I think the Master Gardener's course is great, for the average homeowner that likes gardening. I began the course, and found some useful information, though not much, considering I have taken several courses on horticulture and propagation, and read everything I could find over the last 30 years.
In addition to that, I have studied under and worked for some of the greatest horticulturists In the state and even the U.S. These guys had Master DEGREES, and Doctorates in the field.

I didn't finish the Master Gardeners course, because I didn't have the free time to volunteer. I did find the training course full of helpful tips, etc. but nowhere close to what I learned from talking to Jerry Baker and reading his books, the college courses I took and the college books I read, working in horticulture in THIS ZONE for over 30 years, running my own nursery, or the semester under Eddie Boston's teachings.
The same experts saying queen palms won't live here, will say Bizmark palms won't either, yet all the ones I planted 15 years ago, still look great.

I will say, that if you are looking to grow queen palms for commercial purposes, it does get to cold here for seedling queen palms, and cold enough some winters to affect optimal trunk formation.
But anyone who thought they lost a mature queen palm in TV to the cold, that isn't talking about 1989, probably actually lost it to bud beetles or lethal yellowing.

Why this die-hard defense you keep spewing, of Queen palms? Queen palms are not a desirable palm, except to the unknowing who simply like their looks and know nothing about them. There are tons of palms and trees that are significanatly better choices. There is something about your posts that makes one think there is more to it than just simple opinions. It is very easy to cite an abundance of credentials because we, the readers, would have to believe you (or not) because you do not substantiate anythingg.

I never compared the Brazillian pepper and Maelaleuca to the Queen palm so don't put words in my mouth.

In The Villages, many Queen palms have frizzle top -- yes many. If your "customer" had a tree that was almost dead from frizzle top, it would have taken years for the "cure" because the manganese only cures new growth, not the existing growth.

Your two pages of back and forth posts gives one pause to wonder about them . . .

:shrug:

I personally love the look of Queen palms. We've had a couple of Queens as well as several other types for a few years. they are all doing well but the queens are my favorite.
It's good to hear another informed opinion on them from someone who likes them as well.
Thanks Ozzello

Ozzello - Thanx for all the knowledge you have shared with us re Queen Palms, other palms and trees. And re the epsom salts - our Sylvester was looking poorly and the fellow who does our weeding suggested the epsom salts. Did that and it is now one of the happiest looking palms on the block. The color came back and it is beautiful!

And your statement, "Everyone has an opinion, but the 'anti' opinion always seems to speak the loudest."...Sometimes it is just a matter of those who think they know more than others who have to rant/express themselves. Experience will always overcome opinion in my book; and all information is education. Some is just more reliable that other. Thanx again for taking the time to post.