For several years now, I have had a Meyer lemon in a container. For the past three years, I have harvested two dozen or more lemons towards the end of the year. The tree is brought in to a sunny spot at the time of the first freeze and comes out again in March at the latest. Our son is going to do the ultimate experiment this year – he has planted his in a protected courtyard. He plans to cover it when we have a hard freeze. I am anxious to see how this works out. Meanwhile, my harvest this year looks like it will be a record.

There is no room to plant any more trees in our yard. I have yearned to have a fig tree for years, so last fall I finally just planted one in a container. Already there are six figs on the tree – not bad for the first year. Next up will be a ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate. I know it may take a year or so to fruit, but it will definitely be worth the wait. If I can have pomegranates the size of the ones Carol, one of our employees, brought in to the store last fall, I will be thrilled. What is even better, the tree is a beautiful plant with its glossy leaves, and scarlet orange flowers – the best of both worlds.