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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

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland

`Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

The Tom McCall Waterfront Park (named for a former Oregon governor), stretches along the western side of the Willamette River. At the southern tip is a harbor, restaurants (we ate at a good seafood restaurant here) and an amazing garden filled with ornamental grasses and other plants. This is where these photographs were taken.

If you head north, you approach a walking area (you can see it in the bottom photograph, next to the seafood restaurant), that extends all the way up to Naito Parkway and the downtown area where our condo was located. This area is popular with joggers, bikers, people walking their pets, etc. The space was once a freeway. It was torn down in 1975 and this park was created. It opened to the public in 1978.


Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. You did get around to some beautiful places while you were out there.

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  2. This is one of my favorite urban areas, I'm surprised how many locals never bother to explore it. Glad you did!

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  3. I love the brilliantly colored trees along the water's edge.

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