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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

Yoshinos are blooming!



This is one of my favorite trees and I look forward to it blooming every year.

When I took the top photo on Saturday, there were hundreds (thousands?) of bees humming above my head. It sounded like I was at an airport.



I have recommended this tree to a lot of people and when asked to describe it, I usually tell them that it looks like cotton candy. I later learned that the yoshino is a short-lived tree which is very sad but I'm hoping ours will last the rest of my lifetime.


Comments

  1. Ooo ... that was a real beauty. I want that, too!

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  2. What a lovely tree! I had never heard of it but I'm going to look it up!

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  3. Beautiful trees, Phillip! I am wondering is this a so called Japanese cherry tree - Japan's national symbol? If so, it would be the only cherry tree that doesn't have fruit.

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  4. I like the tree's structure as well as its lovely flowers. It's always a joy to see one of our favorite plants thriving and showing the world how cool it is.

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  5. Fabulous photos, Phillip. You should put a link to last year's entry those photos were breath taking too!

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  6. I wondered what that droning noise was while I was reading your post. What a beauty that cherry tree is. No wonder the bees are attracted. They see a beacon of nectar to gather.

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  7. Phillip, it a glorious sight in full bloom. Those twisting horizontal branches are wonderful. Not to sound morbid, but I hope it outlives you so you can enjoy it as long as you're there.
    Marnie

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  8. Wow, it was cute as a baby and it's gorgeous as a spreading adult! (Now why don't humans look good when we spread in middle age?!)

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  9. Hi Phillip

    The branch structure is really something. The blossom goes without saying.

    I seem to recollect catching the end of a TV gardening show where the head gardener of an arboretum was discussing Cherry. Seems many are relatively shortlived. I think he embarked on a feeding programme which increased longevity.

    Might be worth googling or such like.

    Rob

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  10. What a glorious tree! And I especially love that top photograph of the blossoms against the sky.

    I was thinking of you today...because of 2 books I enjoyed that are set in your neck of the woods, I believe. They are "cozies" (I think that's the term) but a total delight and very creatively written. They are the "Thistle & Twigg" mysteries by Mary Saums. Have you read or heard of these? I thoroughly enjoyed them and Saums' descriptions of the land make me want to visit that area. Just thought you'd find them interesting if you have not already heard of them.

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  11. It is a beautiful tree...with many qualities to recommend it! I am enjoying your garden a lot this spring~~you grow many plants I can only dream about no way would they survive the clay and grow through the limestone!..gail

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  12. What a beautiful tree. I love the shape of it, and it is just covered in flowers! I hope it lives for a very long time!

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  13. Those are great photos! Beautiful trees.

    I have a Kwansan that will bloom in April

    Cameron

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  14. In a couple of weeks it will time for Sakurafubuki in Alabama!

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  15. Such a wonderful shape to that tree. Here's hoping you have a good many years left with it!

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  16. I second what everyone else says.

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  17. I was wowed by your pics of these trees last year, and here I am again, ogling them with envy. Just beautiful.

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  18. Looks like a tree flowering snow in Spring! Great shots (the first one especially), Phillip!

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  19. Beautiful tree, but they are so fleeting. I love getting underneath of them and looking up, it's like being in church.

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  20. I love those trees, unfortunately the blooms don't last long. Yours is a beautiful specimen and it's glorious in bloom.

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  21. What a fabulous tree! Of course, I'm consumed with envy, still being lo these several months away from anything much blooming. Especially since we had Yet. Another. Snow. Storm. today. Sigh.

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  22. Beautiful Phillip! Are you sure you have not had more snow? I know it will look like it for sure when those white petals start falling to the ground.

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  23. I know some that have been living for over 40 years in the medians of a parking lot. So have faith cause our area loves them. I like the trunks as much as the blooms. And the shape is just awesome. Your home is fantastic. I love the color.

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