"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
...
"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
Avocado can grow in frosty areas but they need good frost protection
when young. They grow in to quite large trees eventually so need space
so sacrifical trees as protection is worth thinking about. The
following cite may help. It is about one of Australia's gardening
experts (but of the alternative variety so what she tries, and can
manage to grow, often goes against conventional wisdom). She lives in
an area where it can get down to -9C at worst but would regularly get
to -4C:
http://www.jackiefrench.com/groves.html

Here is a series of pics of the garden of the author I mentioned above
with a pic of an avocado with fruit. I do know that the area she lives
in gets as cold as she claims it does.

So what? She knows nothing of growing plants in a cold climate. She
grows plants in a warm temperate climate with occasional frosts. This is
a quote from her "The Magic Grove" page:

How To Start a Grove
Step 1.
Start your grove with a single, very hardy tree that you will survive
severe frost, hellish winds, summers over 45C and drought...a bunya,
loquat, macadamia...

So Bunya (Araucaria bidwillii) is "very hardy", is it?! It may grow on
Tresco (I can't remember if there is one there) but is there a plant
surviving anywhere on the UK mainland? I doubt it. To quote from the
Wikipedia entry "Once established Bunyas are quite hardy and can be grown
as far south as Hobart in Australia (42° S) and Christchurch in New
Zealand (43° S) and (at least) as far north as Sacramento in California
(38° N) and Lisbon (in the botanical garden)." Even the extreme south of
the British mainland (50°N) is 10° north of these areas.

And as for macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia of tetraphylla), no chance!
Another quote from Wikipedia "Macadamias prefer ... temperatures not
falling below 10 °C (although once established they can withstand light
frosts)...".

She has got a loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) right. That will withstand
heavy frosts. But if you are waiting for a good crop of fruit in the UK,
you'd be better off looking in your local supermarket.

You've raised some interesting questions. She's a top grower of all sorts
of things weird and wonderful and she does things that most people say
just can't be done and that no mere mortal should be able to do in her
climate. Growing coffee and many of the other things she does should be
absolutley impossible where she lives but apparently she does it.

I wouldn't even consider a A. bidwillii or a macadamia if I wanted to
plant a hardy tree, I'd use a radiata pine Or failign that, a realy big
rose.

However, since the question was about growing an avocado in Exeter which
must be one of the mildest climes in the UK that is what we should
concentrate on and since Charlie Pridham says that avacodo can grow in
London and I can't see why it wouldn't be worth a try.

But yougot me interested about A. bidwilliii so I did a quick google.
Apparently they have been grown in Cornwall at places called Glendurgan,
Penjarrick and Mount Edgecumbe. Never heard of any of these place, but I
imagine that they'd have to be quite big gardens. No-one with less than 3
or 4 acres should consider growing an A. Bidwillii if they were smart (and
even then I'd wonder why). The are as ugly as sin, have bark like an
elephant's bottom once mature, grow way too big on anything less than
major acreage and the nuts on those things are lethal.

London has a microclimate all of its own. I doubt there are many true
frosts in central London which are prolonged into the day. There are many
plants which could be grown there which would probably not survive in even
south-west Cornwall, and with the added bonus of a large, south-facing wall
to act as a storage heater, I am sure quite a few "tropical" fruits are in
reach. It would be interesting to see a photo of an Avocado tree fruiting
in Exeter, although I doubt it could be done outside of glass protection!

I remain unconvinced about A. bidwillii. The photo here
http://teegee8.smugmug.com/Nature/Gl...04556979_afj3B
looks very much like A. araucana to me. If you compare it with
http://anpsa.org.au/a-bid.html or
http://www.maltawildplants.com/ARAU/...idwillii_t.jpg
you will se what I mean. I have emailed Glendurgan to see if they have - or
had - A. bidwillii there.

The ref here
http://www.growingontheedge.net/view...e024c 7a8e2ac
to A. bidwillii actually has a photo of A. araucana at Penjerrick! The page
does refer to bidwillii, but growing on Madeira.

--

Jeff

"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
...
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message

You've raised some interesting questions. She's a top grower of all
sorts of things weird and wonderful and she does things that most people
say just can't be done and that no mere mortal should be able to do in
her climate. Growing coffee and many of the other things she does should
be absolutley impossible where she lives but apparently she does it.

I wouldn't even consider a A. bidwillii or a macadamia if I wanted to
plant a hardy tree, I'd use a radiata pine Or failign that, a realy big
rose.

However, since the question was about growing an avocado in Exeter which
must be one of the mildest climes in the UK that is what we should
concentrate on and since Charlie Pridham says that avacodo can grow in
London and I can't see why it wouldn't be worth a try.

But yougot me interested about A. bidwilliii so I did a quick google.
Apparently they have been grown in Cornwall at places called Glendurgan,
Penjarrick and Mount Edgecumbe. Never heard of any of these place, but I
imagine that they'd have to be quite big gardens. No-one with less than
3 or 4 acres should consider growing an A. Bidwillii if they were smart
(and even then I'd wonder why). The are as ugly as sin, have bark like
an elephant's bottom once mature, grow way too big on anything less than
major acreage and the nuts on those things are lethal.

London has a microclimate all of its own. I doubt there are many true
frosts in central London which are prolonged into the day. There are many
plants which could be grown there which would probably not survive in even
south-west Cornwall, and with the added bonus of a large, south-facing
wall to act as a storage heater, I am sure quite a few "tropical" fruits
are in reach. It would be interesting to see a photo of an Avocado tree
fruiting in Exeter, although I doubt it could be done outside of glass
protection!

I remain unconvinced about A. bidwillii. The photo here
http://teegee8.smugmug.com/Nature/Gl...04556979_afj3B
looks very much like A. araucana to me. If you compare it with
http://anpsa.org.au/a-bid.html or
http://www.maltawildplants.com/ARAU/...idwillii_t.jpg
you will se what I mean. I have emailed Glendurgan to see if they have -
or had - A. bidwillii there.

Well, I stand corrected! I have had a very quick reply from Glendurgan:

"There was an original that grew at Glendurgan many years ago and was
lost in a cold winter once it had reached a reasonable size. The present
tree is young but been planted now for approx 10 years and is growing
well. Although it has not enjoyed the last two winters!"

I hope it survives long enough for me to get down there to see it!

--

Jeff

"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message

You've raised some interesting questions. She's a top grower of all
sorts of things weird and wonderful and she does things that most people
say just can't be done and that no mere mortal should be able to do in
her climate. Growing coffee and many of the other things she does should
be absolutley impossible where she lives but apparently she does it.

I wouldn't even consider a A. bidwillii or a macadamia if I wanted to
plant a hardy tree, I'd use a radiata pine Or failign that, a realy big
rose.

However, since the question was about growing an avocado in Exeter which
must be one of the mildest climes in the UK that is what we should
concentrate on and since Charlie Pridham says that avacodo can grow in
London and I can't see why it wouldn't be worth a try.

But yougot me interested about A. bidwilliii so I did a quick google.
Apparently they have been grown in Cornwall at places called Glendurgan,
Penjarrick and Mount Edgecumbe. Never heard of any of these place, but
I imagine that they'd have to be quite big gardens. No-one with less
than 3 or 4 acres should consider growing an A. Bidwillii if they were
smart (and even then I'd wonder why). The are as ugly as sin, have bark
like an elephant's bottom once mature, grow way too big on anything less
than major acreage and the nuts on those things are lethal.

London has a microclimate all of its own. I doubt there are many true
frosts in central London which are prolonged into the day. There are
many plants which could be grown there which would probably not survive
in even south-west Cornwall, and with the added bonus of a large,
south-facing wall to act as a storage heater, I am sure quite a few
"tropical" fruits are in reach. It would be interesting to see a photo
of an Avocado tree fruiting in Exeter, although I doubt it could be done
outside of glass protection!

I remain unconvinced about A. bidwillii. The photo here
http://teegee8.smugmug.com/Nature/Gl...04556979_afj3B
looks very much like A. araucana to me. If you compare it with
http://anpsa.org.au/a-bid.html or
http://www.maltawildplants.com/ARAU/...idwillii_t.jpg
you will se what I mean. I have emailed Glendurgan to see if they have -
or had - A. bidwillii there.

Well, I stand corrected! I have had a very quick reply from Glendurgan:

"There was an original that grew at Glendurgan many years ago and was
lost in a cold winter once it had reached a reasonable size. The present
tree is young but been planted now for approx 10 years and is growing
well. Although it has not enjoyed the last two winters!"

I hope it survives long enough for me to get down there to see it!

If you are that keen on them, come to Oz where there are some truly huge
brutes about. I must admit I can't understand the interest. But then the
Wollomi Pine is another plant that fails to interest me. The story of it's
discovery is interesting but the plant..... Nah!

"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
...

I hope it survives long enough for me to get down there to see it!

If you are that keen on them, come to Oz where there are some truly huge
brutes about. I must admit I can't understand the interest. But then the
Wollomi Pine is another plant that fails to interest me. The story of
it's discovery is interesting but the plant..... Nah!

I am sorry to have to tell you that my favourite tree is Araucaria araucana!
I find the Araucariaceae a fascinating family (never mind Oz. If only
someone would give me a ticket to New Caledonia...) and if you could see the
Araucaria forests of Chile you would be very impressed.

Have to agree with you somewhat about the Wollomi Pine, though. I can't see
what all the fuss is about. In fact, despite the obvious resemblance, it
seems that the fact is was a member of the Araucariaceae was hidden for
quite some time.

Still, the most impressive flora in the world is that from WOz. So plenty
of other things for you to choose from if you don't like A. bidwillii. :-))

--

Jeff

"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
I hope it survives long enough for me to get down there to see it!

If you are that keen on them, come to Oz where there are some truly huge
brutes about. I must admit I can't understand the interest. But then
the Wollomi Pine is another plant that fails to interest me. The story
of it's discovery is interesting but the plant..... Nah!

I am sorry to have to tell you that my favourite tree is Araucaria
araucana!

A case of 'to each their own' methinks.

I find the Araucariaceae a fascinating family (never mind Oz. If only
someone would give me a ticket to New Caledonia...) and if you could see
the Araucaria forests of Chile you would be very impressed.

I'm impressed with most forests so long as they aren't full of people. Much
more impressive than most cathedrals TMWOT. So yes, I'd probably be
impressed with the New Caledonia ones. A toally irrelevant aside - I wonder
in what way it was so like the Old Caledonia to get that name?

Have to agree with you somewhat about the Wollomi Pine, though. I can't
see what all the fuss is about. In fact, despite the obvious resemblance,
it seems that the fact is was a member of the Araucariaceae was hidden for
quite some time.

Still, the most impressive flora in the world is that from WOz. So plenty
of other things for you to choose from if you don't like A. bidwillii.
:-))

So many plants, so little time, so limiting a climate.......

FarmI wrote:
[...]
A toally
irrelevant aside - I wonder in what way it was so like the Old
Caledonia to get that name?

From its rugged coast, it says here (Wikipee).

Have to agree with you somewhat about the Wollomi Pine, though. I
can't see what all the fuss is about. In fact, despite the obvious
resemblance, it seems that the fact is was a member of the
Araucariaceae was hidden for quite some time.

I'm tipping that the thing is going to be in the Leyland cypress league
pretty soon.
[...]

--
Mike.

"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
Avocado can grow in frosty areas but they need good frost protection
when young. They grow in to quite large trees eventually so need
space so sacrifical trees as protection is worth thinking about. The
following cite may help. It is about one of Australia's gardening
experts (but of the alternative variety so what she tries, and can
manage to grow, often goes against conventional wisdom). She lives in
an area where it can get down to -9C at worst but would regularly get
to -4C:
http://www.jackiefrench.com/groves.html

Here is a series of pics of the garden of the author I mentioned above
with a pic of an avocado with fruit. I do know that the area she lives
in gets as cold as she claims it does.

So what? She knows nothing of growing plants in a cold climate. She
grows plants in a warm temperate climate with occasional frosts. This
is a quote from her "The Magic Grove" page:

How To Start a Grove
Step 1.
Start your grove with a single, very hardy tree that you will survive
severe frost, hellish winds, summers over 45C and drought...a bunya,
loquat, macadamia...

So Bunya (Araucaria bidwillii) is "very hardy", is it?! It may grow on
Tresco (I can't remember if there is one there) but is there a plant
surviving anywhere on the UK mainland? I doubt it. To quote from the
Wikipedia entry "Once established Bunyas are quite hardy and can be
grown as far south as Hobart in Australia (42° S) and Christchurch in
New Zealand (43° S) and (at least) as far north as Sacramento in
California (38° N) and Lisbon (in the botanical garden)." Even the
extreme south of the British mainland (50°N) is 10° north of these
areas.

And as for macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia of tetraphylla), no chance!
Another quote from Wikipedia "Macadamias prefer ... temperatures not
falling below 10 °C (although once established they can withstand light
frosts)...".

She has got a loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) right. That will withstand
heavy frosts. But if you are waiting for a good crop of fruit in the
UK, you'd be better off looking in your local supermarket.

You've raised some interesting questions. She's a top grower of all
sorts of things weird and wonderful and she does things that most people
say just can't be done and that no mere mortal should be able to do in
her climate. Growing coffee and many of the other things she does should
be absolutley impossible where she lives but apparently she does it.

I wouldn't even consider a A. bidwillii or a macadamia if I wanted to
plant a hardy tree, I'd use a radiata pine Or failign that, a realy big
rose.

However, since the question was about growing an avocado in Exeter which
must be one of the mildest climes in the UK that is what we should
concentrate on and since Charlie Pridham says that avacodo can grow in
London and I can't see why it wouldn't be worth a try.

But yougot me interested about A. bidwilliii so I did a quick google.
Apparently they have been grown in Cornwall at places called Glendurgan,
Penjarrick and Mount Edgecumbe. Never heard of any of these place, but I
imagine that they'd have to be quite big gardens. No-one with less than
3 or 4 acres should consider growing an A. Bidwillii if they were smart
(and even then I'd wonder why). The are as ugly as sin, have bark like
an elephant's bottom once mature, grow way too big on anything less than
major acreage and the nuts on those things are lethal.

London has a microclimate all of its own. I doubt there are many true
frosts in central London which are prolonged into the day. There are many
plants which could be grown there which would probably not survive in even
south-west Cornwall, and with the added bonus of a large, south-facing
wall to act as a storage heater, I am sure quite a few "tropical" fruits
are in reach. It would be interesting to see a photo of an Avocado tree
fruiting in Exeter, although I doubt it could be done outside of glass
protection!

The OP didn't ask about getting it to fruit so we have no idea if this is
the aim. From the qusetion asked, it seems the OP might jsut want it to
live and is thus worried aobut frosts. IF they've grown it from a seed (and
that would be probalbe) then it would take a long time to fruit anyway. I
know that avocadoes can survive frosts.

I remain unconvinced about A. bidwillii. The photo here
http://teegee8.smugmug.com/Nature/Gl...04556979_afj3B
looks very much like A. araucana to me. If you compare it with
http://anpsa.org.au/a-bid.html or
http://www.maltawildplants.com/ARAU/...idwillii_t.jpg
you will se what I mean. I have emailed Glendurgan to see if they have -
or had - A. bidwillii there.

The ref here
http://www.growingontheedge.net/view...e024c 7a8e2ac
to A. bidwillii actually has a photo of A. araucana at Penjerrick! The
page does refer to bidwillii, but growing on Madeira.

I don't really care if A. bidwillii will grow in the UK or not. It's not a
plant I like and nor is it what the OP asked about. I just did a google to
see if it got a mention as growing in the UK. It did.