Question
I have a xeriscape yard in Sarasota, Florida.  I live about 1 mile from the water.  About 60% of my plants were killed by the recent frost last week.  The plants that were effected are Jatropha, Ginger, Bougainvillea, Ficus, Crown of Thorns, Pentas, Plumbago and Sweet Potato Plants.  What should I do???  Help?

Answer
Hi Leny, all those listed plants "should" come back for you except the crown of thorns, they may not; just because they look dead, doesn't mean they are not still viable in the roots, check the cambium layer under the bark by scratching it with your nail, if it shows green, then you can expect new growth to commence within a month or so, but don't do any pruning until you see new growth, bottom line, be patient,and don't start digging them up, wait and see. Continue to water them as needed though , but nothing else need be done at this point. I am just south of you in Port Charlotte, and everyone is asking me pretty much the same questions. My one word answer to them is "patience"..Nick