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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

Christmas at our house



I promised to post photos of our house at Christmas earlier and here they are. We've had our decorations up for about three weeks now. We have to start early to get everything up in time. We have trees in almost every room and countless ornaments and other decorations. Michael is the Christmas fanatic, I'm afraid he suffers from OCD (Obsessive Christmas decorating). It is very beautiful though and magical at night. We always have a big party every year and share it with our friends and family.










Comments

  1. Holy cow! OCD indeed. :) I feel like such a Scrooge with my one tiny tree that is not even as nice as your kitchen tree!

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  2. Now I don't ever have to worry about doing "too much."

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  3. Wow, you've given new meaning to "over the top." That's an amazing display. I can certainly see why you must start decorating so early. And going to your party must be like going to a dazzling fantasy-land.

    Pam/Digging
    http://www.penick.net/digging

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  4. My, oh my! It reminds me of some Christmas housewalks back in Illinois. The people in your neighborhood would pay to be taken on tour, I'll bet.

    Phillip, I love the outside stuff, too, like the decorated bench and arbor.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  5. I'm very awe struck and wonder where do you store everything when it isn't on display for Christmas? The outside is just the kind of house I like to drive by on a cold winter night. It looks festive and inviting!

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  6. Thanks for all the comments. Carol, we store the trees in a little building that is attached to the garage. All of the ornaments is boxed and stored in closets throughout the house.

    Pam, how did you solve your problem with Blogger?

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  7. That should have read "All of the ornaments ARE boxed." I did major in English, believe it or not.

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  8. Re your older post:
    I work for a fellow with a pipe bursting company and it looks like it pays very well, if you know what I mean. He actually holds some of the patents on the newer technology.

    I can't tell how many times I have been hired to move the plants over something like this and then restore the area afterward. If the diggers are careful they can minimize the damage. You might try and use this as an opportunity to change things around bit and add a few new things.

    Quite a festive display. Very special.

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  9. WOW!!! You should win a prize for all of that, or at least Michael should!! It is amazing. I can't even get up my lights that go over the bushes!!

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  10. Wow! Double wow!! Phillip, your beautifully decorated house is as lovely as a Christmas card or a feature in Southern Living. I am sure "Bah, Humbug" is never heard at your place. Best wishes for a very merry holiday season. Jon on 12-7-07 at Mississippi Garden, http://mississippigarden.blogspot.com

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  11. Awesome!! I usally do the house up this way too but this year I just didn't have emotional strength to put it all up by myself this year. You all did a fantastic job, I am envious!

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  12. My kittens want to come play in your house.

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  13. I have to agree with Rurality. "Holy Cow!" The Christmas decorations are fantastic, but how long does it take you to get them all up. I get aggravated just untangling the lights.

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  14. Randy, it takes about 5 weeks. We start in late Sept. or early Oct. Michael does most of it and I usually take most of it down since I'm off during the first part of the year. Everything is labeled and we have a list on the computer of where everything is stored. We have down to a science!

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  15. Holy cow. Lured here by Rurality and I'm sure I'll be back... indoors and out, you have a lovely home.

    Tracked down your journal- $34.95, Lee Valley. Just in case other readers are wondering too. :)

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