One year I grew some Iceland poppies, a flower that is seldom seen in Arkansas. For about 2 weeks I kept one or two blooms in a vase in a business reception area. They looked so perfect that about 4 out of five felt compelled to touch them when they thought you weren't looking, to see if they were artificial. When they discovered no stiffness, then would come the question "Are these real?"

Hi Digger...Oh boy, I can't imagine which pests were living on your citrus..little pinpoint, running bugs?? What's odd is the fact foliage remained green..Most bugs leave evidence of their existence.. I did some research via plant books. The only tiny insects listed in one book: aphids, mites, leafrollers, and thrips, (whitefly, too, but they fly) that curl leaves, are those I mentioned, but they cause damage to foliage..(discolor/deform) According to one book, (Citrus, by Lance Walheim) insecticides for Thrips shouldn't be used..They recommend natural predators. Some people haven't any problems using harsh chemicals...I prefer organics...mainly because I have birds and worry about these guys inhaling something that might hurt/cause death. Have you tried oils? It's less harmful to humans, pets, and the environment, including the plant. I'm sure extreme heat or cold can cause leaf curl, too. Did you say your citrus are outside? What's the coldest it gets? What about wind? Both cold and strong gusts causes leaf curl, but that still doesn't answer your question about the insects..Unless your tree has 2 problems.. If your citrus is sitting outside, in a non-sheltered area, perhaps you should place them elsewhere.. Digger, I wish I had an answer..For the time being, keep an eye on your tree/s...Check to see if bugs return, and discolored/deformed foliage. Oh the weather outside in frightful..LOL..actually, as of the last two weeks, we haven't had sun, and last weekend had an ice storm. The humidity is low, and of course, my humidifer filter is packed and needs replacing. Even though I mist daily, and use an indoor fountain, the humidity's about 32% which is low..I prefer 50 and up.. Do you get a lot of rain in winter? If so, is it icy rain? One advantage is an increase in humidity, on the other hand, if your citrus are sitting in ice you'll have nothing but problems..Keep roots from freezing, Digger.. I'm sure you know what you're doing..You mentioned lights..do you use anything else for protection? I have a small 8x12 gh..most citrus reside in the gh during winter months, then are summered outdoors. Remaining citrus are in a back room before south and east windows..the room is semi-unheated. Meaning, the only heat it gets is from 2 rooms over. It doesn't dip under 50, usually..that's at night..65-68 during daylight hours. We've a little snow on the ground, which brightens things up a bit, (sun reflects off snow) plus all my rooms are painted semi-gloss white, (white paint also reflects sun.) Keep me posted on your citrus..How many do you have? Which types? You take care, and Happy Holidays, Toni

Looking like a very early winter here, perhaps the earliest I can recall. Warm to mid-October, then snow and cold came suddenly, Halloween was white. Early November mild spell melted most of the snow in the sun but not in the shade, then had 8"-10" of fresh snow on Nov. 7, little melting since then. More snow expected tomorrow. Looks like it is here until late March or early April now. Oh well, Christmas lights are up and look good against the snow. And hot peppers indoors are doing well. Time to start planning next year's outdoor garden...

Jeanne...LOVE-LOVE-LOVE It!! What a 'Merry Group' of Snowmen on your Porch!! Looks like they're having so much fun seeing ea other...kind of like a Snowman Reunion...lol You have so many cute ones too. I like all their different textures and how you mixed them with your greens. I can tell you were having too much fun 'playing' with them. Ea vignette looks adorable. I really like the one with the snowman from Karen with the little tree in the basket. I also like how you grouped your trees up on your Hoosier with the cute bear nestled among them. Your vignette with the deer - snowman and the Book, is so lovely and so peaceful looking. I think these decorations can stay up all winter..not just for Christmas and you have the perfect place for them. Love it all Jeanne and I'm going back to look again! jane