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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

Back to the garden

I was away only three days and I could not believe how everything had greened up so fast. There is so much to do in the garden that I wasn't sure where to begin. I still haven't pruned all the roses and I finally cut back the mondo grass today. I also got the urn fountain out and set up and cleaned up the vegetable garden. I also did some much needed weeding. After supper, I took some photos.

This is an unidentified camellia with big pink blooms -



Camellia "C.M. Wilson"



Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)



Harry Lauder's Walking Stick (Corylus avellana 'Contorta')



Daffodils among unpruned roses and uncut grass - lots of work to do!



And this is my favorite at the moment. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana 'Rustica Rubra') which has never been more beautiful than it is this year.













Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. The saucer magnolia is truly droolworthy. I may find the will to try again! I just got around to fertilizing my roses today. You wouldn't believe how my little sticks I rooted have turned into nice little bushes in 2 yrs. Can't wait to post pics later.

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  2. Seems like many parts of the country are having a good year for Magnolias. I got half the yard ready for spring last weekend, but am now working 6 days a week. The backyard will get it someday.

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  3. I can see why the saucer magnolia is your favorite right now...She's a beauty. Phillip, I think your garden looks lovely~gail

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  4. I love your photos today Philip... is that soulangiana a 'rustica rubra'? It certainly is beautiful, along with everything else on your site! Larry

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  5. Gorgeous!!! Your saucer magnolia is fantastic. As are the camelias. I was traveling back-to-back for four weeks and was amazed when I took the time to walk the yard this past weekend and see the daylilies popping up, weeping willow turning green, and of course, weeds everywhere. ;-)

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  6. Philip,
    That walking stick is unbelievably beautiful! Those saucer magnolias are wow, so much colr. Of course the camellias are nice too!

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  7. The Saucer Magnolia is gorgeous. Ours is just showing those pink buds. After seeing yours I can't wait until it blooms. Spring has certainly sprung in your garden. Those camillias are so pretty to me. I wish we could grow them.

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  8. Beautiful! Everything really popped all of the sudden this year, didn't it?

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  9. Oh that magnolia is a beauty, Phillip, as are your photos of it and everything else. The weeds are going crazy here, making up for the lost growing time during the long cold winter I suppose. It is a mad effort to get that bitter cress pulled before the seeds are thrown, nearly impossible. Oh well. Harry L. is otherworldly, love those catkins. :-)
    Frances

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  10. Oh Phillip, Your photos are stunning but how could they not be! You have so many magical corners in your garden. Lovely magnolias and your walking stick is gorgeous. Beautiful light! Your shot with the bench and Camellia is a winner! Happy Gardening! Carol

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  11. Especially love the star magnolia!

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  12. Oh I so LOVE your garden! Don't worry, I know you'll get around to all those chores.

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  13. Beautiful photos! I'm so jealous because I can't grow camellias.
    Marnie

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  14. It looks like your garden is coming back to life. That saucer magnolia...is...magnificent! And, the camellias add a lot of color to a winter weary garden.

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  15. Your garden always looks magical to me!

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  16. I am glad you were able to get out and work in the garden. Lately It seems like every time I have a day off from my job, the sky pours buckets of rain — like today! Your garden is really coming alive. I agree that the saucer magnolia is magnificent.

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  17. It's sooo not fair you have so much life in your garden, and I'm still waiting. but your yard is beautiful!

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  18. Gorgeous magnolia and spring certainly seems to have made it to your garden.

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  19. Messy or not your garden is just beautiful I just love your focal points. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

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  20. Wonderful images. Your garden looks beautiful.

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  21. Phillip, I am absolutely enjoying your pictures of magnolias and camelia. So beautiful! You are a great photographer! The picture with a bench is charming!

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