Gardening

New Plants in Old Containers

[16 May, 2026]

Every year, I buy flowering, if not colorful, annuals that I plant in several old containers in my Japanese-inspired rear courtyard. This year was no different, except that I bought a bunch of perennials instead. I guess I got tired of pulling out old plants and replacing them with new ones every year. In addition to saving money, it also gives me back a lot of time that I can spend on another “favorite” task every spring — pulling weeds and errant grass amongst the permanent ground cover in the courtyard.

Additionally, I also re-built a 4-year old succulent pot that’s been adorning my indoor dining table. Easy-maintenance and quite resilient, these succulents should be good for another 4-5 years, I reckon.

Flowering Orchid Plant

After an almost 2-year hiatus, the orchid plant occupying space on my kitchen counter started blooming again!

Courtyard Landscaping

Spring is underway, and so are landscaping activities in the central courtyard. The citrus plants (Meyer Lemon and Calamondin) are outside and re-containered, and the 4-yr old juniper bonsai is out of its winter hibernation and now comfortably in its new ceramic pot. I also put together a new succulent centerpiece for the outside dining table. Continuing: a season-long battle with weeds!

Overall, everything’s looking good, so here’s to a great growing season!

Citrus Update

Meyer lemons are coming along well, but the calamondin (Philippine lime, “calamansi”) is really having a bumper crop. I counted at least 4 dozen new fruit. With the weather warming up, I should be able to take these babies outside very soon!

Calamondin Harvest

[24 November, 2022]

First batch of calamondin (or “calamansi”, Philippine lime) from the year-old tree I got earlier this summer. Perfect for a juice drink, or condiment for sauces and dips.

Citrus Bounty

It’s time to bring the citrus plants indoors - a Meyer lemon tree and a calamondin (or “calamansi”, Philippine lime) plant. Just in time to allow the fruit to mature and ripen as the cold weather sets in.

A New Hobby

So I started a new hobby this week.

Outdoor Dining

New outdoor dining set is finally in and now completes the new Japanese-themed backyard space.