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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

No-mow project completed (well almost)

The second portion of the front lawn is completed except for edging and I will add that later. It is now no longer a lawn and I'm not sure exactly what to call it.



We now have pea gravel pathways and islands of mondo grass (both the dwarf and regular varieties) and a small area of pachysandra.

This photo shows almost the entire area although it is impossible to get it all, even with my wide angle lens.




In case you are coming in late, the main reason behind all this was my inability to get grass to grow (it is very shady). I think I'm pleased with the outcome (Michael says he is). I think the best part about it is less mowing. We now only have a few strips of grassy areas in the lower garden.

Comments

  1. That area is MUCH more interesting than a swath of lawn, and it really invites you to explore with those wandering paths. It also looks bigger now, don't you think? I love it!

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  2. I for one think it's a fabulous transformation. You did a great job and you should be proud. Pull up a chair and a cold drink and pat yourself on the back.

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  3. What a great improvment. I am down to just two strips of grass and they both belong to the city technically.

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  4. Phillip ... it has been a while since I have visited and every time I come .. my heart does a flip .. your gardens are what I would love to have , so I have to live a little through your shoes ?
    Seriously .. this no mow project is going to be wonderful .. I am working (in my head mostly .. when the heat breaks, YES .. we do get heat here !) anyways more landscaping will be done in the Autumn to begin my ideas.
    Our garden(s)are always changing. That is the one constant, a gardener can count on isn't it ?
    Joy : )

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  5. Absolutely great results. It looks so neat and will stay that way without weekly mowing etc. All of those paths make you want to go exploring. I just love it.

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  6. Very nice. That mondo grass will fill in and give you a good swath of green without the mowing. It's a good solution!

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  7. It looks amazing, like the Biltmore or something!

    I put down grass this weekend, after considering something like this, for two reasons: we needed something with roots to help with drainage (hopefully), and our dog wouldn't do well with the gravel. I certainly would prefer to visit your yard, though!!

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  8. This is my kind of garden. I want to enter and explore.
    I have a shady side that needs to be developed. Good job.

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  9. I love it Phillip...It is inviting and attractive. You and Pam (Digging) have inspired me to convert the remaining lawn in the front to a stock pond area with mulched paths. gail

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  10. Magical! I would call that a garden. Strolling in a whitewash of moonlight would make it enchanting. I look forward to seeing the growth of your plantings fill in. So lovely! Less mowing too... Well Done!

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  11. If you want to call it the obvious title, then it is the 'Shade Garden.'

    It's very pretty and inviting for strolling.

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  12. It's really looking nice, those winding paths invite the eye and the imagination to follow. You have a wonderful talent for design.
    Marnie

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  13. Phillip, I think it looks absolutely fantastic! Great job.--Randy

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  14. What they said, plus, what a great improvement over high-maintenance grass.

    I'm down to a small patch in my front garden and have plans to take it out this Fall.

    Fantastic job, Phillip.

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  15. A very satisfactory conversion of lawn to garden I would say. How is the back holding up?

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  16. It looks so great! I love the feel it gives to the area. Definitely worth all the hard work!
    BTW I found the hummingbird feeder you had in your giveaway, I'm glad you mentioned where you bought it because I found one there. I saw the exact same one in a nursery for double the price. Now if I can get as good a picture as you did!

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  17. Phillip it looks excellent.

    You must be pleased!!!

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  18. Did you end up edging the paths?

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  19. Call it beautiful!

    That area looks wonderful.

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  20. Beautiful. I'd call it a park. That's what it reminds me of. I want to stroll thru it.

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  21. It is absolutely amazing. You continue to amaze and inspire me. I love how you've styled it as well.

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  22. The results look great! I think you'll be so glad you did this. Not only is the design great, but the lower maintenance gives you more time to ENJOY that amazing garden of yours!

    Cheers,
    Cameron

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  23. It looks great, and it lightened up an area that could be dark due to the trees. Now you can sit back and enjoy it!

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  24. I think your front garden (that's what I'd call it) is great. What's that bright pink solitary blossom in the first photo?

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  25. Phillip, I call it verdant, esthetically pleasing. I call it beautiful. Great job. Lots of work, but wonderful result. Congrats.~~Dee

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  26. I would say it looks wonderful and inviting, but the two lions don't appear inviting--not to me anyway. More like: "You wanna walk this way, punk? I don't think so." Maybe that's the point, to follow the lovely side paths you've made here. :)

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  27. your lawn must be producing lots of oxygen for you and oxygen would produce healthy life for you.


    MARIA

    Cash Online Get Easy cash at your door step

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  28. Just found your blog and this is (almost)the first post I read. And what a way to start. I'm all for less grass(equals less mowing) and you have done an amazing job. I love all your mysterious paths, so enticing to discover what lies down them. I am planning to take out some grass this spring and lay down a pea gravel path. What are you planning on edging yours with?
    Love the lions!

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  29. Hi Deborah, I do plan to install edging. I'm just not sure what kind I will be using. I will update when I do!

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