They say it's gonna freeze tonight...

MJ, yup it's my new roomba! I love that darned thing, it cleans for me!

The papayas trees have been hit by the cold before and they just sprout new growth. The banana might just keep growing if only the leaves got fried, otherwise, it already has a new pup ready to replace the parent.

Here in Orlando we are used to losing some plants every few years to a hard freeze.

 

Well my lemon tree has been blooming up a storm since at least the week before Christmas and its still blooming up a storm. Silly thing. The bees were pollinating it though the other day so instead of fall lemons its supposed to give me, I guess I'll be getting Spring lemons. Go figure. Glad it worked out Alexis. My gh got down to 37* one night cause my frigging thermostat is a bit whacky. Everything was fine though except the bat flower plants. I was growing those up to sell. Guess I'll have the ones that survive until they recover now.

 

Tacca chantrieri?

Weather in Southern california has been wacky. Everything is confused, hopefully stuff won't be messed up too bad. We had a week of 55 high/40 low weather, which caused all my figs and plumerias to finally go dormant, but then like 2-3 weeks of 80/55. Now my figs are all starting active growth! If we get hit by another cold wave, they'll be pissed.

We're also looking at massive mandatory water restrictions this year. =/ Going to be tough. My brother in law, his wife, and two kids are going to be moving into our house temporarily at the exact point at which the 20% year over year reductions will kick in. This y/y comparison is so stupid, because if you were a massive conserver already, you get screwed.

Andy's orchids voluntarily cut their water back more than 20% last year, because of a request from the city. Now they're being forced to have another 20% reduction (impossible considering how efficient the watering is now), even though they voluntarily cut back last year.

 

So, start watering HEAVILY now! It'll cost less in the long run....
I'm in LA the area, where are you? I haven't heard about any future watering restrictions...yet....

 

I'm in San Diego. I believe the restrictions will start in March, and will be based on this years rain total, which so far the Sierras have gotten barely any water.

I hope its not a month to month thing, but rather overall yearly total. But its stupid, because its encouraging me to waste water now, rather than conserve. I've collected about 200 gallons of rain water this year, and I think I'm going to try to expand to 600-1000 for next year, so at least the orchids will have as much as they need.