Renovating the 1892 Lemon Tree House

Logee's Lemontree House

Dennis and Mike cheerfully posing for pictures during renovations

The Lemon Tree House was built in 1892 and is home to the American Wonder Lemon that was planted there in 1900. The American Wonder Lemon, also known as the Ponderosa Lemon, produces lemons that weigh up to five pounds! The end of the greenhouse was rebuilt this month adding new wood siding shingles and replacing the glass on one side. The humidity takes its toll on the greenhouse and the rebuild was necessary to keep it strong.

American Wonder ‘Ponderosa’ Lemon

American Wonder ‘Ponderosa’ Lemon

This is one of two greenhouses at Logee’s that still has single paned glass for its roof. And although it lets in a lot of light, it also lets out a lot of heat. For a New England winter the expenses can be significant, which is why we cover it with plastic for better insulation.

Coffee Tree (Coffea arabica)

Coffee Tree (Coffea arabica)

Many of our mother plants have been growing in this house for years. There is a Coffee Tree (Coffea arabica) that seeded into the ground and has been growing in the same spot for over 30 years. It produces two crops of coffee beans twice a year and the beans or cherries turn red when ripe.

Another famous plant, the Red Powder Puff (Calliandra haematocephala) has been growing in the lemon tree house for over 100 years and its unusual flower form captivates gardeners of all ages.

Now that we’re done with the Lemon Tree House, next on the list for 2017 is the rebuilding of our “Long House.” It was built in 1926 and at that time was the longest house at Logee’s, measuring 100 feet long. We will be widening the aisles and raising the roof to make room for more vining mother plants. Stay tuned for more!