Starting Tropical Garden, Could Use Your Help

J joefla70 Tiki Socialite Fort Lauderdale Joined: Jan 17, 2005 Posts: 368	J joefla70 Posted posted on Wed, Jul 6, 2005 12:32 PM A word about bamboo... One word of caution about bamboo: There are certain types of bamboo that are "runners" and others that are "clumpers". If you choose the wrong kind (running), and you do not take the proper precuations before you plant, bamboo can easily run amok and take over your entire yard, your neigbor's yard, and everything in its path! The clumping kind of bamboo will not do this. So, just a word to the wise to do some research before planting your bamboo. I like to watch those shows that are on HGTV on the weekend. In one recent episode of Gardening by the Yard (hosted by Paul James), they discussed the different types of bamboo, how rampant certain varieties (running bamboo) can spread if the proper precautions aren't taken prior to planting. Basically, they made a barrier out of a hard plastic that was put down into a trench that was dug several feet into the ground. Seemed like a lot of work! But, they said that if you don't do this, there will be nothing to stop the running variety of bamboo from spreading out of control. Here is the internet site for the bamboo episode: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_gby/episode/0,1806,HGTV_3842_13468,00.html As far as other tropical plants go, here in South Florida I see a lot of torch ginger which does very well in our climate. Anthurium are also very nice: A plumeria tree would also be a nice choice. I have one growing in my back yard, but it is taking a long time to grow. Plumeria flowers are used in making leis in Hawaii. http://www.floridata.com/ref/P/plum_spp.cfm Mine are about this size: Bromeliads are very nice and colorful too, but don't grow very well in direct sun. I have some on my patio that are doing very well. A lot of people actually have them indoors too. There are many different varieties and colors of bromeliads. Here is one example:

A word about bamboo...

One word of caution about bamboo: There are certain types of bamboo that are "runners" and others that are "clumpers". If you choose the wrong kind (running), and you do not take the proper precuations before you plant, bamboo can easily run amok and take over your entire yard, your neigbor's yard, and everything in its path! The clumping kind of bamboo will not do this. So, just a word to the wise to do some research before planting your bamboo.

I like to watch those shows that are on HGTV on the weekend. In one recent episode of Gardening by the Yard (hosted by Paul James), they discussed the different types of bamboo, how rampant certain varieties (running bamboo) can spread if the proper precautions aren't taken prior to planting. Basically, they made a barrier out of a hard plastic that was put down into a trench that was dug several feet into the ground. Seemed like a lot of work! But, they said that if you don't do this, there will be nothing to stop the running variety of bamboo from spreading out of control. Here is the internet site for the bamboo episode: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_gby/episode/0,1806,HGTV_3842_13468,00.html

As far as other tropical plants go, here in South Florida I see a lot of torch ginger which does very well in our climate.

Anthurium are also very nice:

A plumeria tree would also be a nice choice. I have one growing in my back yard, but it is taking a long time to grow. Plumeria flowers are used in making leis in Hawaii. http://www.floridata.com/ref/P/plum_spp.cfm

Mine are about this size:

Bromeliads are very nice and colorful too, but don't grow very well in direct sun. I have some on my patio that are doing very well. A lot of people actually have them indoors too. There are many different varieties and colors of bromeliads. Here is one example:

Post #169953 by joefla70 on Wed, Jul 6, 2005 12:32 PM