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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

Gardener's Bloom Day

I'm posting a day early to Gardener's Bloom Day (where garden bloggers post photos of what is blooming in their gardens on the 15th of each month). I'm taking a break from showing roses, although you will find a few here, and posting photos of other bloomers.


Clematis "Betty Corning" was just planted last year and has a few blooms this year.


Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), tender perennial, butterfly and hummingbird magnet, likes well drained soils.


Clethra "Little Henry" - Not as large as the regular Virginia Sweetspire.


Iris "Edith Wolford" was a gift from Randy and Jamie.



I'm not sure what this iris is although I believe I've been told before. This one spreads rapidly and the deep purple color is lovely.


Iris pseudacorus - old fashioned Flag iris.




Peony "Raspberry Sundae" - yes, peonies can be grown in Alabama but they usually don't last long and rain ruins the blossoms.


Spirea "Gold Mound" and Achillea "Paprika" (yarrow)


Indigofera (Indigo Bush)
Hydrangea "Snow Queen"


A container planting of euphorbia "Diamond Frost" and Red Polka-Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)


And, more roses!


"Westerland"


"Petite Pink Scotch"




"New Dawn" growing alongside Miscanthus "Cabaret" and Hydrangea "Sike's Dwarf"



"Carefree Delight" with Purple Smoke Tree
Visit May Dreams Gardens for more garden blooms!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Oooh, I'm drooling....
    Gorgeous, gorgeous flowers, I wouldn't dare choose a favorite, but delight in the beauty of them all.
    Thanks for sharing !

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  2. Your photos are beautiful, especially the peonies and the butterfly weed. I am more than a little perplexed as my normal source for the butterfly weed has not come through, and I don't have a plan B.

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  3. It's so interesting to see flowers close up. The macro is everyone's friend. I like the new blog look!

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  4. I don't usually think of roses with Miscanthus but I like it a lot. My neighbor friend has a blank slate garden and I'll have to show her your picture.

    The peony is amazing too. I am still too afraid to plant one myself but I adore others'.

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  5. I love the clematis and all your blooms. Surprised about the 'sorbet'... what a 'dish'! She is so soft and voluptuous. As always my mind drools over your garden and photos Phillip! Superb!

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  6. All are very nice. Love the Yarrow. I have never thought to pair Diamond Frost with Hyopostes...NICE!

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  7. Phillip, it's stunning in your garden~I fell for Jerusalem Sage when I saw it in a garden at Malvern~it's on the must have list! Love the unknown iris~the color is delicious and You, know Phillip, sigh, this is a splendid post! gail

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  8. Can I come visit? Your garden is beauuuutiful! Gorgeous flowers! I am also drooling.

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  9. Betty Corning is so graceful. I love your purple iris.

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  10. The color is exploding off my screen. Thanks for this firework of blooms.

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  11. Lovely shots, I really like the one of the butterfly weed!

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  12. You have plenty of things blooming other than roses. Those roses though, just takes your breath away. They must love your climate and where they are situated.

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  13. You have a lot of depth to your garden. I have heard of Jerusalem sage but haven't seen it blooming. Now I have to add it to my list of wanted plants!Do you ever tire of having folks tell you how beautiful your garden is? You have put a lot of loving care into your garden, and it shows! About the indigofera - I started with one plant, which has now spread as a ground cover over 500 square feet in my woodland garden. Is yours a well behaved shrub? Is so, it must be a different variety!

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  14. Beautiful as always, Phillip. I love the shades of color on 'Westerland'. What a pretty rose.

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  15. Oh, are you in for it with the Clematis 'Betty Corning.' Mine's about 3 years old and it's turning into a beast, trying to form an arch over the path to reach the crabapple tree. I can only imagine the jungle-like proportions it will reach in your garden. (My 'Snow Queen' Hydrangea is about 1/3 the size of yours.) Good thing Betty is so pretty. Can you detect a scent?
    I've long admired Iris 'Edith Wolford,' it's so distinctive.

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  16. Nice Phillip. Your garden appears to be about three weeks ahead of mine. I'm gauging it by the 'Paprika' yarrow as I have it too. Love your sweet flag iris. I don't have any. Perhaps I should. :) You help me by posting pics. Give me ideas.~~Dee

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  17. Wooooo! I'm flabbergasted! I'm sure this summer your garden's gonna burst into fireworks of colors and I'm waiting to see the display!

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  18. Great pictures. I especially like the shots that include a bit of your garden fixtures like the bench and fence.

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  19. Wowie! Your garden is glorious. The mystery magenta iris is a stuner.

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