Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener: Did my tropical plants die?, 1 by Frida200

Frida200 wrote:
I live in downtown Chicago one block from the lake.We have a outdoor pool at our building that was in need a \"plant lift\". I decided to tackle the project and I have been designing, ordering custom planters on casters, and a careful selection of tropical as residents stated..NO BEES. On Thursday I planted 7 huge planters full of tropicals ..it was a balmy 80 degrees Friday it dropped to 40 and high winds and heavy rain. What to do.....Please help!