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
A beautiful tree, is that bloom from this year? We have a magnolia called Jane that blooms later to avoid those frosts, but it got zapped with last year's later than normal heavy freeze.
ReplyDeleteFrances at Faire Garden
I think I have a cultivar of this. (It came with the house.) Last year when we had that awful April freeze, every Star Magnolia got zapped but mine. It blooms reliably every year & rarely gets damaged. (There, I've just cursed myself.) It is surprising that it doesn't do better down south by you.
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment about photo sizes on Pam's blog. Here's what I know about Blogger & photos. When I started blogging, I didn't realize that uploading photos in the over 3400 pixel range would take up too much space on Blogger's (Picasa) storage of my photos. I edit mine now to about 500 pixels on my printer's photo editor. (This can also be done on one of the external photo services.) I then click on the "Large" option. For larger photos, I up the pixel size. I don't know if Blogger allows huge photos in posts, as my 3400 range photos were never huge. You might want to check out Blogger's help center. But remember that photos with more pixels take longer to load.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful flower Phillip. I'm so ready for spring and summer!
ReplyDeleteI have one also! It blooms in April here in Michigan.
ReplyDeleteI love Star Magnolia and my experience has been opposite. Great shows 10 out of 12 years. I guess there is a little benefit from living up north.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog while trying to identify a flowering tree. I actually linked your blog in my post as well. I think you may enjoy the photo I took.Your post was a great help to me. Thank you.I am over at http://www.longislanddailyphoto.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI like your blogs name-I feel the same way about gardening!