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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

White Christmas



Well, who would have thunk it? Those silly weather people, who usually get us all in a tizz over nothing, were actually right this time. We woke up to a beautiful white Christmas. They say that 1989 was the last time it happened.

I have not ventured out yet. I took these photos from the windows. Outside the breakfast room window (a tiny room that was once a back porch) is where I have most of the bird feeders during the winter. Michael got me some new ones for Christmas this year so I will have to get them out next week. And speaking of feeding the birds, what is up with the huge price hikes on bird seed???





From the bedroom window -



Merry Christmas!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Very pretty. At least it is a managable snow, one you can get around in. A white Christmas is always a bit magical! Merry Christmas...came by for the chocolate banana bread and may stay.

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  3. Wow, now I am jealous. A white Christmas. All you needed was Bing and the crowd throwing open the doors of the lodge to make it complete...

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  4. Your white Christmas looks beautiful, Phillip - what a nice view! We had nearly an inch of rain yesterday which was a very good Christmas present for dry Austin.

    I heard the birdseed price rise has something to do with the drought in Russia and increasing speculation in the seed/grain market - no doubt spoiling the birdwatching fun for a lot of people.

    Hope 2011 is good to you & yours!

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  5. We're getting snow now (in NC). Beautiful.

    It looks like your dwarf mondo grass has completely filled in the area where you planted it a year or two ago. I'm envious. Mine is still creeping. What's your secret? Do you fertilize?

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  6. How's that for Christmas magic?! Beautiful photos. The cost of bird seed is insane! The more we buy the more it will go up.....geez.

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  7. Just enough snow to make everything beautiful and sparkling.
    Merry Christmas.

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  8. We had our first white christmas since 2004. It was so pretty. Your garden looks beautiful with a coating of sugar. I hope you and Michael had the Merriest Christmas.

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  9. Atlanta got it a couple of hours after you, but it's still snowing "to beat the band" at 9:30 PM...it's an extra treat that people have Sunday to enjoy it, as well! Have a magical remainder of the holiday!

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  10. What??!! I didn't get nearly as much "frosting" as y'all did...and I'm further north. What gives? Beautiful pics. Makes the barren gardenscape a place of enchantment huh?

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  11. Snow is pretty, especially if you don't get it all winter! :-)

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  12. Drop by and see our 20 or so snowflakes we received today....

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  13. Joyous Christmas Phillip! Your gardens are so lovely dressed in white! Beautiful! We are finally getting some snow here too.

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  14. Phillip,

    Looks like you got a very heavy dusting at least. I was thinking birdseed was cheap this year? I picked up 20# of black oiled sunflower seed for $8 at Southern States just before Christmas.ies

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  15. The snow has certainly hit the south this year, Phillip. It looks so nice in your garden, too. I noticed you (like me) allow your plants to remain uncut to provide winter interest. Not only is this aesthetically beautiful, might it also provide extra food for your avian friends? I haven't been keeping up with the price of birdseed as this year, my husband has continued to keep us stocked up. I think he has developed my addiction;-)

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  16. It was still dark when Mom & I left Tuscumbia Christmas morning for Callaway Gardens. We received snow that night while riding through the garden lights on the open trolley. Today things still white today. We wimped out & did the drive through tonight. Will post some of the pictures on my blog when we get back.

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  17. I only feed black oil sunflower seeds. I buy it by the 50lb bags at the Coop.

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  18. I hope your Christmas was wonderful Phillip~Happy New Year to you and Michael, xxgail ps The snow was a sweet surprise~just enough and no more. gail

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  19. Very pretty! We just had flurries for Christmas but a frosty world Sunday.

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  20. Jill, thanks for visiting!

    Annie, I had not heard that before. I hope Russia gets more rain this year!

    C.C., actually it hasn't filled in that thickly. I guess the snow makes it look that way.

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  21. Phillip, Great photos of your garden in white! What a joy to have a Christmas snow in Alabama. We were in Nashville and enjoyed an inch or two there. Happy New Year!

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