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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

Seeing the garden through a new lens

I have a new camera lens, a wide angle Sigma 10-20mm, a lens that I've needed for a long time. I just can't get used to the idea that a good lens cost more than my camera did. You might take a look at these photos and think that I got myself a dud but it is just our weather. It has been foggy, dark and wet all week here and I just heard today that we are officially out of the drought. I love all this rain but I'm wondering - does it help the plants any during the winter? Probably.

All of this rain and a head cold has kept me inside this week but I'm feeling better and couldn't wait to get out and try out the new lens.












Comments

  1. Phillip, It's such a treat to tour your garden...now let's have some hot coffee and cookies while we chat about your camera and the new lens. How exciting! I am thrilled to see your sigma lens in action! I am looking at a new camera (Rebel or D-90) and knew that I would want a another lens or two! Nice to know that sigma works so well! I think the garden looks wonderful and the wider angle shows it off brilliantly! It's just a lovely garden Phillip, it makes me sigh with delight! Merry Christmas! Gail ps which camera do you have?

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  2. Thanks! I have a Nikon D50 which is an earlier version of the D90. I had read that the Sigma lenses were very good and they are half the price of the Nikon counterparts. I read hundreds of reviews before taking the plunge and I'm so glad I did. I can get so much more in the photo than I could with my regular lens.

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  3. I just loved the tour. The images look great, and the garden is beautiful and atmospheric.

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  4. Cripes. The garden's so textured it looks like a pointillists painting.

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  5. Phillip,

    Your garden is beautiful in any season! It has character right now.

    Congrats on your lens. One son has a Nikon D50 and he says he'll give it to me when he upgrades...but, he told me that a lens will cost more!

    Cameron

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  6. Even in winter your garden looks good. The mist adds to the atmosphere. Can't wait to see more photos showing off your new lens.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  7. Thanks for the tour! Your garden really looks different now. Glad the drought is over. That is really good news.

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  8. Good bones in your garden Phillip. I can't wait to see what this new lens will show us this summer.

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  9. Congratulations on the new lens! Your pics are awesome like your garden itself. The pictures somehow seem more clear to me. Cheers!

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  10. I am AMAZED!!!! Your garden is just WONDERFUL!
    Thanks for the tour!
    Linda

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  11. Phillip I love the hardscape in your garden. What materials did you use in the purple wall?

    Amazing photos of an amazing garden. :)

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  12. Congrats on your new lens. I also own a Sigma lens, though not a wide angle, and I like it a lot. Would love a wide angle though!

    I also love the misty photos. We've had very similar weather here. All that rain will be very good for your trees. I'm always thankful to get winter rain because I know it'll help the trees along when the inevitable summer drought hits.

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  13. Lovely photos. Your garden looks like it's been there for decades or longer. Beautiful. I really like the arbor.
    Marnie

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  14. Look at you with your new lens! Great shots! Our garden looks so empty now compared to yours. :-)

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  15. Your garden looks like the setting you see outside of some English conservatory. Very nice! It looks like a good choice in lenses as the pictures turned out very good.

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  16. Nice lens, I've always wanted to get a wide angle lens. The Nikon 12-24 is my dream lens but it looks like the Sigma is as good! I'm still using my old Nikon D70 and have been thinking about upgrading to D700.

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  17. Phillip, I don't know much about cameras or lenes but the pictures look amazing. How big of yard do you have? From the pictures it looks like a couple of acers. Your garden looks wonderful even this time of year!!

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  18. Phillip,
    Glad Santa brought you a new lens since you've been such a good boy this year. Your photos have always been outstanding and now even better. Icing on the cake?

    Hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2009!
    Jon at Mississippi Garden

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  19. Even this late in the season, your garden looks wonderful!

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  20. Phillip, your garden photos could be the illustrations for a "garden in winter" book. What gorgeous shots, and what a gorgeous garden!

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