From Ireland no less...
If you have a conservatory, try growing your own lemons.
http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/home-garden/gardening-bitter-sweet--if-life-gives-you-lemons-1630227.html?start=3
Gardening: Bitter sweet - if life gives you lemons...
Friday February 06 2009
A gardener's work is never done. There's always something to do, whether it be tending to indoor plants, doing a little outdoor digging in preparation for spring planting, or just visiting the garden centre to pick up something in flower.
I always think this is an exciting time of year for gardeners because of the promise of all the good things to come. I'm a great believer in planning ahead and putting some work into the garden now as it will really pay off, especially in summer. Weather permitting, get out into your garden and get a few of the basic jobs done, even if it's just to tidy up things or dig over part of your vegetable patch. The dividends will kick in later.
LEMONS
If you're lucky enough to have a conservatory or a garden room, you might like to consider growing your own lemons. Their main requirement is to have plenty of light and, by following a few simple rules, they're extremely easy to grow. Lemons -- apart from looking very ornamental when in fruit -- also provide pretty, small white flowers which are exquisitely scented.
And then, of course, if you enjoy the odd gin and tonic, you can have fun by sending your guests out to pick their own lemon.
Lemons require lime-free potting compost and really well-drained pots. I recommend a large terracotta pot. Make sure that it has good drainage holes in the base that don't get clogged or blocked.
The secret to growing lemons is allowing them to slightly dry out between watering, but not allowing them to suffer from extremes of wet or drought. During the summer months, you can give them a regular liquid feed. There are now feeds specially designed for citrus trees available at leading garden centres.
BONSAI
Bonsai are very beautiful to look at but they are a real responsibility, if you plan on growing and caring for one. I remember being told that owning a bonsai is like owning a pet -- you've got to be there to care for it. So, if you're prepared to take on the responsibility, you can grow one of the most fascinating art forms I know of. Each tree is a living work of art, which you are responsible for training and caring for.
There are generally two types, and you need to know this before purchasing. You can choose either indoor or outdoor bonsai. Outdoor types will not be happy inside, and vice versa. The indoor types are often too tender to go outside. So, the first rule of thumb when purchasing is to check out what growing conditions the bonsai requires.
I also recommend that you read as much as possible before making your purchase and commitment. Good books on bonsai are widely available and libraries around the country will usually oblige by finding one on the subject if they don't have one in stock. By doing your homework, you'll be well-prepared. Remember also that they vary in price, depending on the size and age of the tree.
CAMELLIAS
It's hard to believe nowadays that when camellias first arrived from the Orient, we grew them as tender plants, keeping them under glass. Camellias are quite hardy and are very tolerant of cold spots outside. Some of the best plants I grow are situated against a north-facing wall and they enjoy the cool and shade provided there throughout the summer.
Camellias require lime-free soil and if you garden where your soil is limey, you may need to grow them in a large pot or big container. Purchase good quality lime-free compost for the job of potting, and you will need to supplement this with regular liquid feeding when the plants are established, especially through the early summer months. This is crucial for the development of flower buds. Camellias usually set their flower buds in summer for the following year, so it's vital that you feed established plants if you want to be guaranteed a good display.
There are dozens of different varieties available and the range of colour and flower shape is vast. I like to select my plants when they are in flower and certainly pick one with plenty of buds so that I get good value for money.
By carefully selecting named varieties and doing a little homework in advance, it is possible to have camellias flowering in succession from January until May.
A good friend has been purchasing camellias over a number of years and has always kept this in mind. Now she's able to pick camellia flowers for nearly six months of the year.
Camellias are extremely easy to grow. Avoid planting them where they receive morning sunlight as this can damage the flowers of varieties that flower early, often turning the edges of the petals brown. This is a good time to start a collection or, if you don't have the space, you might like to have just one or two. They're evergreen and so, even after flowering, the plants are attractive to look at.
If I was to recommend one out of so many different types, I would suggest you look out for Camellia 'Donation', a lovely soft medium pink colour with large flower that are produced freely. Remember that the larger the plant, the more you'll pay, so the camellias you grow are true investments.
