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
yum! yum! I will have to give it a try. Michael looks very pleased with his birthday cake!
ReplyDeletePhillip,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this recipe, and here's hoping y'all have a very Happy Valentine's Day!
Jon at Mississippi Garden
Oh Yummmmmm! Now I am hungry.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
A belated Happy Birthday Michael. I can see why you like this cake. It looks so delicious.
ReplyDeleteCute photos and yummy recipe.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Michael!
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks delicious! I shall try the recipe.
Thanks!
Cameron
Hi Phillip, Two birthdays very close together. Happy Birthday to Michael. The cake looks delicious~~Did you get the Japanese Maple?
ReplyDeleteGail
Happy (a little late) Birthday Michael!!!!! The cake looks wonderful Phillip! Your newly painted gate looks great as well :) Good work! I'm looking forward to seeing your garden this spring and starting some new things in our square foot one. How I wish we had lots of land!!!
ReplyDeleteI just remembered I didn't get back to you about the coupons-sorry-I've totally neglected the blog recently :( The coupons come mainly from the Sunday paper (we get 1 free from work, then I'll buy 1 or more if they have some good coupons, and a couple family members mail us coupons they don't use) but I also print coupons online. People have been asking about this so I'm going to try to post each week about deals and were to get the coupons. Feel free to hold me to that!
I have a friend like that, who prefers salty over sweet. I like both. Say a belated happy birthday to Michael!
ReplyDeleteOh that cake looks yummy! I made up some chocolate covered strawberries yesterday for friends to enjoy. I am going to try that recipe you shared for sure!
ReplyDeleteThe 'Lake' in my yard is starting to subside. It comes and goes very quickly in the spring time. This was an early defrost for us up in Ohio. On Saturday the snow was back. Sometimes the river will over flow like that into our front acreage and freeze making a HUGE 4 acre skating rink! LOVE IT!!!!
Thanks for sharing your fabulous garden. I so look forward to your spring blog.
Warm Wishes... Happy Valentines Day dear garden friend.
Oh my, it's beautiful. Will you bake me one too? ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Michael. That cake sure looks good.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday to Michael and thanks for the recipe...don't we all get in the mood for a strawberry dessert sometimes? They're so delicious and this one is also so pretty!
ReplyDeleteAnnie at the Transplantable Rose