Tag: lemon tree

What’s Hot and What’s Not

At every turn, you can find a gem of a flower or you can hit a gremlin!! Today was my day! I stuck my head out on this cold day and to my surprise found lots to photograph! So my post today was suitably named “What’s Hot and What’s Not!” Let me show you what I found …..

WHAT’S HOT: Lemon season!! Love them for salad dressing and for Lemon Cordial!

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Lots of lemon blossoms!![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S NOT: Lemon tree leaves are yellow![/one_half_last]

WHAT’S HOT: MY first peas are coming out!! I have sweet peas and mange tout!

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Beautiful Spinach[/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Delicious Broccoli[/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: More peas – mange tout![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: My first potato!![/one_half_last]

WHAT’S NOT: Argh!!! Ahipds!! Tons of them! They seem to be just sitting on my Artemesia! I thought that this plant was a pest repellant! Perhaps it is acting as a trap crop – is this possible??

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Blue berry blossoms![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Borage about to bloom.Growing wild![/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: Almond blossom! This year a crop?[/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Bees!!![/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT: More blossoms with a lil’ visitor![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT:More bees!![/one_half_last]

[one_half]WHAT’S HOT:Love my lavender! Bee friendly![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S HOT: Calendula-great medicinal flower![/one_half_last]

WHAT’S HOT: My JoJo Tanks are FULL!! So I am happy that I have enough for my summer!!

[one_half]WHAT’S NOT: Totally overgrown! Needs a trim![/one_half]

[one_half_last]WHAT’S NOT: My Leopard Tree is not looking its best![/one_half_last]

So my garden is as active as ever before. So much happening! Love to see the bees!!

PLANT A BEE-FRIENDLY PLANT THIS SPRING!

Happy Gardening xxx

Tags aphids, flowers, garden, lemon tree, Leopard Tree, organic vegetables

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Growing up revisited

Just a quick post to show the new seedlings growing. I can see the difference between the kale and the chinese cabbage now with the second set of leaves (I am sure they have a more scientific name) coming through. I am excited about the kale – I saw a recipe with kale and it looked so scrumptious! With so much nutritional value, it can only be a great addition to any plate! I also harvest a variety of lettuces daily for our lunch salad! No more red, juicy tomatoes, but I do have the small yellow Blondekopf tomatoes. Very sweet and there are always lots of them!

Here we have the kale

[one_half]Kale[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chinese Cabbage[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Rocket[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rocket in the raised bed[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Ok – I think this is more cabbage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Potato plant emerging[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A necklace of Blondekopf tomatoes[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some lettuce in a bald patch[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Oak leaf lettuce[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rosemary[/one_half_last]

What else is growing in my garden that I haven’t talked about for awhile?

[one_third]Passion Fruit Vine[/one_third]

[one_third]Fennel[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Lemon Tree[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Bulbs in the raised beds-must be Sparaxis[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ixia with Lupins[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Birdies love the birdbath[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Grasses are still attractive[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Fairylights in the Leopard tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Black pod of the Leopard Tree[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Powis Castle Artemesia in the rose bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rosemary & fennel in the veggie patch[/one_half_last]

Lots still happening in my garden and as I can see, there is still a basketful of goodies I can collect from the veggie patch!

Have a Happy Gardening week xxxxxx

Tags bulbs, lemon tree, Leopard Tree, tomato, vegetables, veggie garden

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Dull garden?

All seems bleak and colourless when you are forced to stay in bed with a bad flu. It has gripped all I know here in the Western Cape and with the weather as miserable as it has been, I did not have a hint of guilt. But the garden has taken a beating and after the hail storm, I though I would have nothing left. I though all would be dull and lifeless but to my surprise, not all was lost (to the weather and the chickens!) I have been able to pick something from the garden and there were some happy blooms longing for someone to take notice ……. !

my new feverfew

Using quince sticks to hold up the granadilla plant – or the other way around! Chasmanthe and Powis Castle surrounds.

[one_half]Tree bursting with lemons![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Guavas on the way – lots this year[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Tomatoes still growing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chillies always available[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Violas love the cool and the rain[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Love the broad beans from last year[/one_half_last]

Tansy always a useful plant to have in the garden – best pesticide!

[one_half]Gerbera never fails! Happy flowers![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fully at home here! That’s Tara.[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The winter lilly is coming back[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My blonde tomatoes producing still[/one_half_last]

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[one_half]Swiss chard always welcome[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Veggie patch abit damaged, but producing[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Have new beginnings on the way[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ripening on the sunny back deck[/one_half_last]

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So you see, through all the dull rainy and wintery weather, the garden still has a lot of magic!!

Happy gardening xxx

Tags flowers, garden, lemon tree, organic vegetables, plants, vegetables, veggie garden, veggies

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Last October Days

After the heat of yesterday and the windy morning, I finally ventured out into the garden to see what needed tending. Besides the blown-over trellis and the build-up of weed, I was amazed to see lots of new growth and happy flowers. I am amazed at how much a garden can really give you when you offer some love and care. I treasure the surprises and the jump-for-joy moments, like the new Louisiana Iris in the front garden, the first new Rose or the Broccoli sprout and the sweet carrots.

My first rose bud. It is so sweet and gloriously scented!

[one_half]Dianthus in full bloom next to the Tea Tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New rose bushes with Powis Castle[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salvia Hot Lips in the rose patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some rose buds, Fuchsia growing tall[/one_half_last]

[one_half]What a beautiful colour-Louisiana Iris[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A single perfect flower-just lovely![/one_half_last]

[one_third]Artemesia[/one_third]

[one_third]My Auntie Henna Rose[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Fuchsia lush and green[/one_third_last]

The Grass Feature is coming alive. The grasses are in their 3rd Season, so this is the year for them to shine!

[one_half]The grass feature is amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in full growth[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The riverbed still looking good[/one_half]

[one_half_last]This will be so nice in summer[/one_half_last]

Well, the front garden is in full display. The Leopard trees are about to bud and within a few weeks will be rich and green with new leaves. Now let’s see what the back garden is doing …..

The Carnations are still blooming – together with the Yarrow. Both are new to my garden and seem to be happy in the new bed.

[one_half]Chamomile- great tea[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Sage – Salvia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Calendula – my first ever from seeds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A favourite medicinal flower[/one_half_last]

My first Fennel plant with flowers – from this one I will collect the seeds.

[one_half]Babiana are so pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My first carnations that didn’t die on me[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Sweetpea up the ladder[/one_third]

[one_third]The new bed[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Buffy hiding from me[/one_third_last]

[one_half]My new apple trees in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quinces are now starting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New strawberries – I love spring![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blueberry bush also producing[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Watering hole next to the Tansy[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another watering hole[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My first Lily-behind the pineapple sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A dove in her new nest in the potato bush[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blue Cornflowers in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Don’t know what this is-but pretty[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Another unknown flower in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another non-name flower[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Wild growing Nasturtiums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Meadow flowers coming to an end[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Best Lemons ever![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Loquats are nearly ripe![/one_half_last]

I have so many more photos,but I think I will post them on another day. There is so much happening in my garden right now and I haven’t even touched on the veggie patch.

Til next post – Happy Gardening xxxxxx

Tags dove, flowers, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, lemon tree, plants, roses, spring

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Something stirring in my garden

Post author By Barbara
Post date August 30, 2012
12 Comments on Something stirring in my garden

I have not been getting the “spring is a coming” feeling! I have been so preoccupied with work and family birthdays and just feeling cold these past weeks in August that my poor garden has been so neglected. I have to admit that the “feeling has not been there”. I gave my favourite hobby a break. But the blooms are happily awaiting spring, regardless of the absent gardener. I have seen new colour and flowers and new shoots and buds today…… something is stirring in my garden…. wow, look!!!

[one_half]Azaleas are taking[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Love the flowers[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lavender is blooming-Yipee![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Purple and raspberry colour[/one_half_last]

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[one_half]Broad bean flowers in my veggie patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Borage blossom buds[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lobelia, lavender, dietes & borage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Gerbera still blooming[/one_half_last]

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[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

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[one_half]Blueberry bush starting to bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Meadow still a good show[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Mint bush[/one_third]

[one_third]Lemon tree in the meadow[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Veggie patch looking bushy[/one_third_last]

I am so excited to see that the garden is about to explode with colour!!! Bring on Spring!!! I’m definitely going in the garden this weekend!

Happy Gardening xxxxx

Tags azaleas, flowers, foliage, garden, lavender, lemon tree, plants, veggies

Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Trees

First lemon and lime

Remember my gorgeous new Lemon and Lime trees I planted in July? (you can see the post about them here). What a pleasure it was today to find the first ever fruit on my new Lemon tree!

Both trees have been covered in blossoms for weeks already and today I found a good size fruit on the lemon tree. Both trees are covered with what I think is the beginnings of fruit (is that what the little green things in the photos are?)

[one_half]First Lemon on the Lemon tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lemon tree blossoms[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lime tree blossoms[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Are those the beginnings of Limes?[/one_half_last]

The trees have been remarkably free of any pests (aphids and white fly) and notably full of bees.

I will be thrilled to have viable limes to pick off the tree as we use them a lot in our kitchen but they are not readily available at our local Woolworths. What joy it will be to have these two fruits available in the garden whenever we need them!

Happy gardening
xxx

Tags lemon, lemon blossom, lemon tree, lime, lime tree

Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Trees

New Lemon and Lime

For the longest time my Darling Daughter has been asking me to plant a Lime tree. She uses limes in cooking, a lot. One of her specialities is Thai cooking. On a holiday to the Far East, she and her other half did a course in Thai cooking and on their return all sorts of previously not heard of ingredients found their way into my pantry and fridge as well as “limes” regularly making an appearance on shopping lists. She also says she finds lemons to be a little too “tart” in some dishes and prefers to use lime. Limes are not always readily available in the shops here. Woolworths stocks them but more often than not, just when we need them, they are out of stock.

So I bought a lime tree and for balance, a lemon. I bought them from a fabulous tree nursery here in Cape Town, the same nursery I bought the Pittosporums from. Quality, prices and service from Indulini are excellent, I’d recommend them to anyone in Cape Town and surrounds looking for good sized trees for their gardens.

So without any further long stories, I’ll let the photographs do the talking … (you can click to enlarge)

[one_half]The trees arrive …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Complete with fruit …[/one_half_last]

[one_third]The pots arrive …[/one_third]

[one_third]Trees placed and ready …[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Pretty pots, right?[/one_third_last]

[one_half]The planted Lemon Tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The planted Lime Tree[/one_half_last]

The final look … the back patio with Lemon on the left and the Lime on the right …

I hope you approve?

Happy Gardening!
xxx

Tags lemon, lemon blossom, lemon tree, lime, lime tree

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Trees

My Lemon Tree

I have to brag about my lemon tree that is looking FABULOUS! As you know, I have been nurturing this tree – pest control, fertilizing, deep watering, composting, mulching and pruning. And it has proven successful. Have a look at how green and lush it is and there are lots and lots of lemons!

I have to admit though that the Nastirtium seeds you gave me I only now planted underneath it! It will prevent the aphids from infesting the tree. I did spot a few leaves with these nasties starting again, but I immediately sprayed with my Biogrow Neem organic pesticide and they just fell off! I’m getting the hang of it and listening to the needs of my plants! Or, I guess, I know what to look for now!

Happy gardening xxxx

Tags citrus tree, lemon, lemon tree

Bugs & Pests Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Trees

Lemon Tree Rescue

I was trying to come up with a good Title for this post that would describe the nature of it at a glance and I couldn’t decide whether “Operation Lemon Tree” or “Lemon Tree Rescue” would be more appropriate. The gist of it is that my poor Lemon Tree has been under attack by black, green AND woolly aphids and other things I could not identify. Since January I’ve been trying to cure it. I sprayed … it got worse! I sprayed again … it got even worse. I pruned it a bit, watered it well, mulched it, loved it, talked to it … I even begged the aphids to leave – all to no avail. It just got worse.

It is a very tall tree so I set up the ladder and climbed up to spray it some more with the result that I got a faceful of “spray”. Ugh! I was at my wits end with it and was contemplating chopping it down, but it still produces lemons even with all the creepies living on the leaves and yesterday we noticed that it even has flowers. So I decided in a last ditch attempt today to get back up that ladder and hand-wash each and every leaf and stalk to rid it of these pests. The “mixture” we used to wash it with included garlic, some crushed basil and ordinary soap.

So here we are many hours later with one aphid-free lemon tree. We’ve added some more compost, planted the mint and a few nasturtium seedlings below it, I’ve said a little prayer and now we will wait to see what happens.

[one_half]Aphid-free Lemon Tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Aphid deterrents at ground level[/one_half_last]

Tags aphids, lemon tree, lemon tree pest, nasturtiums, peppermint

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features

My healthy looking garden

I took a stroll around the garden and the veggie patch this evening and I was pleasantly surprised with all the healthy growth happening – my trees and my veggies. We had a heavy down pour after that really hot day last week, so my garden was so thankful. It got a good soaking and it shows! My little guava tree is all bushy and bright! Maybe this year we will have guavas. All my spinach and lettuce are looking delicious! AND my tomato plants are finally showing signs of producing tomatoes! My lemon tree is, at long last, looking healthy and producing lemons! I drenched it with my soapy water pesticide to get rid of the woolly aphids and ants last week and I pruned all the dead or diseased branches yesterday! So now this week I’ll give it a good mulch and feed and also plant my nasturtiums underneath it! How is your lemon tree doing? I hope that you are having the same success as I am. See you soon!

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Tags guava tree, lemon tree, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, tomatoes, vegetables