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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

Another snow day




I can't recall a winter with this much snow. Last night we got another inch or two and the roads are very icy this morning. Michael called within five minutes after leaving for his salon and said that he slid really badly and almost hit another car when he pulled off of our street onto Dr.Hicks Blvd. UNA had initially planned to open at 9:30 but after reviewing the road conditions they decided to stay closed all day.


I just went outside to take these photos and to fill the birdfeeders. The birds were out in full force this morning. There were several red-winged blackbirds and another huge group of black birds that I didn't recognize. We rarely see them at the feeders. 




The sun is out but it is very cold outside. My fingers felt like they were getting frostbit while I was out there. I'm glad to be back inside.


But look at these little daffodils coming up. A sign that spring is surely on the way!




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I am so glad I found your blog! Your pictures of snow are lovely, I miss snow... I read your rose post on the sidebar, and how great to meet another rosarian! Your rose collection is beautiful and unusual. I have a few of the same roses, Buff Beauty and Lyda (such wonderful fragrance!).

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  2. What a winter~I feel like a broken record, but it sure has been a winter we won't forget! Gorgeous shots Phillip~Love the structure and bones in your garden...They do show fantastically in the snow. gail

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  3. Beautiful!!! It's almost like you garden the rest of the year with snow in mind for winter! :)

    More pictures please!

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  4. Is there anything better in the world than a Snow Day!

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  5. Well our school was set to open 2 hours late but I knew this mess wasn't thawing with temps in the 20s all day. Glen tested the roads and advised me to stay put..so I called in. I hope this is the last one. They are forecasting more normal weather for us next week. 50s & 60s. That's more my speed.

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  6. Way to much snow going on in this country right now....your photos are beautiful...go bake something I guess, lol.

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  7. It has certainly been a winter to remember. It is pretty to look at though of course from indoors. The 7 day forecast for us here on the coast is sun and warming into the mid and upper 60's next week.

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  8. Does your statue lady in the first photo have a veil on?

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  9. Are those snow-puffballs in the lower left corner dried hydrangea heads, Phillip? Your garden looks beautiful and serene with enough snow to be pretty but not so much as to look dangerous ;-]

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  10. Hi Masha, welcome!

    Darla, she is wearing a plastic bag! lol

    Annie, those are indeed hydrangea heads.

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  11. I got 3 inches at my house. It was dark when I left for work. I couldn't get over the number of vehicles going off the road at the cotton flats south of Tuscumbia. The million dollar de-icer on ONeal Bridge didn't work again. I think the only time it's worked is the hot summer day they tested it. I had my camera with me to take pictures in Tuscumbia on the way home. It was all gone. I have daffodils with blooms ready to open. Can't wait. May have good working weather next week. Mary

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  12. That ice and snow is treacherous. Be careful out there.

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  13. Oh daffodils! I'm so happy to see that. I need to rush out to the cabine and see if mine are up. How exciting! Spring, Spring, Spring!

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  14. We had the same post title yesterday Phillip!! hahaha! And yes it was! Ok we're done with it now...think SPRING!!

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  15. Phillip, your garden site is a treasure. Are you writing your own encyclopedia of roses? I am glad to have met someone who knows so much about roses.

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  16. We are "enjoying" the same winter here as well.

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  17. Your garden with its thin veil of snow looks beautiful.

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  18. Your place is enchanting. The house, the landscape (even under snow), the wall...absolutely great taste and execution and I can't wait to tune in again.

    Sending warm wishes your way,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  19. The snow is a hassle, but it sure makes for beautiful photographs! Your property looks like something out of a movie. So peaceful.

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  20. It looks gorgeous, but then I am where it hasn't snowed all winter. I know so many people that are sick of the snow, cold, ice, and slippery streets. Thank goodness Michael was unhurt. I just keep thinking of the daffodils, a sure sign all this cold will be leaving us.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  21. Phillip, we are sending warmer temperatures east. :) Even though they are of snow, lovely photos!
    Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.

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