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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

The Layered Garden - a book review and give-away

The number "3" is the lucky winner and that would be Lisa Blair. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Brandywine Cottage is a 2-acre garden in Downington, Pennsylvania created by David Culp and Michael Alderfer. Culp shows how they planned and created this lovely garden by combing their obsessive love of plants in design combinations that provide a succession of peak garden moments throughout the year in their Zone 6 garden.

Situated at the base of a hillside where 20 houses were to be built above his, Culp first planned for privacy and planted a screen of evergreens. This was followed by a series of garden rooms that includes a rose garden, vegetable garden, perennial borders, a driveway gravel garden, a winter garden, hillside garden and a "jewel box" that provides visual interest right outside the front windows.

Culp shares his childhood memories of plants and his grandmother who influenced him and he enthusiastically writes about the plants that he is passionate about. Hellebores are one and he offers tip on how to grow and breed them. Culp is also obsessed with Galanthus (snowdrops) and he grows over 100 different cultivars including one that he successfully propagated and now bears his name. 

The Rose Garden
A chapter on signature plants includes a section for each season and profiles some of Culp's favorites, such as narcissus, iris, lilies, roses, peonies, alliums and hydrangeas. Tips on gardening practicalities, such as dealing with deer, managing weeds,  and using containers, are also included. Culp wraps up with a recommendation of favorite gardening books and his thoughts on beauty in the garden.

The North Border

The book is generously illustrated with photographs taken over a 2 year period by Rob Cardillo.

If you need some gardening inspiration for 2013, this book will do it!


This contest has ended.

Disclosure: Timber Press sent me a free review copy of this book. I read and reviewed it at my own discretion and without any compensation.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Whooo hooo what a beautiful book. I would love to have it. I would love to visit that garden too. It seems like I have heard about it someplace. I see on your sidebar that it is 52 at your place. Wow that sounds like spring. We are to have warmer temps this weekend. I can't hardly wait for the snow to melt.

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  2. What a fabulous book. Please put me in. I would love to read it, and if I don't win I may have to just buy it!

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  3. Exciting! Looks like a beautiful book. I'd love to win a copy.

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  4. That sounds wonderful! And just the thing we need, since our garden tends to flourish early and peter out in August.

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  5. Please count me in...the book looks beautiful.

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  6. Hi Phillip, Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  7. Yes, I'd love to win this gorgeous book. Thanks, Phillip!

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  8. Hi Philip, nice book review! The photos are gorgeous and the content sounds very interesting. Certainly would love to win a copy :-), please put me in for the drawing!
    Christina

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  9. crossing my fingers...and toes

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  10. Hi Philip... I have the book and am enjoying it ... particularly the photography from which I am garnering inspiration! I noted in the comments section of my blog that I already do a fair amount of what the book recommends, but feel the need to do more after considering the photos and commentary within the book. Larry

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  11. those photos are spectacular! I am going to cross my fingers and hope I luck out! So nice of you to share this book.

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  12. This looks like such a great book... I need it! Maybe I'll get lucky...

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  13. Beautiful gardens! I love the blue/purple color theme of the North Border.

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  14. beautiful and inspiring photos. Looks like a winner.

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  15. I loved layered gardening! Thanks for sharing the inspiration.

    Keep inspiring us!

    JaymeB EntwinedLife

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  16. Phillip,
    Thanks for the offer! BTW, you will have a great 2013, in spite of your phobia to 13. It is 2013, not 13, remember? Just like it is 26, not 2 x 13 (He, he).

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  17. I love the North Border picture! Looks like a great book.

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  18. Thanks for the opportunity! Please sign me up! I have been wanting this book for some time, and can always use more inspiration!

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  19. Hi, Phillip - what gorgeous pics! The North garden, backed by the trees looks like my dream garden. Would love to win the book, but as Deb said, I'll probably buy it!

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  20. What a beautiful book! I would love to own one...or win one. Sounds like a book full of inspiration.

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  21. Those pictures are amazing and the garden isn't too far from my own.

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  22. I have some gardening issues that this book may help solve. I'd love to win this book. Thanks for the review. I enjoyed reading this on a rainy winter day.

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  23. Throw me in the pot! I'd love that book! :o)

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  24. This looks like a beautiful book. I hope to win!!

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  25. Would love a chance to win! Such lush gardens, I especially love the blue and purple combination!

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  26. Looks lovely - thanks for doing the giveaway.

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  27. Can you believe it Phillip! I just ordered this book for my 2013 library! If I winit will make a great gift for one of my gardening friends. Hope your having a wonderful winter. There are daffodils in bloom down my road!

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  28. Sorry about all the typos in my previous comment, Phillip! Sometimes the i pad refuses to cooporate!!! :-)

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  29. Ooo...what lusciousness. Hope I win and thank you for such a generous give-away.

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  30. I'll enter just to get a photo of the North Border. I love those colors together.

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  31. Oh my, if the photos inside the book are as lovely as the few you've shown, I'll read it just for that!

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