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
Beautiful landscaping here. My bouganvillia (sp) comes back every year but doesn't produce the colored bracts?? I wonder if the owner of that business is a gardener? If I spent more time at a business I owned instead of at home, I'd have flowers around me.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the rest of your posts. I have never been to Ca., but have always wanted to. As a gardener I am envious what a little water will grow in their varied climates.
ReplyDelete(my only ever plane mishap also happened in Atlanta)
I am a big Jennifer Jones fan too Phillip. I look forward to your other posts. It has been too many years since I visited CA. and never LA. Lovely photos of exotic blooms and trees. ;>)
ReplyDeleteWe recently went back east to visit family and there is no way around it being an all day affair to go from one coast to another.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though you found lots of enjoyment thus far. Wonderful climate in that area, but the ever increasing traffic now keeps us from driving south.
Next time perhaps you can head north a bit to our neck of the woods. ;)
PS: thank you for providing such a wonderful opportunity to win the book
I won't tell you what I said when I Saw those bougainvillea behemoths, but you know me, so you can probably guess that there was cursing involved. Wow O_O
ReplyDeleteYou guys had to drive in LA rush hour? I'm just glad you survived! lol
Can't wait to see the rest of your posts!!
Sounds like a wonderful trip. I look forward to hearing more about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun visiting areas very different from where we live... esp. in finding new plants! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful, look at that sky, please send me some Californian sunshine it's turned chilly here!
ReplyDeleteThose Pasadena roses are amazing!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great last minute trip! LA is not a favorite city of mine, but Santa Monica and Santa Barbara are both incredible in completely different ways. I have always found something magical about Chateau Marmont....lots of ghosts...
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the waits and "issues" in Atlanta (and other airports) are getting worse rather than better. The government is penalizing the airlines for holding people on the tarmac for more than a limited time period, so now the airlines are canceling lots of flights at the last minute rather than paying the fines (at least that's what the flight attendant told me.....) Can't wait to see your Hollywood photos!
It does feel other worldly out there to me. The landscaping you saw is gorgeous. I can't wait to read/see more of your impressions.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow! who knew you would go to sunny California and hit an iceberg!!!! Great pictures. Must be nice to have such beautiful weather year round....
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