Was this place right on 33? I would like to go check it out.

Ever since I read the article on "Zone Denial" in the
times a month or so ago, I've been looking everywhere
I go for a banana tree. SO far, no luck in Bergen Co.
I have no illusions of getting bananas or getting it
through the winter, but it tickles my fancy to envision
a 20 foot tall tree with giant leaves in my yard for a month.

Yes this nursery is right on route 33 a few miles west of Collingswood flea market . It will be on the left side and hard to see as its set back on a dirt road but there is a sign out front that says exotic plants . If your coming from the Freehold direction , its after the Farmingdale exit on your right side . I believe its a little past the guy that sells the hubcaps outside . You really have to check this place out , you wont believe the size of these trees in these small , well kind of small pots for the size of the trees . They have some nice size sago palms about 6 - 8 feet + tall and 20 foot chinese fan palms . All kinds of cool stuff and even bedding plants too . Im drolling just thinking about having these in my back yard . I have to out do the neighbors . I cant believe all these years ( 12 ), I just drove by and never stopped . Im ready to go back now , too bad their closed at this hour . Rick

I don't know if they sell them, but I think Triple Oaks Nursery in Franklinville, NJ has a banana tree & some palms.

www.tripleoaks.com

Right in Central Jersey, Riva Ave. East Brunswick to be precise, there's a guy with over 100 banana trees in various sizes. He also has Cactus fruit cactus plants, Fig trees, Lemon trees, Pinoli nut pine trees, Paw paws in the ground with fruit, lots of other fruit trees and some unusual flower and succulent plants. The guy is also a concrete artist and marble sculptor. Really worth a visit if you want to see what other people grow in Jersey.
Filipo

I live in western NJ, near the Delaware River. I've had Musa basjoo outdoors for several years, vigorous and perfectly hardy. Last winter the voles ate the corms practically to nothing. There are a couple of scraps that are struggling along. The same area, against the house foundation, had masses of Canna indica 'Purpurea' and a yellow-flowered alstromeria that also wintered over. The canna was so thick it looked like a jungle, and you know how alstromeria (mis)behaves. Well, the alstormeria is completely gone and there is one teeny little piece of my beautiful purple-leafed canna coming back.

I will find a recipe for vole canapes on toast.

Into the Woods

Last year I saw Musa basjoo in the houseplants dept at both Home Depot and Wal-Mart for approx $10.00 for a 3' high plant. I havenÂt noticed any this year though.

Greg
Point Pleasant, NJ

I know the place on Riva Ave. but didn't know that he sold any plants. I thought it was just a hobby gone wild! Do you know anyone like that? Hey, you looking at me? I will have to check out the spot near Collingswood. Tropicals and orchids are some of my favorite plants. Last year I discovered aroids.

I was at Stony Brook Gardens in Pennington recently and they have a small selection of banana trees, 3-4 feet tall. You might want to check to see if they still have any left.

pew63

Pico farmer,

There's a nursery on Old Hook Road in Westwood that has sizeable Basjoo, Sikkimensis, and Ensete. Actually they have a huge potted Ensete ventricosim sitting in the parking lot.

Rob

Is the place on rt 33 called Roehrs?
Sheila

Yes Sheila , its spelled something like that . I was there agin about a month ago . You have to check out the house plant room . They have cactus to the ceiling , 8 feet tall and some plants I've never seen before . The only problem is they dont put any prices on anything . Make sure you look poor when you get there , maybe they'll sell it cheaper , lol . Rick

Here's a link to thier website:

Here is a link that might be useful: Roehr's

Hey, it's me again!

Is the place in East Brunswick still around? I've got my little pond up and now its time to start seriously taking care of the backyard.

Sheila

I've driven past there and did not realise it was open to the public. I will have to check it out sounds neat!

Elaine

So Elaine,
Did you go and are they indeed open?

Sheila

Mine didn't come back. Oh well.

Hi Sheila,

I haven't been over there yet, but I am going to East Brunswick tommorrow to see my sister. I will check it out and let you know.

Elaine :)

Banana palms are very hardy with winter mulching. I have a 12' banana every summer in the front of my house...it loves full sun. Shoot me an email if you'd like to purchase one....ELMAN23@aol.com