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
Wasn't it an awesome day to live in zone 7? I am always thankful for a 70 degree day in February. BTW, looks like all my rose cuttings are doing well...success!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, Phillip. I need to go out and cut my grasses back now before they start sprouting with all this warm weather.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
What an awesome day here too. Oh man, I should have got outside & cut my grasses back too. What a great idea! It doesn't usually hit me till I see some growth & it makes such a difference if you get it cut back early.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I always find cutting back the grasses perfect therapy for winter induced cabin fever. It is like saying "OK spring I am ready for you now.
ReplyDeleteWe are just a couple of weeks behind you in weather up here. This chore is on my list though. Isn't it amazing how this makes the garden seem more spring-like?
ReplyDeletePhillips -- I started cutting yesterday and gave out from working on 11 buddleia. I have 9 more buddleia to do, then cut back the grasses.
ReplyDeleteCameron
Great weather for it! I need to do the same. It's time to get ready spring is on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteI need to do that, too. The weather has been so lovely that I can't drag myself inside, plus there is plenty to do outside.
ReplyDeleteWhack, Whack...and then, suddenly- it looks so bland:(
ReplyDeleteBut soon...there it is, right back again, beautiful as ever;)
We clipped and whacked up here, too, this wkend. I chopped down my buddleia (it looks horrible now) and cut back my carpet roses. Those don't 'need' to be cut back, but the spaces I have for them all is limited. They come back nicely in the summer so I think things will be ok. My husband 'whacked' back the crepe myrtles too...they don't need it either, but there is a limit to the heighth that we can tolerate here. Have a wonderful day:)
Hi Phillip! The weather has been delightful and we've all headed outside to play or clean! I was thinking a garden vacuum would help with the stray pieces of grass that blow everywhere! Your post on Daphnes encouraged me to get a small plant that HD was selling. it smells luscious! gail
ReplyDeleteI use electric hedge trimmers to prune back grasses, but it's still too early for that here. I just like power tools!
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