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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

Roses already!

"Buff Beauty" (left) and "Rambling Rector" (on pergola)

The roses are a month ahead this year. I'm in the process of doing an inventory of all our roses and I plan to share photos of all of them during the next month (if I can get them photographed!). At one time, we had around 130 - 150 roses but I don't think there are as many today. There is much more shade in the garden now and that takes a toll on the roses as well as other sun lovers. 

I am not liking this early season. I haven't even had a chance to get the weeding done before the roses bloomed. Maybe the temperatures will stay in the normal range and we will at least have a long blooming period.


A hybrid musk rose named "Moonlight"




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Good grief! That's a lot of roses...I can barely keep the few I have thriving.

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  2. They look stunning Phillip! A month ahead of time, too. Incredible isn't it! What's going to be in bloom all summer! gail

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  3. The rose over the arch is fabulous. I just read on someone elses blog they bought Buff Beauty. If theirs grows like yours they will certainly be pleased. I can't wait to see the parade of roses in your garden. Bring em on.

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  4. Early thought they be, they are very, very beautiful. Looks like you'll be busy cataloging them all!

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  5. Sooo many roses. The amount of shade has reduced our roses too. I'd love to see what your have.

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  6. What abundance! Question: are there any roses that can thrive in part sun? I live just north of Atlanta and we have two wooded acres which means NO full sun anywhere on the property. We do have one front bed with part sun and I would love to try roses somewhere!

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  7. I'm looking forward to pictures of your roses. These are gorgeous. Wish I had room for more roses.

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  8. Your garden is always so impressive!

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  9. One one and only rose bush given as a gift when I had to put my last dog to sleep is in full bloom.

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  10. Marjorie, to answer your question, YES, you can grow many roses with part shade. The best ones for me are the hybrid musks which can do fine with 4-6 hours sun. Here are the ones that I have - http://www.phillipoliver.net/sghmroses.html

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  11. I got 'Moonlight' several years ago after seeing it on your other website and she has never let me down.

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  12. Oh, these are beautiful! I do hope you have a long blooming period. My roses are flushing all at different times. It's been an odd weather year everywhere this year.

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  13. So beautiful. I love visiting your blog.Your roses are an inspiration..I ordered many hybrid musk's this year and just planted Buff Beauty, Belinda and Moonlight all around my garden thanks to some of your blog posts. Looking forward to more photos.

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  14. So beautiful! I am looking forward to seeing all of your roses. Today is quite chilly here in my part of Alabama. I hope you are able to enjoy the refreshing air!

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  15. Your garden is spectacular! Such a profusion of blooms. I am looking forward to your inventory posts.

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  16. Every year I am so impressed by your Buff Beauty and Rambling Rector.

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