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
I didn't notice any mistakes on your steps. I think the plants around it to soften the edges is a good idea tho. I agree that you needed a path to the front door. It is most welcoming with the arbor over the steps. Your new selections of flowers are beautiful. Roses are yummy. The blues have it though.
ReplyDeleteA lot of work! Looking great.
ReplyDeleteJust thinking about building steps makes my head 'bizzy' as I contemplate risers, treads and materials.
ReplyDeleteDo penstemons attract hummingbirds with their little bells/trumpets?
Jean, yes they do!
DeleteThose steps are amazing Phillip! As is the pathway! You did it! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYour pathway looks fabulous, and I love that you're enjoying the sempervivum flowers. They are odd but terribly cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lisa -- I don't see any errors on the steps. I'm sure they'd look with plants alongside, but I don't think you need to worry about camouflaging your handiwork.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the nicest looking Gauras I've seen in a while. Fantastic!
Oh and your gravel path looks great. Kudos.
Low humidity?! A man can only dream... ;-)
The Impressionist rose is gorgeous. I can see why it is a favorite! I like your pathway and the steps. Great job! No doubt this is going to lead to more planting, and your garden is going to grow and grow...
ReplyDeleteLove to see so many colors of flowers there. Especially roe Mutabilis. I have ever seen some of them in the real here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHello there Phillip ... I am such a fan of gravel paths ... they are so common in Europe , I missed them when we moved back to Canada ... and yet ? I didn't do gravel for my own paths .. flagstone took over because it seemed easier.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful eye for placement ... and your plants are so pretty ... I let my sempervivium do their thing too and smile over how funny they can look ...
That statice with that deep violet blue is stunning ... I need more blue in my garden now that I think of it after seeing yours !
Pretty pictures : )
Your path and steps look great! Congratulations on getting that out of the way. My question is, will you recreate that amazing purple (concrete? stucco?) wall from your former garden somewhere in your new place?
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely pathway Philip, I just love pea gravel paths! We put pea gravel around our vegetable garden this year, and it's nice and crunchy when you walk on it. You've made a TON of progress around there already. Good job!
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