Steve Wallis wrote:
Hi,

I live in Hobart and want to plant some tree ferns (or Man ferns as they
call them here). What is the best Month to do it? The local nursery stocks
them all year and say anytime is ok, but I want to give them the best chance
of surviving as I am a health hazard to plants.

We also have a well established Daphne in the spot I would like to build a
shed. I believe transplanting these is difficult, even for good gardeners.
Are there any tips which would at least give it a fighting chance, or should
I simply chop it up and compost it?

Finally, regardless of the fate of the existing Daphne, I am trying to find
a variegated one, but have not seen any at the nursery. Nor were they
hopeful of procuring any for me. Any clues where I can find them?

Thanks in advance for any assistance,

Steve

(bigpondnotyahoo)



Dapnes are shallow rooted. The best way to move them is the dig
underneath as far as possible, put a hessain bag or similar underneath
and feed them a good liquid fertiliser before hand.
Make sure, they dont dry out, replant as a matter of extreme urgency,
watering the plant in well so roots make intimate contact with soil. I
did, only to have the dapne succumb to a virus 2 years later. Facing the
rising sun is the only spot to put the mand get the best results. This
does not mean full sun at noon....in summertime....
Variegatedtypes Ask your nursery man to get them in. There should be
plenty about in Tassie where I moved from.

Tree ferns are best moved in winter and spring Autumns planting are
probably the best. Make sure they are in a shady spot with lots of
moisture (that should'nt be too hard in Hobart)
Choping it donw is such a waste. Also getting cuttings started is also a
good time right now...There are special jell type propagating starters
around, again, ask your nursery man. If he gives you a blank look,
change him and phone around...