Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Oh My Darlins

My neighbors already know this picture is an old one. Our clementine tree is dormant this year. We've got about a dozen of the little orange fruits, if that.

It happens. We don't like it much, but we manage. For the first time since we moved here, I bought clementines at the grocery store. I didn't know what to expect. People have always told me ours are the best. But the store-bought ones weren't bad at all.

That burst my bubble.

24 comments:

Shell Sherree said...

The mysteries of being an orchardist, Petrea. Should I confess that when I look at this, I see garnishes for Gin & Tonics? {Blame it on the summer heat...}

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Its our lousy, crazy weather this year!. I still think home grown is best. My grandpa had an avocado tree and those avocados were bigger and better than any store bought. A little fertilizer and love goes a long way.

Bellis said...

My orange tree only produces abundant fruit every other year, like yours. Have you tried the Cuties at Fresh and Easy? They're clementines that come in a box and are so sweet I can eat 10 at once.

Petrea Burchard said...

A gin and tonic sounds fine, Shell, even in our chill.

My neighbor's avocado tree is crazy this year, KBF! I don't know if she fertilized it, but I know that Clementine is getting a dose asap.

I got mine at Ralph's, Bellis. They're probably from the same area up along highway 395. There's a huge warehouse up there with the "Cuties" logo on it. And they are good.

TheChieftess said...

Cuties??? On 395??? Where??? That's one I've not noticed!!!

The soil and the tree needs to rest every once in a while Petrea...and I'm positive yours are the best!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Sorry! It was highway 99! Thanks for setting me straight.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

@Petrea: Ever since my friend's Dad started fertilizing my plants ( every 3 mos. and never when u know extreme cold or hot weather) my lemon tree has produced more lemons..

Leeds daily photo said...

Looks like you got a good crop in whatever year this was. I have no garden and I do so love clementines!

Petrea Burchard said...

KBF, how would your friend's dad feel about taking on another yard?

Paul, when we have a good crop we share them with the neighbors. It's a lot of fun and the kids eat them like candy, only better.

Deb said...

That is one impressive tree and (to these English eyes at least) such an exotic thing to have in the garden. I would love to taste an orange fresh from the tree.

Susan Campisi said...

That's your tree?! I understand it's from years past, but still. I think your bubble should be big and proud. Now I want a clementine, or 10.

Laura M said...

When did the go from being cvalled tangerines to being called clementines? The tree at my mom's house is about 70 years old and it's always been a tangerine....

Laura M said...

Besides, the song "Tangerine" is so much classier than "Oh My Darlin' Clementine".

Petrea Burchard said...

I love them, Susan, they're delicious. This tree is one of the perks about the house.

Laura, they're of the same family but not the same fruit. Tangerines have a tangier flavor and thinner skin. Clementines are smaller and sweeter, with thick, easy-to-peel skin. Some are bred to be seedless, but if you let them get pollinated they get more delicious and will eventually get seeds. A worthwhile trade-off.

TheChieftess said...

I'm glad you cleared that up Petrea!!! I've often wondered if there was difference, and if so, what it was!!!

We had a plum tree in our back yard when I was growing up...the best plums ever! They were red flesh with dark red skins...I've never seen the same plum in the stores and have always been disappointed!

Petrea Burchard said...

I got this from Wikipedia: The tangerine is "closely related" to the mandarin orange, whereas the clementine is "a variety of" mandarin orange. So, very close.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clementine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangerine

Margaret said...

I think we are the only house in the SGV who can't grow citrus. Bah humbug to that.

Ms M said...

I've never lived in a place where the climate is right for citrus. But I've had many excellent apples and peaches from local trees.

Petrea Burchard said...

Why not, Margaret?

Ms. M, I'd love to grow peaches! We planted a plum tree about 18 months ago and had two tiny plums last year, but the squirrels beat us to them.

-K- said...

Now this is my idea of southern California.

Virginia said...

What a great shot. I love the basket on the bench and being up close and personal with the fallen ones.
V

LONDONLULU said...

How amazing it must be to pick them right off your own tree, fingers crossed for a bumper crop next time. I love this shot.

Petrea Burchard said...

I sure do miss them this year! We've been spoiled. I'm going to follow in the footsteps of KaleiBF's friend and fertilize it like crazy this year.

Adele said...

Whatever the year, this is a great photo! I think your bubble should remain, strong and proud. No matter how good, the words "store-bought" cannot be better than "from my own tree." Ever. It just can't be done. (Perhaps I feel strongly about this??)