paradise plants.

Back Yard Corner Project 1


Back Yard Corner Project 2


Upper Back Yard Bed


Lower Back Yard Bed


Back of House


Back Yard (ALL)


Front Yard Bed



More in my gallery, including some collages.
http://www.pronetworks.org/forum/album_personal.php?user_id=444