Lemon Tree Very Pretty and the Lemon Flower is Sweet...

I couldn’t help it the other day. The sun was out, spring was in the air and whether the garden was ready or not, I needed a plant. I was at the nursery and saw this most lovely Meyer Lemon Tree. I couldn’t resist and now I’m worrying as if it were a newborn baby.

Our northwest climate is not well suited for citrus, so of course it’s in the house until probably June. It’s full of blossoms that are beginning to open with their heady scented sweetness. The nurserywoman advised watering only once a week to avoid overwatering. Our home is much dryer than the greenhouse-like conditions of the nursery so it dries out more quickly and I’m constantly checking the soil for dampness. I placed a big bowl of water on the shelf of the table to encourage humidity.

I’m anxious for the warm weather so I can put my new favorite plant out on the deck where it belongs. It almost looks as though its gazing out the window longing for the sun and wondering what his crazy woman was thinking.  If anyone has suggestions, ideas or guidance on bringing up citrus in the northwest, please fill me in!