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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







Comments

  1. Clay can be manageable but those rocks might be another story altogether!

    Looks like a fantastic area though.

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  2. It will keep you young! Working the land there... which is lovely Phillip! Considering you figure out how to deal with the poison ivy! How exciting and sad at the same time. I have empathy and sometimes feel the same way about starting anew in a more energy efficient home. You can of course take cuttings and some plants with you. A small tractor sounds great... to be nearer your family too. Decisions Decisions! Better sooner rather than later in this case. If you do make the move... what a lucky buyer to get your garden!! Best Wishes! Happy New Year! Carol

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  3. Be still my heart. What an exciting plan. A dream come true. I am glad you aren't going to build a mini mansion. Old age really doesn't call for a huge house. I have friends that are planning such a disaster. One floor, no steps, wide doorways, and we can see fabulous views. Gosh with all of those big toys, I mean machines, you will need a decent sized barn. :) fun fun...

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  4. How great to have that creek nearby. I would spend my day just sitting by it. I know it will tough leaving your old garden, but you will have enough to keep you busy and distracted from thinking about what you left. Besides your property is already partially landscaped with all those beautiful trees and that water feature, plus you will closer to family.

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  5. Phillip there will be challenges and I know it will be hard to leave your current beautiful garden, but what a gorgeous setting! It's wonderful.

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  6. Oh Phillip, this is just the most exciting thing ever! Don't give the old garden another thought, other than to raid it for plants!!! The property is perfect, with some cleared land and some woods, with water and those fabulous rock outcroppings! Might I suggest you think about having the house more in the open? Leaves and overhanging branches are not good for buildings, causing gutter damage and threatening the roof. A bobcat would be perfect!!! Can you tell how exciting this is to me? HA :-)
    Frances

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  7. Sounds lovely. I know it can be difficult to say goodbye to something that has been so much a part of your life for so long, but it is a lovely site and you would be closer to family. Sounds like this will be a good challenge for you.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  8. I'm envious and thrilled for you. What a gorgeous piece of property. I can imagine it would be hard to leave your beautiful gardens, but how nice to have some sunshine to work with. I look forward to reading about your new project.

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  9. Oh Phillip, it's just beautiful!! I can only imagine how difficult it will be leaving a place you have put so much work into. But, I do believe new adventures are good for the soul. When we first moved to our spot in the country it was a bit of an adjustment, and I felt somewhat isolated out here. But now, I wouldn't trade it for anything!!
    Happy New Year!! Liisa

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  10. WOW. So hard to think of leaving a home one has been in for 20 years. We moved around a good bit as a kid so I cannopt fathom staying in one place and creating such a home (and a magnificent garden!). But what a gorgeous spot full of lots of potential projects, new dreams, and lots of hope. Best wishes to you and Happy New Year! (and I say YES to the tractor!)

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  11. Phillip, it's a marvelous looking property! How much fun the two of you will have! A new house, new land to explore and not too far from the old neighborhood and friends!

    Your description~~exposed limestone, clay soil and lots of cedar trees sounds like you are near a cedar glade. Beautiful areas...Have you been to this one http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/alabama/preserves/art916.html

    Happiest of New years to you both!

    Gail

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  12. Sounds wonderful and exciting! I've always wanted to live in a forest with a kind of under story garden. The running water makes for some very beautiful landscaping opportunities. You could build a gazebo or pergola nearby! Now I'm excited!

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  13. The property looks wonderful! I know change is scary, but if you are in a position to make the move, I say go for it! I've left behind many gardens and have never looked back, once I started on the new ones. When I was making the decision to quit my job (back in Feb.), I was really scared, but the only regret I have now is not having done it sooner (and that I have to look for work again now!). Here are some quotes I found inspiring:

    You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. — Dove Promises

    You only get one shot, do not miss your chance... This opportunity comes once in a lifetime. — Eminem

    Freedom was waiting... all I had to do was make up my mind. — Leann Rimes

    Happy new year!

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  14. What a beautiful setting that would be. I can see why you are planning and imagining how it could look. I hope you are able to make the move and have the exciting prospect of starting new gardens and be able to grow even more of what you love.

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  15. "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." Phillip that is my absolute favorite book (and, of course one of my favorite movies!!). I can just envision what you want to do with that property. Lawrence and I go walking over at Shoal Creek Preserve and we just dream about where you could build LOL. It's within walking distance of our house and if you haven't been over there you need to go. You might be able to talk Paul into loaning you some "heavy equipment"!!
    Ann

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  16. The setting is spectacular - I would move there in a heartbeat! Sure it will be lots of work, but certainly a labor of love. Your energy will be renewed over and over, and when you are an old man, your heart will still be young.

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  17. If the move and a new garden sound exciting, not overwhelming, then you are ready! The property is very beautiful; I can see why you'd want to move there. I know you'll make another fabulous garden, and the new challenges that poses will unleash fresh creativity. A new start! I can't wait to see your progress, and you haven't even moved yet. ;-)

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  18. The land is so beautiful and I love the natural water features! Building a new home can be so exciting and you have the advantage of "knowing" the land.

    When building, please keep in mind that you can significantly reduce heating/cooling costs by building passive solar. We are so glad that we did. It was 20 degrees yesterday morning out in the garden, but with the sun shining, it was 65 degrees on the love seat on our stone front porch.

    Cameron

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  19. Those woods bring back so many childhood memories for me, Phillip. We also had a little creek on the property.

    You are wise to plan now for your old age even though you've got a long way to go. It will be difficult to leave that gorgeous garden of yours behind, however.

    I'm glad that you like challenges because that Alabama clay will certainly be one. Even with soil amendments it can take a long time before it is hospitable to plants. I would suggest that you find a source for cotton burr compost to amend it.

    Your plans sound very intriguing. I love sunny terraced gardens and a long, winding driveway.

    I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year and good luck with whatever you decide to do.

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  20. What a wonderful place to share with your brother and us! I once got horrible poison ivy clearing out flowerbeds, and there were no leaves on it. Ivy Dry works the best on the rash. Your new homestead looks absolutely breathtaking, but I can understand how hard it would be to leave your garden. I’m sure you’ll plant an even better garden.

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  21. Wow, Phillip, I felt like I was on a journey with you and your brother. Would this put you closer to him and your sister? Is that part of the reason for a possible move? I love the woods. My house sits at the edge of some, and there is nothing I love better in the fall and winter. Spring is nice too, and I've thought of planting some bulbs in the woods up by the barn. We've lived here since 1975. The house was built in 1981. My advice: a farm tractor with a front end loader and live hydraulics so that the box blade will move automatically up and down for brush hogging, a brush hog, and a small garden tractor (mower). We use these all the time. Oh, a truck is nice too. Looking forward to reading more about this in the future. Happy New Year, and sorry I was so long winded.~~Dee

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  22. Great post! Walking in the woods with your brother puts the whole Christmas stuff into perspective.

    With reference to the potential new home, what a great adventure. I would guess that you could design a wooded area that is less exacting maintenance than your present garden, but the terraced garden seems a full time retirement career! (not necessarily a bad thing!)

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  23. Oh Phillip, that is a beautiful place! It all sounds so exciting! I know it will be hard to leave such a beautiful garden as you have but the possibilities with all that sunlight, well that can't be ignored. I wish you and Michael the best of luck with all your decisions. Have a great 2010!

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  24. Looks like a great place for a new home. And as I tell my customers, who think I'll miss my yard of 25 years when we decide to go full timing in our RV, life is full of cycles, and when it's time to move on to the next one, I'll be ready.

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  25. Phillip the property looks just beautiful. Lots of free boulders and a nice sized creek. Forty acres will give you plenty of elbow room and you'll never have to worry about running out of room for the garden.

    I do think about my old garden of course and I'm not sure if I even want to see it in March when I go to Maui. It could be painful. Most of the time I am far too busy and it never comes to mind while I am plotting the garden to be.

    Being that this is family land I would guess their is no purchase cost. More money for gardening.

    I just finished a novella,"The Last Christmas Ride" by Edie Hand that was set in that very part of Alabama. Your land looks just like the land where she grew up with cedars, lots of cedars, oaks and a blue pool spring and stream for cooling off in the summer.

    I say go for it.

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  26. Go for it Phillip.

    What a beautiful spot. There's a real quality of life thing there. To have those kind of surroundings plus the exciting challenges ahead building a new home, creating a new garden, go for it.

    You'll definitely need a tractor!!!

    Happy New Year

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  27. Your property is stunning and I can clearly see the draw. Like fear of the unknown, change can be frightening. You seem to handle challenges well ... your brother is blessed to have you, Phillip! Happy New Year!

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  28. Stunning and a remarkable property Phillip. And here I thought you might move to the PNW. ;) I can see sweeps of ornamental grasses (I'll send you some starts) ;), black-eyed Susan, catmint... things the deer won't eat. The creek is exquisite... you and Michael will love it. Diana

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