Key Lime, Mexican Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Key Lime, Mexican Lime
Citrus aurantifolia

One of many lime bloom in February ... (San Antonio. Tx.)

Do you think that might do well in my greenhouse? You make it sound so wonderful. I love the smell of citrus blossoms. If you are doing any pruning this spring, maybe you could throw a clipping my way...? Or will it even root? Most are grafted, aren't they. Hmmm, well I have to run for now. Susan

You could try growing them in your greenhouse as long as they receive plenty of light. I have heard of some people growing them inside their houses, but I don't know anyone that has. I probably will not prune this one at all bacause it is still a very small tree. If I do, I will send you a cutting. They do root from hardwood cuttings. I probably will prune my Meyer's lemon to shape it a little if you want a cutting from it, let me know.

Thanks for the offer of the lemon, Hazel, but I am really wanting a lime. Please don't cut anything new or small for me...I know how it is when a plant is small and slow growing and needs all it's new leaves. I have more plants than I need anyway. I have a kumquat seedling, and I know it grows VERY slowly...maybe our dim gray winter sky holds it back. (And maybe I need a grafted plant with stronger root stock, I know most citrus is grafted.) Anyway, thanks again for the offer. Susan

I just examined the lime again. I think I need to prune an eight to ten inch low branch. It is hardwood so this will be perfect for you. It does not appear to be a grafted plant. Soooo you are in luck. I am going to wait until the new growth starts appearing.

I have been having a horrible time with some photos of plants with red blooms.They upload just terribly so I won't post them. I have tried everything I know. When they upload they are blurry because the reds don't upload correctly. I have adjusted the red in the photos, the blues, the gamma, the tone, the hues, the number of colors, the lightness, the size, etc. I think I have asked you this before, but have you had trouble uploading photos with reds? Oh, well ...

Yes, true reds and also bright hot pinks tend to blur and lose the definition of petals with digital photography. I saw your red gerbera daisy picture...isn't it frustrating? One thing I have found that helps a little is to use "quick fix" in my Dell Image Expert studio...it deepens the perspective some. Another contributing factor seems to be the vivid color setting I have selected for my monitor. I have many, many red pictures that I have not shared for that reason. I've tried all sorts of different camera settings and light exposures to no avail. If it is any consolation, it seems to me that everyone has the same problem. Try to get a good picture of Lobelia cardinalis or Ipomea quamoclit...ha! Maybe this would make a good forum topic...someone might have some hints. Look at this hollyhock...Well maybe not, I can't get this message to send. Will try without the picture.

The photo is beautiful and very focused. This new camera seems to do a lot better than my other one did with reds, purples etc. When I upload it to the database is where the problem occurs. I think that maybe it is because the web can't handle the number of color variations involved so it chooses a close alternative which blurs the image. Most of the time I take the reds and purples on cloudy but bright days to decrease ther glare or I turn the light adjustment on my camera darker than normal, then adjust the brightness back up in my graphics program. I just came in from covering plants for about 4 hours I am still not through. It was not supposed to freeze, but the temperature fell to 31 and is still lingering there. Thought I would have all day to do this, but alas Mother Nature pulled a fast one on me this morning. I had some sleet and snow about at 6 o'clock. Dave and Trish (Dave's Garden) are having some icy stuff today and probably through tomorrow. They live a little west and North of me.

I don't know much else to suggest about the photos, Hazel. At least you can be glad they look good on your own computer...I noticed a photo today of Callicarpa that is blurred, and wonderered if it is the same problem.
Did you enjoy seeing a bit of snow in spite of the plant protecting?
Ours is melting off, thank the Lord.

You are going to laugh when you hear this ... I stayed up all night watching it. It was just beautiful. It was so quiet and peaceful. I am glad that you are finally thawing out.