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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

Beauty in the details


Raindrops on Japanese maple

It is 70 degrees today, cloudy with the threat of rain. Stormy weather is predicted for Saturday and of course has people on edge. The tornadoes that came through a few years ago is still fresh in the memory.



There is beauty in the garden this time of year, you just have to look for it. Often, it is lurking in the small details.

The vibrant winter foliage of Viburnum "Mohawk" with Holly "O'Spring" in the background -

Camellia "Chansonette" -

Miscanthus

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. The heavy snow smashed any grasses in the garden and all else looks weather worn here. Your camillia is gorgeous. What a nice bright spot in the garden. I hope nothing more than rain comes your way. The same storm is inundating us with rain.

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  2. The raindrops on the maple are so pretty. It is hard to find the beauty in the winter garden.

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  3. It's all beautiful!!! Love gardens in the winter...that's when we see the bones

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  4. The Winter garden has it's own rewards. The gardener as well as the plants need to rest and plan for Spring. In the PNW we call 70° summer! Wouldn't trade places with you though for fear of the tornadoes: stay safe.

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  5. Your photos are spectacular.. We are expecting a blizzard tonight and unfortunately, we are committed to being out and about in it tomorrow... Could be interesting!
    Merry Christmas...Larry

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  6. Love the color on the viburnum, it's beautiful.

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  7. Hi Phillip, Stay warm and safe. Happy Holidays!

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  8. Hi Phillip, I agree with you . On the first glance there is not much going on in my garden at this time of the year, but if I really look closely I always find something that is delightful, fascinating, and utterly beautiful. Hopefully the storm isn't too bad! Wishing you and your partner a Merry Christmas!
    Christina

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  9. It's nice to know that you still have little pretty spots around in your winter garden, because they can be so hard to find!

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  10. True that! Here, it is mostly brown, but we also had ice, and that made for some pretty pictures. Thanks for sharing Phillip. Hope you guys had a Merry Christmas.~~Dee

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