Palms are, in their own way, quite unique in how they are used in the landscape. They invariably standout, be they mature specimens or in a group creating a tropical ambience to the landscape as well as completing their surrounds. Bermuda has a limited number of species that grow here; importation of seed or young plants is prohibited by law; it is therefore important that we propagate with seed from existing plants.

While we have several species of palm that will proliferate naturally, others can be difficult to establish and require nurturing when young.

Palms offer the landscape architectural presence with their texture and form of both trunks and foliage. When planted in avenues they create stately entrances — they should of course be all the same height — focusing the eye on the central point.

Planting in groups makes a bold statement and a group planting can oft be used for framing a view or structure thereby increasing the visual impact. Stand-alone palms are not easily assimilated into the landscape especially if a single trunk type; however, multi-trunked types such as Chrysalidocarpus lutescens — Bamboo palm — can create interest.

Palms with character — my interpretation — include Phoenix lourei — Pygmy date palm, a slow growing plant with feathery foliage looks great in groups under-planted with low ground covers or simply washed with low lighting from below. Caryota mitis — Fishtail palm, a cluster type palm with interesting foliage like a fish tail, creates a presence as a stand-alone planting. Tight grouping of three plants of Ptychosperma elegans — Solitaire palm look great against a blank wall — but plant away from wall — with shadows of the foliage playing on the wall as the sun passes overhead.

The European fan palm Chamaerops humilis is a slow growing plant with low clumping off-shoots which should not be removed but allowed to 'fill in' to enhance the appearance of the plant as it matures. Neanthe bella — Parlour palm rarely seen nowadays but is a gem for a small area, has off-shoots and pinnate foliage, but stays slim in its growth habit. Chinese fan palms are scorned by many people simply because they produce lots of seeds which germinate readily; I would suggest it is not the palms fault that it drops seeds — it is natural for plants in general — but that the garden crew or home owner does not rake them up before they germinate!!!

Livistonia chinensis is in many areas of the landscape a most suitable candidate for creating interest and screening out areas, especially when planted in clumps or drifts; more than any other palm these seem to be butchered beyond belief when the maintenance crew shows up.

Misshapen palms that have a peculiar outline can in fact be outstanding in the landscape when used in the right location and for a reason; such areas can be to highlight a front entrance, a turn in a path, aside a rock outcrop or statue, they in other words, have a symbiotic relationship with their surrounds.

As with any design selection is important especially as the plant matures, the choice of material and present size is therefore a determining factor. Plant nurseries carry a range of material, but often the choice is limited especially when it comes to size; large specimen palms are often transplanted, but this should be carried out with care and precision.

Access to site and manoeuvreability for machinery is important, be it at the lift site or end planting site. Transplanting palms is an expensive exercise; it is wise to plan carefully starting with uniformity of height et cetera if planting in a row; a group planting could have various sizes to emphasis the grouping effect.

Preparation of the root ball prior to lifting is of primary importance; water in to reduce stress, lift with a large root ball bagged, and take care in transporting so as not to break the neck of the palm. Upon arrival ensure for a large planting hole to accommodate new growth and with follow up maintenance to ensure the success of the move.

Use characteristics when selecting a palm by deciding what is the function required and then look at the plants characteristics as to your choice. Plants grow — a fact people often fail to consider when purchasing a small plant — therefore the question of what will the palm look like in the proposed location 20 years hence is critical.

Two major faults that occur with palms in Bermuda is the unnecessary removal of foliage and inadequate fertiliser programmes creating nutritional problems. Unnecessary pruning impacts on the palms vigour; removal of palm leaves should be based on removal of dead leaves or diseased leaves, removal of flower and fruiting spikes is also acceptable but never remove foliage above the horizontal. I often see palms with several whorls of leaves removed leaving an exposed crown or neck line with often long lasting results.

Your local nursery should stock palm fertiliser which of course should be applied according to the instructions on the label! Palms do suffer from pest and decease problems especially when under stress, scale is often seen on Bermuda palmetto whilst lesions and irregular dots having two circles are a tell-tale marking as to fungal problems. In such cases take advice on what the problem is and act immediately to resolve the problem before it spreads.

Palms unlike most plants are not pruned to create a shape or to keep in bounds; what you see is what you get; failure to select wisely in the design process can lead to unsightly awkward looking landscapes down the road. When visiting your local nursery ask questions but qualify by giving information as to location et cetera, this should help in the selection process and avoid being palmed of with the wrong plant!