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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

Cool and rainy weekend

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I love this weather (very Portland-like!). I wish it would stay like this all the time. I would be out in the garden more than I am now, that is for sure! 


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aug5 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Cool and rainy here, too; I am loving it, and so is the garden! I hope we have seen the last of high nineties temps and miserable humidity for this year. Your garden looks lush and wonderful. Have you taken out a tree or two in front of your house? Maybe the perspective of your photo is different or my memory is wrong, but I remember crepe myrtles in front of your house. At any rate, your house is looking great. Best wishes! Deb

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  2. So cool here we have a fire!! Bit ridiculous in August! Good gardening weather though, as you say! Your garden looks so inviting, such interesting corners to explore!

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  3. We have had the cool, but I wish for the rainy. Overall, its been fairly wet this summer but we need a little now.

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  4. Your garden has it's summer lush look. Beautiful. I could almost hear your garden heave a sigh of relief. My garden is still brown around the edges awaiting it's share of rain and cooler temps. Bring it on...

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  5. We finally had some rain a few days ago, too, and now the temps have cooled as well--isn't it wonderful? Your shady, woodland retreats even make me think of Portland, one of my favorite places--beautiful!

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  6. It does look a little Portland, which is a very good way to look. I love a garden of shade, perhaps because mine has none.

    What really caught my eye in Portland were the ecstatically happy conifers. We have plenty of conifers in my climate, but they bear a air of stoic endurance. In Portland, they party.

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  7. We're having a cool spell too, but I won't count on it staying. It is still August after all. I love fall, but I guess I'm not quite ready to let go of summer flowers!

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  8. Beautiful pics as usual, Phillip.

    Your garden looks enchanted and enchanting, inhabited by all manner or spirits and sprites.

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  9. Nice house and nice garden. Should make anyone interested in gardening a very nice place to live. Let me know when it sells. JC

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  10. Phillip, I love your garden so much. Thank you for sharing it with us.~~Dee

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