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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

Open Garden



Our garden will be open the next two weekends - May 8-9 and May 15-16 from 9-5.

The roses are just beginning and I think more will be blooming the second weekend but who knows what the weather will do. This weekend is supposed to be sunny with lower temperatures in the 70s.

If you need directions, just drop me an e-mail.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Wish I could drive that far to visit! I'd love to see your garden. Hope you have a great time with the open garden.

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  2. These next two weekends are bad for me, but I'm going to come knocking on your door one day. Don't worry, I'll bring cake and booze....

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  3. I usually am in Florence going to yard sales with my sister and sister in law. I have been wanting to bring my sister by to see your garden. We will likely come early afternoon on Saturday. Can't wait to see your garden again.

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  4. Good Luck with your open garden days. If I could fly from Aus I would.

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  5. Wish I could just drop by and visitk Phillip but t's not in the cards this year. Your garden looks fantastic.

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  6. I just googled the distance, just for the heck of it, and if that Georgia wasn't in the way, you'd be really close.

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  7. I would love to visit but I don't have my passport yet and I'm feeling a little driven out over the past few days. :) At least I can see it through the photos!

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  8. May the 4th was Star Wars Day but no one had transporters for sale, Phillip- if they were available I would be able to get to your garden for the open days!

    Bet there will be many happy visitors who will fall in love with what you've created.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  9. I too, would love to stroll your gardens...Have Fun!

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  10. There will be some very happy Mothers this weekend when their children takes them for a tour of your garden. This path is so inviting with those big roses abloom.

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  11. Good morning, Phillip. Your garden looks perfect. I wish I lived close enough to come by for a visit.

    Hope the weather cooperates.
    Marnie

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  12. Phillip - weekends aren't good for me, because i'm rarely in the Shoals area. However, since I work in Muscle Shoals on M-F, i'd like to drop by one evening after work. You think that might be possible? Drop me an email at engineeredgarden@att.net and we'll discuss the details.

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  13. Wish I could be there but there's a small issue of 4,500 miles. I'm happy to 'make do' with the photographs. Hope it goes well.

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  14. I'd love to visit your garden and will be coming from Tupelo. Can you send me directions? zbths68@yahoo.com. Thanks!

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  15. Fabulous blog!
    How far from Atlanta are you?

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  16. I hope everything goes well for your open garden days. Your garden looks spectacular. I know everyone will enjoy the tour! We really are entering summer, aren't we? Everything here is turning deep green. My spring flowers are gone.

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  17. It would be such a treat to walk into your fabulous garden! Lucky folks. I hope you will take pictures... guess that will be hard though ... while you are hosting. How about a walkabout? Is this a fundraiser of some kind? Hope the weather forecast is correct for you Phillip.

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  18. I envy the lucky ones who can visit your garden. Good luck, Phillip!
    How how I wish I could disapparate and apparate there!

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  19. Its looking magnificent Phillip! Out of curiosity, is yours a warm or cool climate? (I'm afraid I've never made it to Alabama) From this photo it looks like cool plantings, but your other friends' garden in your previous post make it look almost tropical. Its spectacular anyway - best of luck with your open garden!

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  20. Ah, Phillip, I had to show that photo to my husband. He loved your garden too. Wish I were near, I would love to come and see your beautiful place in person.~~Dee

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  21. I wish I also was closer. I'd love to walk through your garden!

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