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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Winter Protection Austrian Style

A couple of years ago we had a lovely short break in Vienna in the run up to Christmas. Whilst there we visited the small botanical garden which rather conveniently was located close to our hotel. Heading towards the small exotic house we spotted this strange wooden tower...


What was in it....


Heating cables and a thermostat to keep it warm!


That's what it is a tall Trachycarpus fortunei protected from the harsh Austrian winter in a giant insulated shed.

 Now thats dedication!

 Gaz
at

12 comments:

  1. Sunray Gardens16 January 2013 at 21:31

    I have to laugh at that. Apparently they had to do that every year to keep it alive. Don't know how they managed to get it some light unless the cords also went up to a light at the top. That's some real dedication to having a plant.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gaz17 January 2013 at 08:33

      I think the top is a clear plastic for light. Its a real dedication.

      Delete
  2. outlawgardener17 January 2013 at 04:35

    Pretty amazing! I wonder if it would work to keep Bismarkia Nobilis alive in our climate? Might be worth it to have those beautiful huge blue fronds...You guys should try it and let us know if it works!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gaz17 January 2013 at 08:35

      I may well work. We prefer not to build structures in the garden, the more tender plants we have are pot grown and moved when its very cold.

      Delete
  3. danger garden17 January 2013 at 05:14

    And I thought I was crazy...

    ReplyDelete
  4. HolleyGarden17 January 2013 at 14:47

    Dedication is right! I personally can't imagine going to all that trouble. But, I bet it is magnificent in summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gaz17 January 2013 at 20:41

      We have only been in the winter, will have to visit in the summer the next time and see!

      Delete
  5. ricki18 January 2013 at 00:12

    Oh dear...and I barely manage to move the tender things onto the deck.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gaz18 January 2013 at 09:35

      It does show what can be done if you are determined enough, mind you they have a team of people to do this!

      Delete
  6. Janet/Plantaliscious18 January 2013 at 18:54

    Isn't that a tad extreme? Was it a very rare form? And don't go getting ideas...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gaz18 January 2013 at 19:13

      Hi Janet, as far as we are aware its a normal Trachycarpus fortunei, but I guess they take the protection serious there! We are not keen on building temporary structures in the garden over winter so pot grow our more tender plants so we can move them in winter.

      Delete

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