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
Happy Valentines day. It was so nice this weekend and such a welcome change. And for the rest of the week is looking good.
ReplyDeleteAnd more beautiful weather for the rest of the week here!! Actually turning off the heater in the greenhouse, yippee! I have a few small grasses, I cut them back last week.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me that I could be doing this. Happy Valentines Day.
ReplyDeleteJust finished mine in Atlanta, also taking advantage of the nice weather. The only downside is that the grasses take three trips to the greenwaste dump to get rid of them all!
ReplyDeleteA very informative post. I don't grow any of them (no room) but I was happy to learn by reading your post. I agree ornamental grasses (there are a lot of them around here) look interesting in winter.
ReplyDeleteAnyone need clumps of zebra grass? I have one that has gotten to about 3 ft in diameter and it needs dividing. After trimming it this weekend I'm going to run a middle buster through it to dig part of it up. Mary
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful weather here too, and drier too, nice for a change! I haven't cut back many of my grasses yet because the birds are still using them for cover since I still don't have many woody plants near where most of my grasses are. I am going to cut back some of my muhlies this year, which I haven't done before, because I can't comb out all of the dried leaves on the big ones.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's that time of year. DH and DD will probably burn our grasses tomorrow (DH's day off) unless it's too windy. We try to do it around Valentine's Day. It's like a spring ritual for them. Another sign that spring is on the way! :) ~~Rhonda
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip! Thanks for reminding! Need to give a haircut to my pampas grass!
ReplyDeleteHope you wore long sleeves. I always look like I got in a cat fight pruning the grasses in the yard!
ReplyDeleteGot mine cut this weekend but will go back on a few and get them shorter. Some of them were a bit monsterous!! Thanks Phillip!
ReplyDeleteIt's still a little bit early to cut back our grasses here, but it won't be long. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteOrnamental grasses are my absolute favorites because of the winter interest and the fact that they withstand my clay and poor drainage. I am just about ready to cut mine down now here in NJ.
ReplyDeleteThrilled to have found your blog and look forward to following along.