I was in the middle of the "Lakeland Heat Island" if there is such a thing, and the lowest I saw was 26F. Where I live, we didn't see any snow, but our friends were sending pictures of snow, sleet, and ice to us on facebook. I thought for sure that the day where the high in urban Lakeland (right next to I-4) was 37F, that we'd see snow, but we didn't and only dropped to 27F that night. I even joked with my mom on the phone that I was packing for Key West. Regarding the dead plants in Clermont, it could also be that other conditions played a part. The wind was howling this winter, and that has a way of drying out the trees faster along with negating some of the microclimates. A lot of the hardiness information we get is based on just a regular freeze with little or no wind. Can't say for sure, but I would theorize that it also helped lower soil temps because of the air constantly moving. We also have to factor in individual plant genetics. I heard of coconut fatalities within 500 ft. of other plants that had maybe 40% leaf burn in Miami, then went to a very nice microclimate (surrounded by dense plants on all but the south side) in Vero Beach and found a plant with no damage. This was easily the longest cold spell I have experienced, but not the coldest. When I lived in Frostproof, I saw 24F one night. It really sucked, but it didn't last long and the next day was 60F for a high, something that just didn't happen this year.

Well that is soooo wonderful! I can't wait to see your lovely photos! It's so funny how me, the typical American often forgets your reverse seasons! I always think of time change, but! I never think about seasonal reverse when it comes to Australia, LOL! by the way, I think New Zealand is supposed to have the rain and lush green surroundings (think Lord of the Rings where everything was filmed at) but Australia is much more drier in climate in certain areas right? Which part of Australia are you at? I can't wait to see your tea roses and the unusual roses. Here it's usually only the standard hybrid teas or floribundas and I want to see something different! hurrrrrrrray!

I would have suggested some tropical-looking Aloes or other very sculptural plants. The phoenix already have an airy look so instead of adding more airy plants I would have added some plants with more defined shapes. The yucca could get very large (but it depends on what variety it is). Try looking for Aloe Vaenbelenii, Aloe Alooides, Aloe Excelsa, Aloe Arborescens, Aloe Thraskii, manfreda species (macho mocha is a nice purple variety), Beschorneria Yuccoides, Aloe Striata, Agave Vilmoriniana, agave bracetosa, agave attenuata (many colorful cultivars), agave desmettiana variegata, furcraea species, blechnum gibbum, cordyline australis... And as far as blooming shrubs go, look for tibouchina species, brunfelsia pauciflora or other brunfelsia species, tecomaria capensis, pachypodium lamereii, clvia miniata, spathiphyllum species. The more colorfull the blooms/foliage, the more tropical it will look. Try to stay away from generic hedge shrubs like boxwood, photina... Also, it would look nice with a large group of palms, not just two. They might look too lonely. plant them in groups of threes to give your yard a really full look. just my two cents.

Hi Lozza, I'm happy to send you the book free and gratis. Thank you for your kind offer, If you feel that the book has been good enough value then I might take up your offer :-) Send me your address to my internet addy (click on my page above) privately off list, and I will post it out to you. Cheers, Jan (spring cleaning furiously in central Vic and feeling that it should be called autumn cleaning).