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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

December garden

n34 n1 n28 n23 n26 n31 n10 n9 n29 n3 n27 n30 n33 n25 n16 n11 n15 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Yes, I can see December and the coming of winter in your garden. Beautiful photos! I loved the one with the bird in the fountain. A robin flew to one of our birdbaths the other day and posed for the longest time, waiting for me to take its picture. Arrrg! One of the few times I was outside, without my camera!

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  2. Beautiful, Phillip. When I look outside at my garden I see snow coming down.

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  3. Really nice pictures. Pretty. That's something I always forget this time of year because I'm a warm weather person.

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  4. I had a pot of that bamboo the past couple of years. It was outgrowing it's pot. I stuck it into the ground under a tree where not much will grow. If it grows fine. I think I can keep it in check. If not...maybe I am thinking foolishly. Love seeing your garden in late fall. You still have lots of green.

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  5. It still looks so nice... Love the sense of late-fall melancholy.

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  6. I can feel the crisp air meanwhile we are hot here..the kitten will soon be looking for a warm fireplace

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  7. Really enjoyed the richness of your imagery particularly the arbor framed by the purple walls, Phillip, will certainly be back.

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  8. Your garden looks so wonderful and peaceful at this time of year...love it!

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  9. I'm envious of your Armand clematis. The Arboretum at NCSU had one and it was wonderful in bloom. Loved the fragrance.

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  10. Pictures worthy of a magazine, Phillip@!

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  11. Beautiful structure to your winter garden. Love the close-up shot of the bark and climber (what is it?).
    If you ever need someone to babysit your sweet cat? I volunteer.

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  12. Phillip you said you wanted to find swamp rose. I got mine from Antique Roses Emporium. I don't think this particular rose is a species rose, but some sort of hybrid of unknown ancestry. Whatever it is it's a really nice tough rose.

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  13. Hi Phillip, your garden looks sooo... lovely even in winter. Job well done! I think it is one of the most difficult things to achieve in a garden to have it looking good year round. You certainly excelled in that! I love the blue painted wall. It has an amazing effect. Of course, I have to ask what is the name of the rose in the first photo. It looks like a Tea Rose to me. Wishing you a nice rest of the weekend!
    Christina

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  14. Phillip, Your garden is beautiful and I am loving your photos! You have a marvelous eye for detail and composition. gail

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  15. Chavliness, that is a creeping euonymus and I don't know the exact variety.

    Christina, the rose is Mrs. B.R. Cant.

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