Post #434326 by TikiMeplus3 on Sat, Feb 14, 2009 4:03 PM

Well Michigan is about the most untropical place you can be BUT as some of you know last year I built an outdoor tiki bar. This year we are going to try and add some spice by landscaping and part of my idea is why not a palm tree in michigan. Now keep in mind this is only a start and more photos will follow as I get it together BUT it will be spring here before the final product will be totally shown. I will start with a few bar photos then I would love feedback on how my palm fronds are looking. Thanks tiki freaks!! The first 4 photos are of my bar from start to finish to give you an idea of what Im working with here. Just doing the framing part here

This is finished product.

This is the bar I constructed.

This is at night.

Ok from this point my idea is to add a palm tree about 12 ft high or so and you can bet I am going to use more poles. I have a green pole with a large bend in it and the frond will be attached to it once its set into the ground. Here is how Im doing my fronds.
FIRST I made a pattern to follow. Leaf is 4 ft for large size then 3 ft small size.


Next I am using PENSIL rod ( about 1/4 across end)to frame my fronds.

Then I am adding a larger diameter backbone in the same style rod as you can see here.

Then I am adding a few supports as you can see here, these will ad strength plus give that vein type look to the leaf.

This is the finished leaf as far as the structural part goes. This will be cleaned and painted green.

From this point the only idea I have is get some outdoor fabric in a green color, make a pattern of my leaf design and then cut the material sew a nice lip all the way around and lay it on top of the leaf frame I built and then use green zip ties to hold the material there. You will see the framing from under the leaf but yet have the look of the leaf with the material on top. If the material ever goes bad, cut your zip ties, make a new material leaf for the top and zip tie it once again. Tell me what you think of this idea, other than that I am lost. Take care!!