What do these characters painting mean? I tried to translate these characters but I´m not sure. Am I right?

I have more difficulties for the last 3. 

勁直凌霄节傾斜帶兩枝 戊子初春 X子X

It could be something like that, no?

Straight slanting section with two branches
Spring of the Wuzhi year (Which one?)
XXX?

Could you help me? 

Be indulgent. I´m a beginner ;-)

Thanks

Simon
The last 3 characters are 柳子谷, an artist's name and the ninth character is 雨. But I am not quite confident about the meanings.

EDIT: 

Ah I see: 凌霄 is 凌霄花, 凌霄带雨 is a metaphor for adamancy and bravery.

EDIT 2: 

See the comments below (*°∀°)=3