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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

Gardens on tour

This is a reminder that the Garden Tour is this weekend. The hours are Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased at any of the gardens on the tour. Once you purchase a ticket at your first garden, you are good to go and your ticket is good for the remainder of the tour.

Also, the State Master Gardener conference is set for Monday-Wednesday, April 15-17. You do not have to be a Master Gardener to attend. Speakers include James Farmer, Erica Glasener, Walter Reeves, Troy Marden, Hayes Jackson, Cindy Shapton, Don Shadow, Dan Spaulding and David Tomlin. Visit the website for more details on the conference.

For the garden tour, in addition to our garden, there are eight other gardens that will be open. I have photographed and written about many of these gardens for Alabama Gardener magazine. They include:


Margie Anderton

Irene Fowler
Tommy Mathis


Dee Hubbert
For a list of all the gardens as well as directions, see my earlier post.

 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. OOOoooohhhhhhh. I wish I could attend. Everywhere looks so beautiful and inviting. PLEASE give us a virtual tour as soon as possible.

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  2. What gorgeous gardens! I too wish that I could attend but, alas, a weekend trip across the country doesn't seem to be in the cards. Looking forward to visiting vicariously though you!

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  3. Hope all goes well and the weather is in your favor! Carol

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  4. Some amazing gardens on your tour... wish we were closer! Larry

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  5. That picture of Irene Fowler's garden is incredible.

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  6. I 2nd Lisa at Greenbow's comment..... magnificent The Gardener looks forward to your post on the tour ☼

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  7. Wish I lived closer too. What an diverse group of excellent gardens. Hope you have a great turn out.

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  8. Sweetbay, Irene's garden is wonderful. If you'd like to see more photos of it, see my earlier post - http://phillipoliver.blogspot.com/2010/11/alabama-gardener-cover-story.html

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