theleen, the plant looks in general very healthy to me, not like it's dying. I think it's normal for some of the inner growth to brown out, especially when the outer growth is so vigorous. That said, I would (1) look for pests (mealy bugs, spider mites) and deal with them, if any, starting with a vigorous hosing of the entire plant; I doubt you have that problem, but if you do, a spray of water and 70% isopropyl alcohol 2:1 with a few drops of liquid soap will take care of most things; (2) make sure it is well watered AND that it drains well. This seems to run counter to what you're saying about all the rain we've been having, etc., but it's possible that pockets of the roots and soil remain dry even when the plant seems to have been watered well. In my experience, it's hard to overwater a rosemary plant in a pot, but easy to let it dry out and die. The idea is to water very thoroughly, to the point of run-off, then let the top inch or so of soil dry out. If you're concerned that some of the soil underneath is in fact dry, then water it well and let it stand in a big saucer for half a day, to make sure. Hope this helps. Gary in St. Paul

John, Jean, Mike, Monica, Pip313: Thank you so much for your comments, sincere suggestions, and for not being judgemental (even in the face of 2C fertilizer & 1:0 isopropyl alcohol). This may have been a disaster, but your support really does make me want to not give up on being a gardener/parent of a happy citrus tree. J I’ve learned many lessons, many I’m sure seem like “gardening for kindergarteners”, but I’m hopeful that I can do better next time with all that I’ve learned + can learn before spring comes. J Can you recommend any great citrus guides/books for me to read this winter? Mike, I had already cut below the graft line when I received your last message. I was feeling so horrible that I really wanted to do whatever I could as quickly as possible (obviously not very rational…) ~ Overall, I think it might be better for my sanity to let Mandy (since she was a mandarin tree) RIP, and try again in the spring, with ideal weather, ideal soil, drainage, no scale, happy sunlight, etc...and having read up on growing citrus. Although I highly respect the lengths you’ll go to save a tree!! Would you recommend using fir bark or pine bark mulch instead of a mix potting soil, perlite + bark chips? Also, what space heaters do you recommend? (how much heat, how close to the plant, etc.?) – I’m considering if, because of my less than ideal living situation (SE & more east than south) that a 365 indoor life with controlled conditions might be more successful... Again, thank you all so much. I really appreciate your help. In honor of Mandy, I’m posting a picture from Oct 21st, when she at least seemed happy and was scale-free (although perhaps you experts can see some tall-tell signs...I'm sure she was over-fertilized since May - Welp!) Best, Kate.

Any ornamental cherry tree is prone to a huge number of disease ad pest issues and for some reason, the weepers seem to be more susceptible to problems than the upright forms. Bacterial canker and brown rot are two of the most common issues. Generally not a long term plant in the garden for this reason :-( Just prune off the dead limbs. That's really all you can do at this point. In winter, you might look into dormant sprays but I'd figure out what you might want to replace it with. Once they start going down hill, it's pretty much a non-stop ride. Sorry

lavender is a hot topic on this forums for many years .. the vast majority of us can not grow it.. and gave up on it years ago ... for a multitude of reasons .. usually associated with winter drainage ... the roots just dont like cold damp soil .. for those of us in colder climes ... the fact that you have gotten it this far.. is a gold star .. and after that .. well ... it doesnt surprise me.. its becoming a problem ... its getting old ... most of us might not call it a long lived perennial ... if you should fail.. revel in your success .. and dont look back ... and every time i type this.. up pops the 2 ro 3 people who cant beat it back with a stick .. and swears its a weed on some level ... all the power to them.. and i hate them.. lol ... this isnt a rare and expensive plant.. sooner or later.. just get another and get rid of this one .. in other words.. dont spend 20 bucks trying to save a plant you can go buy for 5 bucks ... [i havent been buying things for a few year.. can you still buy plants for 5 bucks??] ken