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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

First rose of the year



This year, that honor goes to 'Madame Alfred Carriere', a sumptuous peachy pink noisette. This is a rose that I just can't live without. Our first major project in the garden was our pergola and this rose graced it beautifully. About five years ago, a terrible thing happened - rose rosette disease. Thankfully, we lost only a few roses but it was sad to see this monstrous beauty succumb.

The new one is planted over a smaller structure that covers the stairs leading to the basement. It can be seen outside the bedroom and bathroom windows. I expect her to really take off this year and start providing a blanket of blooms.

Comments

  1. Hi~~ I had to chuckle as I read your post. I do this too. This sort of crowning of the first rose to bloom each year.

    I used to have a huge AC. I loved the scent. Such a gorgeous rose but the plant was too big for my humble abode. Your photo is breathtaking.

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  2. Great shot of that rose Phillip. I can't seem to get a good close up of mine because they're too high up! (I've thought of climbing out my bedroom window to get one.) Can't wait to see how your new one does.

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  3. I can see why you mourned her demise. It is a gorgeous rose. Hail to the Madame.

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  4. What a lovely rose. One I haven't grown but read a lot about. I will have to consider it for next year.

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  5. I didn't realize MAC was ever peach-colored. Beautiful shot.

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  6. What a pretty one! It's such a pretty color. I can't wait to see roses in bloom here.

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  7. Oh my! THAT is stunning!

    Cameron

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  8. Beautiful picture! MAC is on my wishlist. I have about 2 more months to go before my roses bloom. I keep track too, last year Captain Samuel Holland was the first in my garden to bloom. Thanks for posting the picture!

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  9. Happy First Rose Day! What a luscious rose, too. Our First Rose Day won't be for another 6 or 8 weeks--at least. How I envy you. Thanks for sharing!

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  10. She is a beauty, Phillip. Sad to see when your roses go through tough times, but [sigh] it had to be so, I guess. Good to see they're back in your garden and good luck with her growing into a monstrous vine soon.

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  11. Lovely rose, I can't wait to see a photo of the whole bush in bloom.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  12. What a beautiful color! I hadn't heard of rose rosette disease; we get mostly Japanese beetles.

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  13. I've lost several roses to RRD for the last three years. Between RRD and the Japanese beetles I've given up roses and won't replace any I lose. Madame Alfred Carriere is a lovely one. I hope she does well for many years.
    Marnie

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  14. Oh, she is so beautiful !, Phillip, thank you for sharing.

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  15. My dear dont forget to visit my blog. I love nature too.. Ask all of your friends. I really appreciate your support. Thanks.........

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  16. What a wonderful antidote to the ridiculous cold earlier in the week. I'm always amazed at how adaptable plants can be!

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  17. Phillip, I am sooo jealous! I know how exciting it is to have that first beautiful rose open every year.. something to celebrate for sure. I have a Purple Passion beside my front porch that is just beginning to show a little bud color. Hopefully, it will really start showing off in the next few days!

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  18. Phillip, she's a beauty, for sure! I kind of see a similarity between grieving for a lost pet and the illness and loss of your rose that this new one replaced. I know you will cherish this new beauty and I hope she really blooms and glows for you! I love roses...I don't know why I'm afraid to try one in my garden. If I look at yours enough, maybe I'll venture out and be brave:-) [I have carpet/knockout roses that are lovely and are so easy to grow!) Anyway, have a Wonderful Spring, dear Phillip:-)

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  19. Hi Phillip...She is lovely! Your roses are always a treat and she is special....Have a good weekend. gail

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  20. I nearly bought this rose but after deliberation decided against. Well I live and learn. It's a beauty.

    Another rose I didn't buy, possibly 'cos I read some mildew scare story or such like was Veilchenblau. This was a rose you featured earlier and again left me wondering why I didn't go for it.

    Hay ho, I least I built a pergola. I like yours by the way.

    Rob

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  21. Phillip, I've seen this rose on Texas blogs and it looks much paler - do you think it bleaches out more quickly in our weather? I love the pale apricot but have no space for a 20-feet
    'Madame Alfred Carriere', even though she's a beauty!

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  22. Annie, the color is more intense during cooler weather. When I took that photo, we had several cool days.

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