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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

June is for Hydrangeas

Hydrangea "Mlle. Emile Mouillere"
Madame Emile Mouillere

I'm interrupting my Portland vacation tour with photos from my own garden. The hydrangeas are just spectacular this year. I'm sure the regular rainfall we've been getting has helped. I'm so happy we are having a "wet" year instead of a dry one. And I'm hoping by saying that I haven't jinxed it!

When I think of June, I think of hydrangeas. Well, first I think of heat and humidity but then I think of hydrangeas. :)


Hydrangea "Bluebird"
Bluebird (one of my favorite lacecaps)


Hydrangea "Tokyo Delight"
Toyko Delight
Hydrangea "Twist N Shout"
Twist n' Shout
Hydrangea "Fasan"
Fasan (The Pheasant)
Hydrangea "Fuji Waterfall"
Fuji Waterfall
Hydrangea "Woodlander"
Woodlander
Hydrangea "Lemon Wave"
Lemon Wave
Hydrangea "Charm"
Charm
Hydrangea "Invincebelle Spirit"
Invincibelle Spirit
Hydrangea "Sister Therese"
Sister Therese
Hydrangea "Twist N Shout"
Twist n' Shout

Glory

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. You do have a plethora of gorgeous hydrangeas. We have been having a wet spring too. I am loving it. So is the garden because everything is growing by leaps and bounds and blooms have been bountiful. Happy first day of summer.

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  2. Those blooms look lovely! Missing blogging!

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  3. Oh these are so beautiful. My next summer's goal is to clean out the last old flowerbed and put some of these in. I really like the Sister Therese, the white one. She is pretty. What do you do to help them keep their color?

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  4. I love lacecaps too, but aside from my highbush cranberry (viburnam) I don't have any. I do have Mothlight, Lime Light, Pinky Winkty and a native oakleaf hydrangea. The last three are part of my lawn reduction plan, but it will be a while before they are really pulling there weight.

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  5. I absolutely adore Hydrangeas...wish I had room for one...especially the lacecaps...they are my fave :-)

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  6. Absolutely beautiful! Love 'Bluebird' and 'Tokoyo Delight'. I have a weak spot for Lacecaps. Many of my hydrangeas are blooming now too....hoping this nice weather last for a while. As always, your photos are outstanding.

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  7. I can't get over how many hydrangeas you have! I have one, Endless Summer and it is indeed gorgeous with blooms this year. So far, we are having a wet summer too, which is very welcome over the last few dry ones.

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  8. Now that's what I call a hydrangea collection! How old are the oldest?
    -Ray

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  9. I so love all of your hydrangeas Phillip. I have two blue almost purple lace caps, a couple limelight, and a bunch of endless summer. So wonderful to cut and bring into the house for arrangements.

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  10. Ray, I'm guessing that the oldest are 10 years or older. I planted a large number in the beginning and have been adding others over the years.

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  11. Gorgeous Phillip! I especially love the Fugi Waterfall. Speaking of which, I hope you continue to have a wet summer. Are you in Portland, Oregon or Portland, NH ?I am guessing Oregon.

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  12. Carol, I am back at home in Florence, Alabama. :)

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  13. I feel like I jinxed it by saying the same thing, Phillip, maybe we'll cancel each other out. I LOVE Charm. And you are making me feel better about how many hydrangeas I'm growing, I'm up to 4 shrubs now. Love your lacecaps too.

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  14. Too often someone will mention a flower and I'll think, "aww, I don't like it much." And it is almost always because I've only seen one or two varieties. That was the case with Hydrangeas. With these photos, I've changed my mind!

    If the end of June marks the end of the rain, you didn't jinx it. Too often our "wet years" only last until the end of June. Then we get all those wonderful sunshine filled days - dry with temps of 100+ for a couple of months.

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  15. Hydrangeas are workhorses in the garden. They produce sumptuous petals of color to add beauty to your garden. Most species of hydrangeas can be grown in either full sun or partial shade. They are resistant to most insects and diseases. They can be grown in a wide range of soil but prefer a rich, moist soil and should be planted where watering will not be a problem.

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  16. Well Phillip...I've decided I need more Hydrangeas!! You really know how to show them off! Beautiful!

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  17. Whenever I start to lose my love for gardeing I need only look at your blog to become inspired all over again. :0)

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