Hi Everyone,

I just moved to a waterfront property in Ocean County and would like to give the yard a tropical feel. Is anyone familiar with what will grow and where to buy?

Thanks

I know someone in central Jersey who pushes the zones with palms and bananas and such. I can treemail you his facebook page. He is very knowledgeable and it is his favorite subject. He does open his garden up a couple of times a year.

Hardiest banana is Musa basjoo. I'm further south, though still in 6b, and have gotten through without any winter protection at all. The banana was killed to the ground, but popped up aggressively in the spring. Alternatively, you can dig up a pup, and keep it in a pot over the winter. Bananas grow very fast.

Elephant ears usually have to be dug up and brought inside, or at least kept in a cool, unheated garage. I've had a few survive without doing anything, but they were planted right next to the house on the south side; I don't think this would be normal.

Windmill palm is the hardiest palm, but I think you'd need some kind of protection for it.

A couple of pictures from the garden in Willingboro. He grows some palms against the foundation. He also pushes the zones by mulching with 2' of leaves. I am not sure if he leaves the elephant ears in or not.