My Manx holiday was extended by a day due to a broken-down ferry. With this unexpected addition, I managed to bag a souvenir that I've wanted for decades - a Manx palm tree.
These trees are found all over the island, and always fascinated me as being properly exotic.
But they aren't easy to buy. You don't find them in the plant sections of Tesco, nor on the couple of plant stalls at the Southern Agricultural show.
In the end, I tracked down a garden centre, which also didn't sell them. The staff suggested that I help myself from a local park, as they are considered a bit of a nuisance. More usefully, they also pointed me at Watsons Nurseries.
Not easy to find in Greeba, once inside, it's a superb place, and the first person I talked to took me straight to the plant I wanted. This is the sort of place you frequent if you know your plants, and like to talk to people with knowledge. A few quid later, and my new palm was secure in the back of my car.
Pedants will point out that the palm originated in New Zealand, where it is known as the cabbage tree, but I'm not going to let that worry me. I've got a bit of the Isle of Man in the garden. Let's hope it grows.
I have a 3 foot one in a 40cm plastic pot outside that survives my ham fisted approach to plant care. Gets a bit of liquid fertilizer once a year and watered a bit every day if it has been sunny with no rain. When last years leaves are brown at bottom you cut them off next to stem and that's all you have to do with it. Simples! Maybe this is of use?
ReplyDeleteThanks - Let's hope I have the same success.
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