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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

More Japanese Maples

It seems I was a bit premature on my post about Japanese maples a few weeks ago. The "Boskoop Glory" was outrageously beautiful then but now all of its leaves have fallen. In the meantime, the "Bloodgood" that was rather drab next to it, has suddenly intensified.



 
In the back, next to the garage, is one of the most beautifully colored Japanese Maples and I don't know the name of it. It also sits next to a "Bloodgood" variety. The brilliant yellow and orange leaves next to the crimson of the "Bloodgood" is what I'm guessing must be like a religious experience!

The Japanese Maples have never disappointed me with their fall color. You keep thinking that the color isn't going to be spectacular but you just have to be patient. It will come!

Happy Thanksgiving!



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I thought the same thing Phillip and then surprise it was gorgeous. Your photos make me Autumn happy! Have a delightful holiday. gail

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  2. Phillip,
    They are just gorgeous. The two I planted in the front yard are suppose to get 20 feet. One is 'Atropurpureum' and I'm not sure of the other. Each year they struggle thru the summer and I wonder will they live. This is the third year so they should take off I hope. My 'Virdis' turned orange this year for the very first time!

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  3. On the other coast, we too thought there would be little color this year, but patience is rewarded! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  4. They look beautiful Phillip - both colour and the trunk form of the bloodgood.

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  5. There is really nothing quite like them for that amazingly intense color during autumn...I totally look forward to them every year.

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  6. Phillip, those colors are just lovely! We haven't got a leaf left, well, maybe one or two. Enjoy the beauty around you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  7. Hi Phillip, Beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  8. Are Japanese maples ever ugly?

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  9. Hi Phillip, I can only echo what you said in your post: Your Japanese maples are spectacular! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
    Christina

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  10. Oh Phillip, they are lovely. You know what a weakness I have for Japanese maples. Alas, all of mine have now lost their leaves. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.~~Dee

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  11. I have several varieties of Japanese Maples. One at the end of the driveway I dug up as a seedling that came up under a large one at my old house. Which I knew the variety. I have 3 young Bloodgood's I purchased on close out this year. One is still full with leaves. I think they are going to be nice when they get established.

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  12. Jap maples live up to their billing as beautiful all season especially during the fall. Your images are da bomb are very much appreciated by me.

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  13. Oh, Phillip, how I would love to have a Japanese maple. I remember them from my previous life up north, but apparently they can't tolerate our heat. I wonder if one would enjoy life as an understory tree in a vacant spot under my oaks in total shade. How I wish...

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  14. Oh my, I'm so jealous of all that color. I do have 'Bloodgood' and count on it being the last one to show some great color. It's looking good now. I remember when you put that gravel down around the maple. I think it looks great now!

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  15. Fabulous!!! My favorite season to garden, not many bugs, sun on my back not beating down on my head, weeds are slower growing.....

    Are you going to be on tour this spring? would love advanced notice so I could make arrangements.

    xoxox

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  16. So so so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving!

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