Potted Navel Orange 'Cara Cara' January 2012, just before planting. It's grafted on 'Flying Dragon', a true-dwarfing root stock and will grow to about 10' (~3 m) in height, one third typical size.
February 2014
The flowers also have a heavenly scent. Ornamental and fragrant and delicious.
Baby Quercus agrifolia from acorn, January of 2011, protected from marauding rabbits by the wire screen:
Three years later, February 2014. It got a larger ring of wire screen last year, though it is likely safe from rabbits now.
The pair of Aloe 'Hercules' I bought in November of 2010. One remains in a pot, stunted.
The other was planted in the ground February 2012.
February 2014 (with a 2 gallon watering can for scale):
And look at the other one still trapped in a pot. (Must plant...soon!)
Incidentally, that Calothamnus villosus behind 'Hercules' was this size in February of 2011:
Tempus fugit. These plants seemed to have used their time well.
Nice article. The aloe looks incredible! I haven't heard of that variety before, actually, but I'm very interested now! I look forward to more posts
ReplyDelete'Hercules' is a hybrid of Aloe dichotoma and Aloe barbarae; a few degrees hardier than either of the parents, with a great deal of hybrid vigor as well.
DeleteIs the 'Flying Dragon' you refer to Poncirus trifoliata? I have one of those, a hardy orange called 'Flying Dragon' that sports vicious 2" curved thorns. It produces fruit that I always figured was purely ornamental, but someone suggested using it for marmalade. I'm going to give that a go this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, Poncirus trifoliata L. Raft var. monstruosa. It dwarfs the scion and apparently provides a little extra cold hardiness, (not that this climate needs it.)
DeleteWhat size is the 'Hercules'? It's difficult to get a sense of scale.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right, Alan, thank you. I changed the picture out to one with a watering can added to better show it's size.
DeleteSo nice to have your own oranges in the garden.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly wonderful! They taste better than any store-bought.
DeleteEverything in the garden looks wonderful, lovely greens and leaf shapes, the orange tree looks fabulous, lovely leaves, fragrant flowers and sweet, juicy fruit.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo ♡
Well, I don't take pictures of the stuff that doesn't look so good!
DeleteVery happy to see how well your in-ground Hercules has grown. I'm about to plant one from a 15 gallon can...
ReplyDeleteThe name 'Hercules' is appropriate--hybrid vigor at its finest!
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