How many glossy leaved evergreen trees do you know which have perfumed flowers, produce heavy crops of usable fruit, and flower and fruit at the same time? A lemon tree really does tick every single box (and I just HATE that expression!) Right now our little lemon tree which cost £2.50 at 8" high about 8 years ago has flourished despite numerous attacks from battalions of red spider mites. Most years, it's pruned and last year it was severely pruned as it really did have ideas above its station! The year before, I picked the fruit in November and made 11 lbs of lemon marmalade. There were still plenty left for gins and tonics throughout the winter! As I type, it's a mass of flowers and the terrace is awash with the zesty perfume in the warm summer sunshine. It is also bearing fruit which are slowly ripening in the sun. In winter it retains its glossy green leaves and all it asks is to be fed with citrus summer food and winter food in winter. These citrus foods keep the leaves from going yellow and ensures a healthy green. What could be nicer to quench a thirsty gardener on a hot summer's day than an ice cool homemade lemonade? Oh, and as if that was enough plus points for this amazing tree - just for good measure; the bees absolutely love it! Now, unless you're into bonsai, this is a tree that really has the lot!
A word about the planter in which it sits (and which was lovingly made made by 'Himself'.) This style was originally a Victorian design for which we make no apologies for stealing. We had the metal straps made by James at J.W. Lanes - our local agricultural engineers and it's so simple as, with a couple of stout poles hooked under the straps (and some muscles), it's dead easy for two people to move around and inside for winter. It works exactly like a Sedan chair. The Victorians didn't get many things wrong!
Tip: Remember not to water just prior to moving. It's quite heavy enough!!
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