Never give up

It may only compare to a small/medium egg on my egg scale,


















but the lemon tree is in full production.... I actually have a harvest of four lemons this year! 

A number of years ago at a local nursery, I came across a lemon tree.  It was beautiful.  With glossy, dark green leaves.  But it was rather expensive for a house plant... $50.00.  Much to my surprise, my husband and kids gave it to me for Mother's Day that year.  A few weeks later it was covered with white, fuzzy things.  The nursery said to dab rubbing alcohol onto each fuzzy growth, that it was some kind of mites.  To my dismay it kept going downhill.  Fast forward to summer's end and all the leaves were gone, just a collection of bare sticks remained.  Sadly, I placed the pot of dirt and the sticks outside.  The following spring I decided to reuse the pot that had sat outdoors all winter and cut off what was left of the plant to just above the dirt line.  A few weeks later, when I was about to dump out the left over dirt and the "stump", I was shocked to notice a small growth of green!  The lemon tree was recovering! 

Years later, it produces up to a half dozen lemons a year.... and when it blossoms, well lets just say you can smell the fragrance throughout the house.  It is amazing.   I really like the look of all citrus plants and have also acquired an orange tree, a lime tree and a kumquat topiary over the years.  But that spindly lemon tree, well it is still a favorite.  And when it, like life, gives me lemons...  I do make lemonade.

Enjoy your weekend,
Chris at Red Gate Farm

Comments

  1. That is a wonderful story. I am amazed you have grown lemons inside from a stump. I bet it smells wonderful :)
    Amy

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  2. I had no idea that we could even purchase lemon trees in the NW. and better yet get lemons from them. Great story.

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  3. That is a very cool story. I wonder how the plant survived being outside during the winter? Do you have a nice spot indoors where you keep all of your house plants? It's funny, I really enjoy gardening but have NEVER grown any plants indoors. Of course, it doesn't help that this house is almost devoid of any really strong natural light. Now as I'm sitting here looking around I can see that is what is lacking here, some natural beauty indoors. Huh, maybe I need to investigate further! Love your story and the sentiment behind the gift as well! Enjoy your weekend my friend ~ xox

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  4. I love your lemon tree story. I also have a lemon tree outside of one of my windows and I agree that the fragrance is wonderful. Your tree sounds very special and strong of character!
    I have been so busy and haven't posted in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping to be able to find the time in a day or two.
    Thanks so much for sharing your amazing lemon tree story...it is not only a charming story but a good lesson. Have a great weekend.

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  5. Wow - that's pretty impressive. I would love to have a lemon tree! I wonder if one would grow in my greenhouse?
    Have a great Thanksgiving, Chris!
    Teresa

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  6. How sweet is that? Or should I say sour? Very cool either way!

    ~Andrea~

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Please, feel free to leave a comment... it really makes my day! Chris

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