John, I thought of that palm but wondered about the lack of sunlight all winter long. What do you think of those conditions Rhizo, that's why I suggested that a Pindo be planted in a raised bed affording good drainage. I think it would be fine in a protected location with little direct sunlight, as long as it isn't sitting there all winter with wet feet. I'd also recommend that they start with the largest specimen that their budget will allow. Will a Pindo provide a tall enough canopy to sit/walk under? No, not for many, many years, unless you're willing to spend big $$$ for a huge specimen that would most likely have to be professionally installed. The best trunking cold hardy palm that will grow quickly would be a windmill (Trachycarpus fortunei), and it would indeed be more forgiving of your winter low light conditions. Two other bush, shrub type palms that would still give you a tropical look would be a sabal minor or a needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix). They're not trunking, but are extremely cold hardy & would still thrive in spite of a lack of wintertime direct sunlight. If you decide to visit ColdPalms as Rhizo suggested, I would strongly recommend that you take along a good picture of the area you're wanting to landscape & of course detail the growing conditions to them as you have here. They're very knowledgeable about palms & have a huge inventory to choose from. I'm sure they would be able to help you select the right one for your location.

Citrus is a must.WHY? Because they will produce for even if you dont have the greatest indoor -outdoor situation. Builds confidence. You can actually pick a real Meyer lemon for dinner. Kumquats are tangy. Mango's can also be worth it,if you can provide enough winter light.They bare on small trees-that cant be said for many of those other exotics you named waaaaay up above in 08. Pineapple..do fine in winter by a sunny window,and love your hot humid summers outdoors,and when they bare-10x sweeter than store bought. Like nectar of the gods. Papayas winterize if you make 100% sure you dont let them chill and stay wet..light isnt that big a deal indoors.they can defoliate and re grow in spring. Will bare in pots,look as ornamental as any plant in the world. Others-Cherimoya very possible,white Sapote possible if the container is at least 30 gallon.Guavas are great in pots. the so called Strawberry guava can stay out later in the year than all others,go back out sooner than all the others. Onlys needs mild temperate climates-figs too.

Experimentation is fine if it is based on understanding the peculiar aspects of what ever plant we are dealing with. When it comes to Australian native Proteaceae plants there are unique considerations that need to be taken into account. Once we have an understanding of these characteristics then by all means we can take advantage of them. Experimenting blindly is not nearly as constructive. Australian Proteaceae plants are sensitive to Phosphorous to varying degrees. BUT it all makes sense if we are aware of what their original environment was. Proteaceae from the skeletal sandstone soils that have always been very low in nutrients, especially phosphorous, have over thousands of years, developed special adaptions known as proteiod roots. They are noticeably different. (I shall spare you further details about Proteiod roots, but a Google might give you more.) Plants developed these in order to maximise the surface root area so they can absorb the scarce nutrients that may be present in these sandstone derived soils. However in the more nutrient rich rainforest zones it is quite possible that Proteaceae are more tolerant of nutrients and maybe even Phosphorous. I always err on the side of avoiding common fertilisers with high rates of phosphorous. Even chook poo can cause problems, although I do give my rainforest plants a dose of Dynamic Lifter once a year. For example, I find Banksia ericifolia to be very sensitive while some Grevilleas are a bit more tolerant. As for your last remark Nathan I assume it is a joke. Anyone being wrong, should not inferr anyone is not wanted.

I suggest Melicope elleryana. The link shows a few images. It has a corky looking bark and the tree is reasonably open, so I think it would suit your criteria. Cheers, Frank Here is a link that might be useful: Melicope elleryana