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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

The late July garden

There is not much to report as far as blooms are concerned but due to some generous rainfalls during the past week, the garden is green and not as tired looking as it normally is this time of year. The heat and humidity, coupled with drought, is not a pretty picture. Of course, things would look better if I were out weeding, but this time of year I'm doing good to just get out and take photos.



























Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. It was very nice to see such great photos of your garden beds and paths. It looks great to me.

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  2. Hi Phillip, your garden looks pretty darn good no matter what the time of year.

    I like the way you have those concrete blocks arranged under the arbor. Very interesting effect, I may try that myself.

    I like the way the paths wind thru the property. The birdhouses or dove cotes add interest too.
    Marnie

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  3. Gorgeous! The rain this weekend was much welcomed and now everything looks great! Now if the heat would subside just a little bit!

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  4. Phillip you have something interesting at every turn.

    Love the structures, your pergola is a gem.

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  5. I don't remember seeing your dry stack stone wall before. Was it hard to do? I love working with stone and would like to do something like that ...

    I was also wondering how your dwarf mondo grass is doing (that you planted last year, I think). Mine - that I planted in 2007 - seemed to be doing well until this year when growth has stopped.

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  6. C.C., that is actually a raised patio and it was built by a landscaping company, one of the few projects we didn't do ourselves.

    The grass is doing great. It hasn't spread much yet but it is living.

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  7. All of your paths look so inviting Phillip. It would be such a delight to be able to stroll through your garden and take in all the beautiful plants and vingettes.

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  8. It all looks lovely and lush - its easy to forget how hot it has been when looking at your photos.

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  9. Your garden may not be full of blooms right now, but without the distraction of flowers it is easy to see all the great structure and bones of your well designed garden.

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  10. I love your garden. Whenever I see photos of it I feel re-inspired to get busy on mine!

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  11. Regardless of what you see, I see beauty with every photo.

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  12. We have had some decent rain here in the Birmingham area over the last few days as well and believe me, I am with you on this heat and outside chores.

    Beautiful photos. What is the tree on the right side of the eighth photo?

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  13. I love how your garden has so much character. It looks like an old soul, rather than a new garden. Enchanting!

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  14. i wish i could have walkd through this beautifull garden ha ha ha ...

    regards

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  15. Phillip your gardens are spectacular. I love the pathways you've created. The shade gardens look so full.

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  16. What do you mean? The garden looks fantastic!

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  17. It just goes to show... a well designed and conceived garden looks great in all seasons and stands up to much of what mother nature can throw at it! Larry

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  18. Your garden still looks beautiful. It is very colorful and wonderfully structured. I'm afraid mine is mostly green. Like you, I am very thankful for the rain, though it does feel like a jungle out there, and the weeds are growing about two feet a day — so it looks like one too!

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  19. Your garden is looking green and lovely. Unlike our garden, which is turning brown from the relentless 90degree weather. We would love rain!

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  20. Your garden is gorgeous despite the challenges. We too are suffering from heat and humidity. Finally it is raining today.

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  21. Wow! Just wow. I am a wee bit (okay, a lot) jealous. Glad to have found your blog.

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  22. Wow your garden is breath taking! I am so jealous!

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