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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

8 inches of the white stuff



It started snowing last night around 8:30 and the ground was covered in a matter of minutes. We stayed up until almost 11:30, walking around to window to window looking out at it. The glow from the street lights and the reflections were so pretty. It was still snowing heavily when we went to bed and I don't know when it stopped. We measured 8" this morning.

A shot of the street in front of our house -











Michael by the front gate -




Harry Lauder's Walking Stick is so pretty in the snow -




The garden wall -




The chandelier -



The pergola -




It is interesting how high the snow piled up on objects -





Enjoy it while it lasts!




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. WOW, Phillip! You got more snow in 'bama than we do here in Chicago. I know its a big event down there. I didn't see snow until I was 10.

    Photos of the snow-covered garden are awesome. As you said , enjoy it while you can for it'll soon be just a memory.

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  2. Hi Phillip, Wow all that snow is pretty! But I just like to see it from here instead. You guys took some great pics and I luv seeing your vistiors to the garden. We dont have cardinals here wher we live. But there is a park an hour from where we live where a collector of birds lived during the 1920s. When his property caught on fire he had released his collection into the wild. So to this day you can see the offspring of Cardinals around that area along with wild parrots of different kinds. Thanks for sharing................Julian

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  3. Beautiful...it really looks like a postcard...how awesome! They are threatening us with snow this week, but I don't hold out much hope...enjoy yours while it lasts!

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  4. Awesome photography! It truly is a treat to have this kind of snow in our neck of the woods isn't it? Enjoy!

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  5. It's beautiful! We didn't get as much as you but more coming tonight.

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  6. Oh Phillip is so pretty. That's a lot for you guys. I'm sure everything closed down up that way. Stay warm.

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  7. What a winterwonderland! You captured the Cardinals just beautifully too. It's 41 here and misting, we are crossing our fingers for a little of the white stuff.

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  8. Absolutely gorgeous...what beautiful photos! Love the cardinal in particular. :)

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  9. All right, now I MUST have the Walking Stick! Beautiful photos.

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  10. You trees are just beautiful dressed in snow. Great photos!

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  11. Ole Man Winter is being very generous with his snow down your way. It sure gives the garden a different look. I am glad you and Michael can enjoy it.

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  12. Really beautiful Phillip! It's so funny to me that I've seen SO many photos with rulers today!! Being from northern NY I have to enjoy it! Northerners just look out the window and say "yeah, there's 3 feet out there today".

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  13. Your snow is so pretty! We received only a layer of ice, treacherous and enough to shut everything down and close the roads, but nothing fun or photogenic at all! Not even icicles hanging from trees, which I had hoped for, at least.

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  14. Oooh, Garden envy! I didn't measure here, but I'm sure the same. I hear to the south in Russellville it's 10 inches.

    Your pics are so ab fab. I hope you'll do a book one day...

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  15. I can't believe how much snow you got! It does make everything look so beautiful! Great to see you two out enjoying the snow.

    Stay warm!

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  16. Love that shot of the cardinal! Snow like this transforms everything, doesn't it? It's really is a wonderland! We have snow mixed with sleet falling at the moment with a prediction of a dangerous accumulation of ice.

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  17. That is a lot of snow! It does look pretty on the walking stick. Just some flurries here.

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  18. A winter wonderland in the South! You Walking Stick is terrific in the snow. Really lovely photographs!

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  19. Being from NJ it is amazing to see so much snow where I've pictured to be a much warmer place in winter than us up here! Loved the pictures of your snowed trees; this season, to me, is when one can truly appreciate the "bones" of a good garden, your garden shows "excellent bones" and your pictures are a delight and an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

    Maria
    Plainfield, NJ

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  20. We got about that much snow a couple weeks ago, now we're looking at freezing rain. I'd prefer the snow! Your garden looks fantastic with its white blanket. Love the shot of the cardinal, that could be a Christmas card.

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  21. Phillip,

    Looks as if you have moved to Switzerland to me. Awesome photos man!

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  22. Beautiful. Is this a lot of snow for you?

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  23. Great photos! You are lucky to get the white stuff. I got only sleet & freezing rain. Garden looks fabulous with that dusting.

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  24. Your world looks like a winter wonderland Phillip. Your garden looks great with all the trees etched in white. We only have about three inches here! I hope all of your plants will be OK. Lovely photos!

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  25. For me, a good snowfall is the only good thing about winter, assuming it's not too disruptive.

    Those clipped hedges/boules by the gate look like iced plum puddings.

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  26. Phillip, How beautiful. As I was looking through your post I was saying, "I wonder if Phillip has a shot of red/" and there Michael is looking brilliant against the snow...Be safe out there and have fun. gail

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  27. Hey Phillip, The house looks great in the snow. I have been snowed in for two days now myself. I am going to try to get to work today. The roads are now clear out here in Central. Michael looks real cute in his red coat. Give him a big kiss and hug from me. I hope all is well with you both. Miss ya'll. Take care, Becky Parker Reding.

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  28. Great shots, Phillip. Your house and garden looks beautiful in the snow. Love the shots of the birds in the bird feeder, too. I haven't shot any snow photos this year---you're putting me to shame! ;-)

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