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
Amazing what your eye saw that my eye missed! so much to take in at Christopher Mello's gardens...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! It's amazing to see everyone's different perspectives and photographs on the same gardens. (I haven't even edited my photos yet!) I wish we had a chance to meet in Asheville--I think I was told you are an expert on rose varieties for shade--or am I making that up? Look forward to more posts!
ReplyDelete~ Julie
You captured it beautifully! I am really looking forward to seeing everyone's take on the different gardens.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I'm sorry I missed you! I do know some roses that do well in shade. The hybrid musk roses seem to be the best for me. I have a lot of them profiled on my website at http://www.phillipoliver.net/roses.html
ReplyDeletePhillip how did they do the bottles in the smoke tree? I love that idea. I've been collecting wine bottles to use as edging along my garden paths. This looks like a great trip to make. Mary
ReplyDeleteSeaford?????? You were in Seaford??? Where did you go? Pam Harper's garden?
ReplyDeleteWe really did need to chat.
The Campanula is 'Cherry Bells' according to Daricia, A Charlotte Garden.
Great photos. We were on a different bus, so it was sunnier when we got to Christopher's garden. Love all the burgundy plants.
Hi Janet, did I meet you?? Yes, Pam Harper's garden. I've wanted to see it forever and finally got the chance. I love that woman!
ReplyDeleteMary, you know, I didn't really notice how he did that. I think that smoke tree limbs are pretty stiff so I bet he just cut them off and stuck the bottles on there.
ReplyDeleteJanet, sorry, I see that you are in S.C. now. Sorry for the confusion - we discussed earlier that we didn't get a chance to meet.
ReplyDeleteThat is ok, so many names and faces, hard to keep it all straight. Yes, Pam's garden is wonderful and she is a delight. You were about a half mile from my old house.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos Phillip! Your capture of the circle of shovels came out so much better than mine. I love your vision.
ReplyDeleteOh wow!
ReplyDeletei really loved this garden and your photos of it are beautiful! i asked christopher about the campanula as everyone was walking to the bus...i have 'cherry bells' in my garden and thought it looked the same. he said, "you know, i think that's it!. tell the others that, if they want to know." so, there you have it. (species is C. punctata.)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this garden very much because I love dark purples. Love how you photographed it too. It was great to finally meet in person. Waving to you both.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteWell and beautifully documented, Phillip. Christopher Mello's garden is one of my favorite spots in West Asheville, along with Wamboldtopia. Such talented and creative gardener/artists!
ReplyDeleteFrances
Hi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely delightful. I Love this kind of garden...sort of a 'wild child'. Beautiful!!
Am looking forward to seeing more of the gardens you & Michael visited.
gerri XXXX
Fun to see the artistic interpretations of gardeners. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these wonderful pictures and your account of your experience of the first garden from the Fling! I missed this year and I've been feeling starved for pictures!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you identified those Cherry Bells. I want to try that plant in my garden. I saw it in several gardens but no one was around that could tell me what they were. Christopher's garden was a treasure. I especially liked Shovelhenge.
ReplyDeleteSo striking! I'm putting a mention of this post on my blog--including a photo. I hope that's OK. Citing attribution of course. Let me know if you want me to change it.
ReplyDelete