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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Happy New Year!



It is sunny and cold today as I sit here watching the birds outside the window and contemplate an article assignment that is due in 5 days. Perhaps my New Year's resolution should be to stop procrastinating and get things done. I don't know, I think I might work better under pressure. :) The photo above is actually from 2007. We've already had some snow this winter and I'm sure we have more on the way in 2011.

I hope everyone had a nice New Year's Eve and Day. We were actually awake this year to see it in (unheard of, we are rather unexciting homebodies). We invited a few friends over for some chili and a game of Mexican Train dominoes and we had a great time. We toasted the New Year in with thunderstorms brewing outside as we had a quick sip of champagne and some kisses before getting back to our game.

Resolutions? I'm not making any this year. I'm hoping that we have a great gardening year and better weather this year. And please - no drought! I don't have any major projects in mind for the garden. I will be sharing some of my blog postings with Alabama Gardener magazine this year (as soon as I have the link for that, I will pass it along). I am also determined to update my regular website (A Southern Garden) as I have neglected it this year.

In the meantime, I wish all of you out there peace, health and happiness for 2011!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Happy New Year! Your blog inspires me, and I look forward to reading more in 2011.

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  2. Happy New Year Phillip! I am hoping for a banner gardening year too and echo your sentiments. I wish you health and prosperity (and also to your garden!)

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  3. Happy great Gardening this year. Congratulations on the Alabama Gardener gig. I've been meaning to subscribe the magazine & hadn't gotten around to it. I'll have to now. Check out some new varieties of petunia, one call Black Velvet, another Phantom and one called Pinstripe. I saw them in the Jung Seed and White Flower catalogs. Mary

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  4. Happy New Year Phillip! I work better under pressure too! May many blessings come your way in 2011!

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  5. Happy New Year and will join with you hoping for a good upcoming season.

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  6. Mexican Train! A friend introduced me to this game a couple years ago, and now I'm addicted. I also am hoping for no draught, and please, no tornados either, and could we keep the summer temps below 95?

    I look forward to reading your blog this year, and I am going to subscribe to Alabama Gardener, as well. Unfortunately, they already had enough Alabama bloggers when I sent for info, but I am on their back-up list if someone falls through. Thanks for putting a good word in for me. I do hope to break into the publishing world. My blog is my little toe dipped into the water!

    Have a great year, filled with many good gardening days!

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  7. Happy New Year, I managed to stay awake to see it in this year too.

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  8. Regardless of the year or season, the entrance to your home is beautiful. Glad you ushered the New Year in with happiness, now that's a good start!

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  9. Happy New Year Phillip to you ane yours! I second the no drought hope! Sometimes working under pressure brings out the best, don't try to change something that works! I look forward to seeing your spring gardens!

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  10. Peace, health and happiness to you as well. I have been asked to blog for Va. Gardener and really need to get my first aritcle written.

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  11. Happy New Year Phillip. Love this photo. I will look forward to reading all you post about your lovely garden.

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  12. Phillip, we wish you and your family a Happy and healthy New Year filled with many blessings. Thank you for being a part of our 2010.

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  13. Happy New Year Phillip to you and Michael~ No floods or droughts is all I ask~and one more thing: that the local nursery really offer dynamite plants this year! gail

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  14. Happy New Year, Phillip! We stayed up until midnight, too. I'm still surprised we made it. New Year's Eve is also the anniversary of when Todd and I met, 14 years ago now. What is Mexican Train?

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  15. Hi Phillip, Your garden sure dosr look very pretty! And the snow just adds that much extra magic to the garden. From what I see in the pic. Have a good evening.............Julian

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