I should be more specific about the stones I put in the bowl around PHOE'S Cloe. I didn't entirely cover the surface of the dirt with small stones. I put a number of irregular shapped rocks with at least 1/3 of the soil remaining uncovered. This should help retain some moisture, compact the soil somewhat and help anchor the plant while it grows in, while allowing the soil to breathe. The soil does dry out fairly quicly. Maybe a boon with the coming high humidity of summer.
Today there was a strong ocean breeze with higher gusts. It looked like rain today so i moved the canes under cover. There is new soil for b. 'Irene Nuss' to grow into before she can take too much constant wet, even the soil is very light and free-draining. b 'Sophie Cecile' has been hard pruned and i think they're both a little vulnerable until they've really started to grow back in.
I was looking in a book about native Florida plants. Virginia Creeper looks like it would be a good choice for a fast growing, tough as nails, climber. It would have to be kept in line pretty regularly. I'll keep looking. J Durko may have some suggestions.
Wind is going to be an ongoing challenge in a number of ways. The small pots I had on the table had to be put on the floor to protect them from the strong gusts. What effect will the heavy salt content of the breezes have on the begonia's-- or any other of the plants on the terrace- many not known for salt tolerance, gardenias, bougianvillea, etc.? Rain will be helpful in rinsing off the do leaves, but what about salt build-up in the soil? Summer storms will be a whole other story. This will be one of the real tests of container gardening on a higher floor.
The bamboo is growing back in very nicely, becoming a full green ball. I've been watering with light 'enhanced' (weak miracle grow) watering. I'm surprised that I'm not seeing a new culm yet. There will undoubtedly be at least one coming up in the hot, humid summer.
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