Trog, your Dracaena is actually Cordyline. It's sold in garden centers as annuals for summer gardens, (cold climates) but the good news is, Cordylines are tender perrenials and can live on for years, if cared for properly. The, well, not really bad news is, although Cordylines are related to Dracaenas, somehow affiliated, they are more difficult keeping indoors then say, (Corn Plant) D. fragens or (Dragon Tree,) D. marginata. Fertilize in summer..This type of Cordyline is slow-growing, but will grow in summer, slow down or halt in winter. Stop fertilizing after September, restart some time in Apr or when you see new growth. Good luck, Toni They are sun lovers, though will do fine in very bright light. They will rot if overwatered. Drainage holes are mandatory. They should be summered outdoors. Although tap water will suffice, they dote on rain. But once again, drainage is important. I've seen huge versions of Cordyline, (one that comes to mind had purple leaves,) $600.00! When mature, they are beautiful, thick-stiff leaves. Height and width depends on the species. Some grow 18" while others reach 6-8' tall.

If you were getting your normal winter rains, you'd be as right as rain without additional watering, but you're not.... I'd water once every two weeks, on a sunny morning if you can, so the plants have all day to absorb and not get (potentially) cold, wet feet at night. That raised pot will likely need more water than those in the ground. You could use some diluted general fertilizer for these plants, say 1/4 ratio of Miracle-Gro regular formula or the like. I'd use the fert when it's a little warmer, but some folks do it year-around. Aloes, like many other plants, will shed leaves as they grow new ones. It's Agave vilmoriniana, btw (btw#2 - Genus name is capitalized, species name isn't). You've got some fine-looking plants - great to get a dragon tree in the ground. If you're really wanting to fill your yard with succulents (and who wouldn't, considering the canvas you have available) there are a number of cactus and succulent societies in your area that will help you with that deligtful endeavour.

Paulzie, haha those are just river rocks. I have them there because there is a drainage pipe opening there and the stones keep the soil from eroding. Our winter rains could swamp my succulents and make them rot :( Stan, thanks. You have a good eye. The majesty is one of very few here in the valley. I've seen several in protected spots throughout different neighborhoods. & Jacarandas are becoming more popular trees here. The big box stores are carrying them now. There are several large, old jacarandas in Fresno. They are a sight to see during the summer. The Cyathea Cooperi are very common here actually. There is a pair just down the street from me with trunks over 4 feet tall. Mine survived the 2007 freeze. I also have a trunking Blechnum Gibbum and a Howea Forsteriana underneath the Cyathea. That one also survived the freeze. Rachel, I will have to check Lotus Garden out. I've never been to that nursery! Thanks for the tip! Thanks everyone for the encouraging words! I've drawn so much inspiration from seeing all of your posts here!

I live in southern cali, about 35-45 min. away from newport beach. I have been growing a few coconuts for about 7 months here, but it is starting to get a little cool now, and I am very concerned. I dont think you'll be able to grow one for very long in england. If you want to give it a try i would suggest a few things: Portable greenhouse soil warming cables greenhouse heater grow lights It probably wouldnt work for long, but you might be able to get a few extra months out of it. I never let mine see outside temps lower than 75f and the same for the soil temp. At night when the temp is lower than about 72f I bring them inside were i get the soil temps up to about 80f. Also, I have mine planted in a sand and soil mix. I think that might make a difference. I only water it with warm water, I dont' know if that helps, but I'm sure it cant hurt. And there is a hormone that i give to one of them, and that seems to be the one that grows the best. Its called superthrive, and you can order it onlie. as a matter of fact, the one that i give the superthrive to is starting to get the pinnate leafs and the fronds are bigger on that one also. When winter actually gets here, i will put mine in a portable greenhouse with a heater just to be on the safe side. Oh yeah, I only water it when its very warm, and usually no more than once a week.