"p" tony_nospam_ @highbury_spam_no_no.com wrote in message
...
I have a south east facing, suburban garden in Worcestershire. I have
two 2' tree ferns in a sheltered area, toward the house, but by a
north facing fence.. I understand that the Tasmanian Tree Fern
(Dicksonia Antarctica) can stay outside, and once its fronds have died
off the top of the trunk should be stuffed with a ball of hay.

The Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis) I understand is not as hardy.
Would I need to bring this into the house? Can it be protected
outside?

I also have a two year old Olive tree and an 18 month old Canary
Island Date palm (Phoenix canariensis). Would they benefit from
wintering indoors. I do not have a greenhouse or conservatory, but I
do have a large unheated shed toward the bottom of the garden.

Many thanks

I have both of the tree ferns and palm you mention ( no olive tree).
Cyathea australis is I believe as hardy as Dicksonia Antarctica
All three appear quite happy outside in winter (West Yorkshire ).
The tree ferns loose their fronds with heavy frost but with a small degree
of protection (fleece ) the fronds will survive at least another year. The
old darker green fronds make a good contrast with the new ones. At the least
protect the crown with a handful of straw or leaves.
My Phoenix canariensis planted in a windy well drained soil is as tough as
old boots and looses the odd lower branches only