Thursday, December 21, 2006

The Joy of Citrus

The Lime Tree



When my first two children were born, we were living in Southern California. Back then, the military housing we lived in was near the orange groves. In December, when the trees are in bloom, the night air would be filled with a sweet perfume. I'm sure the orange groves have been bulldozed to make way for more houses. It was at this time I learned that citrus trees bloom when they are in fruit. I didn't realize that citrus flowers smelled so sweet!


The Lemon Tree


I was reminded of that time and the orange groves of California when I came home from work today. We have three citrus trees in our new extension. They're in the room I grandly call the orangery. One of the lemon trees and the lime tree are bursting with blossom and the entire room was filled with the same delicate perfume I remember.
The other lemon tree

The other lemon tree is sterile. It has been grown from a seed so we don't hold out much hope that it will ever bloom. It could happen, but probably wont. (sorry about the blurred photo) We put Christmas lights and small wooden Santas on it to make up for the fact that it is barren.

7 comments:

Kell said...

And the blooms are beautiful, too. I had no idea! And the tree looks lovely with the lights on it.

Eryn said...

What beautiful photos of the blooms. In Mississippi, we have gardenias that grow to be giant shrubaries. They smell so divine!

Jay said...

I had no idea about the blooms either. And I didn't know they would grow inside.

Anonymous said...

I really like your sterile Lemon Tree. Has a great shape. Reminds me a bit of a Bonsai which are the type plants/trees I really enjoy.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure I've ever seen a Lime Tree or a Lemon Tree...certainly not in blossom. They're beautiful Peggy. Love the lights....Merry Christmas dear Peggy. My wish is lots of warmth, love and laughter for you and your family.

J-Funk said...

I didn't even know limes and lemons grew on trees. I thought they just fell from the sky.

gawilli said...

We had a Mock Orange outside our window in our old house and the fragrance was outstanding! I can only imagine what the real thing must smell like. Lucky you! I didn't know that some fruit trees can be barren. I will have to learn about that.

Merry Christmas, Peggy!