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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

First hummingbird

This morning as I was washing the breakfast dishes, I glanced out the kitchen window and saw the first hummingbird of the season. It was flying around the archway covered with the climbing rose "Blaze", yellow honeysuckle and a white clematis that I can't remember the name of. This photo was taken two weeks ago and the honeysuckle flowers had not fully opened yet. They are open now and the hummingbird was really enjoying them.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Don't you love those little guys! I haven't seen them around much this spring...but I've heard them chirping around the garden...they are so quick!

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  2. Oh, goody. I have not seen one yet. At least I know they are coming soon!!!!

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  3. Hi Phillip. Love your blog; I always enjoy your posts about your roses and hydrangeas. I wanted to know if the white flower pictured with your 'Blaze' rose is a clematis. If so, do you know the cultivar? Thanks.

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  4. What a beautiful photograph! did you use some kind of special technique? Those roses are literally jumping off the screne into the room with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  5. Gotta get my feeders out! So exciting to see the hummingbirds.
    LOVE that peony! So beautiful!

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  6. Connie-Nicole, that is a clematis and unfortunately I don't recall the name of it.

    Rebecca, some tweaking in Photoshop. It is probably just the red though, they tend to jump out at you.

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  7. I have had then at the feeders now for about 3 weeks. Not many-just a couple, but I love watching them. Carol

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  8. That Clematis looks like Duchess of Edinburgh. Gorgeous companions!

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  9. Wonderful, summery, cheerful picture! Those little birds can make us so happy! I need to wait many weeks to see them in my garden. Their favorite plant is red monarda. Last summer, I even saw them fighting around it.

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  10. Yummy, I would be drawn to these flowers too. I haven't seen a hummer in my garden as yet. I have red roses blooming too. Where is my hummer?? WHINE...

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  11. Well Lisa, I have not seen him since! Perhaps he was a scout?

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  12. Love when they arrive and someday hope they let me get a decent photo. gail

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  13. There's nothing to get your heart pumping like the sight of a hummer. (Cute little buggers.) I got my act together early this year & put my feeder up already, even though my honeysuckle hasn't even thought about forming buds yet.

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