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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

Shakespeare Garden (at the Portland Rose Test Garden)



Near the bottom of the hill and off to the side of the Portland International Rose Test Garden is the Shakespeare Garden. There is a bust of Shakespeare under the archway in the above photo and I forgot to get a close-up of it. This charming little garden is filled with plants that appear in Shakepeare's works (ferns, hosta, hydrangea, boxwood, banana trees, fuchsias, calla lilies, etc.). Small weddings are often held here and it is easy to see why.

Notice the crow. There are crows all over Portland. I was bullied by one in the neighborhood where we stayed but that is another story.


Those shrub-sized fuchsias again!
 

 
 


 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. As always lovely photos. The hostas are glorious. I wish I could get mine to grow that big. We do need to hear the story of the crow! Enjoy the rest of your week. Blessings!

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  2. Such a beautiful garden!!. Love the hosta and ferns. I don't think I have seen a list of plants for a Shakespeare garden, so glad you included it..

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  3. Yeah, I can see why people were saying you would not want to leave... gorgeous garden!

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  4. Once again, it is all pretty. The banana tree looks a bit out of place to me but the crow looks right at home.

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  5. Photo 3 is my favorite, such a beautiful garden. Jeannine

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  6. Wait, we have more crows than other places? And one bullied you? Very interesting...

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  7. Beautiful photos. It looks like a lovely place to visit. I love the contrasting foliage between the ferns and the hosta.

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  8. Awwww These images make me want to be in COOL Oregon and out of HOT Texas!!!

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  9. It's so true, I don't know why the crows around here are so aggressive, the ones in our neighborhood are ridiculous! I've always been confused why there are bananas in that garden...they seem to incongruous with the "Shakespeare" theme.

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  10. Wow it's beautiful! One day I hope to travel the the pacific northwest I hear and see it is supposed to be a gardener's mecca! I can see why!

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