Skip to main content

Featured

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

Rambling Rector - the rose that almost ate our garden



The rose that almost ate the garden - Rambling Rector. You may recall I tried to remove it a few years ago and gave up. Severely pruning it back, it just came back with a vengeance and was back to the top of the pergola by the end of summer. They call it "Rambling" for a reason!




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. What can one say, but "Wow!"

    Is it fragrant?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aaron, actually no, it is not. The garden is very fragrant though with other roses and the privet scent is very strong. I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The things we find out about our plants when it's too late to do something about it. It is beautiful, but how does one tame a rose?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! I have heard of the Rector, and his reputation for devouring all that lies before him, but never seen him in action,so to speak ! He lives up to his reputation ! Mind you, what a handsome chap he is !

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can hear it lurking around trying to devour you too! Quick, run to the west coast and don't tell it where you've gone. It's the only way to save yourself!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts