Due to the warmth in mid April, I took the opportunity to re-pot the smaller Phoenix canariensis. This palm had already survived a week without water in early April, while I was away and possibly didn't need any extra stress, but the soil in the old pot had become so compressed through root growth that it may have been causing just as much stress anyway. The root ball looked very thick and healthy and this species is known to be unaffected by re-potting, so I think it was the right thing to do. Otherwise there has been little change other than more frequent watering, 2-3 times per week during the sunniest spell. The new potting mix is very light and loose, better for retaining air than water, but the size of the pot is sufficient that, whilst the surface may dry out quite quickly, there will be moisture available for the roots, even with infrequent watering. Although it was a hot April by UK standards, it was not sufficiently hot for long enough to inspire any noticeable growth. I would hope to start seeing more growth early in June, weather permitting.