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
Thank you for letting us see these gardens through your eyes. The litany of plants seen, the shade patterns -- there are no gardens to equal those in north Alabama and north Georgia.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your pictures from the tour. I once dated a guy from Huntsville, AL. That was a lucky escape, now that I think about it. I love the covered porch.
ReplyDeleteI liked several of the places that you highlighted. Ivy can cover many ills in a garden. I would love to have a screened porch similar to the one you showed. That last photo shows a very charming place. I can't wait to see the next set of photos of your tour.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't taken our first Garden Tour for 2014 yet - so what a delight to see these gardens. Porches, large potted plants and all the green are some of the things that made my heart beat faster. Oh, and I DID like the one not on the tour!
ReplyDeleteNice photos of beautiful gardens. Enjoyed the glimpses into these tour gardens.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing your photos. I love shade gardens!!:O)
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to peak into other folks' gardens to be inspired. Paved pathways are a great garden feature that is suitable to all gardens regardless of climate zones. I love the one with the urn as a focal point.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to see gardens as you capture them with your eye and camera! You have a unique and beautiful eye. It is hot here too in Maryland this week, and our Annabelle hydrangea will be the only hydrangea that will bloom (still green) this year in our garden -- the winter killed the blooms on all the other varieties. So thanks too for the eyeful of hydrangea down your way.
ReplyDeleteLovely gardens and great pictures! Thanks for taking us along. Sounds like you had a great day in spite of the heat.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, but I like your garden better :)
ReplyDeleteOf these, I'd say the ferns and clematis are my favorites.
The others a bit too ... formal and sedate for me. Well, except for that riotous final photo!
It was a joy to see those gardens with you and Michael, Phillip! And as usual, your photos are much better than mine! I heard that Athens had their tour on Saturday too. I wish I could have seen that one as well.
ReplyDeleteDecatur's tour was lovely, as usual, and I saw some very different gardens, as well as old favorites. Put that one on your calendar for next year!
plumeria! I'm so impressed they have theirs blooming so early, mine do not bloom until mid july. I wonder how they do it, must have a greenhouse to start them in or something?
ReplyDeleteDo you think the keep the ivy on the shed to keep it from falling down?
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