5/22/26 I would like to start this post with my big Queens. These are the last good photos I got of them: For the past several seasons, these palms have been defoliated. I could tell, especially with the one in the front yard, that it was starting to cause decline. They were not growing back as quickly with each passing season. With that all being said, I decided to edit these out and replace them with mules. Front yard: Back yard: Aside from that, there have been no other changes. Just progress updates. Starting with the palmettos, both of these are taller than me. Theyre both also turning 6 years old this year! My seed grown washy was almost completely defoliated this winter, but as of today, it almost looks like nothing happened: The other washy has taken on an interesting look after defoliation: The seed grown Queen is pushing out new growth after a spear pull. I will hold onto this one for a while, Im not gonna let the past few years of my time go to waste like that: Lastly in the back yard, the bananas and the big mule. That clump of bananas is an absolute UNIT. After cutting those stems back in March, they pushed out 6-12 inches of growth within 24 hours. Absolutely wild. The big mule had some latent spear damage but it has pushed all that out now. Its starting to get fat too: Jumping out front, starting with the CIDP/Sylvestris whatever hybrid thingy: The butia looking good as ever. It has recently shown some variegated leaflets, which there is a seperate thread about: The OG mule in the front yard is definitely something. It has quite the twist going on in the fronds. Not sure if thats just the genetics of this palm or if it has something to do with the trunk cut it got a few years ago. Guess we will see. Its definitely not the fastest grower: The Livistona nitida is doing well other than a minor setback from nutrient deficiency which began during the fall. And finally, the pygmy date. This had most of my focus for cold protection thru the season. It didnt have to be wrapped a ton of times, but it did stay wrapped for a week during the big freeze. It came out on the other side still looking pretty decent, and it has flowered profusely this spring. Thats all for now. Maybe Ill update again in a month, maybe next year. Who knows!