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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

Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses

I am taking advantage of a sunny, off-day from work to trim back our ornamental grasses. If you didn't do this in the fall, this is a good time - you want to cut them back before new growth starts in the spring. I always wait until late winter because I think the grass add lots of character to the winter garden.

This is a simple enough job but clean-up can be a hassle. Here is a tip to make the job go faster and less messier.

Use a thick string or whatever you have to tie the grass together before you cut it (bungee cords are great for this too). Then, after you cut the grass, it will fall in a bundle instead of going all over the place! I use my hedge trimmers for this job and it works great.



 






Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I always leave the grass in place for winter interest and for wildlife to enjoy.... This is a great tip and time for me to get out the clippers...

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  2. I do the string trick too. Makes it so much easier. Love this warmer weather.

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  3. And do you use the cut grass? In compost? Or as a mulch?
    -Ray

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  4. Now that is an excellent tip! It takes me longer to pick up all the stems than it does to cut them !! I will do the string thing next time ! Like you I always leave grasses until late winter/ early Spring before I cut them back as I think they add so much interest to the gloomy winter garden.

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  5. Thanks for the great tip!

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  6. Yes, I "bundle". And I bought a cordless hedge trimmer specifically to use on the ornamental grasses. Makes it a snap!

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  7. Which ornamental grasses do you have Phillip and do you cut them all back the same (same time, same height)?

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  8. Aaron, I cut all of them back to the ground. I have "Morning Light", "Adagio", "Northwind" and a few that I don't know the names of. :)

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  9. Good one Phillip!~~Dee

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  10. Never tried doing this but sure going to in a few days. I leave mine thru the winter too. Thanks for tip.

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