Outdoor/Indoor Plants

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.

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.