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
Saying that this garden rivals the Japanese Garden is high praise. You have captured the feel of this place with your photos. It seems very serene.
ReplyDeleteWe visited here nearly 40 years ago. I thought the Grotto the best thing we saw in all our trip. The Stations of the Cross stand out in my memory and as best I remember, there was a Rose Garden close by. Your photos are outstanding.
ReplyDeleteThe Rose Garden was in front of the monastery but they were all bare.
DeleteGlad you found this place. I visited a few years ago, I think it's time I go back.
ReplyDeleteNice... The rainy weather actually makes the pictures all the more atmospheric!
ReplyDeleteI can tell you aren't Catholic as you wrote, Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. That would be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! Lovely place, I had never heard of it.
ReplyDeleteDear Phillip, I would wish I had known about The Grotto and the botanical garden when I visited Portland! What an amazing place! The Grotto is so beautiful and impressive and the botanical garden with its mature trees makes my heart sing. I am so glad that you found out about this place and got to see it. Thanks for sharing it here on your blog. It is for sure on my must-see list now as well! Warm regards,
ReplyDeleteChristina
Yeah, I think I first read about it on Trip Advisor, of all places.
DeleteI have not been there in aeons, but when I was little, my parents took the six! of us kids there all the time. And my sister's high school graduation from Marycrest was held at the Grotto--not a bad venue. (I only made thru the first two years at that all-girl Catholic High School, and then transferred to public school. Boy was that a shock.) It does occur to me in thinking back, my parents did a pretty terrific job getting us out to most of the nearby gorgeous hotspots. When I drive up the Gorge these days, I realize we visited every single waterfall and park along the way, no small feat organizing picnics for all of us. We were always starving by the time we got 2 blocks from home. PDX is pretty good place to grow up--surrounded by all this natural beauty. Glad you found it and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine!
DeleteWhat a beautiful and unique place. The Peace Garden looks very lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe Peace Garden is well named. The area around the Mary Chapel is amazing, lush and tranquil. I have been to Portland and visited a number of gardens but not this one. Next time I may seek it out.
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