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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

Hardy Orange

The Hardy Orange (Poncirus trifoliate) is loaded with fruit this year!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. We have been harvesting Meyer Lemons now for about a month, and we do have a Washington Orange Tree (in a pot) but the fruit may not ripen as our nights are now down in the 40's.
    PS: best of luck on the sale of your home.

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  2. How cool! I can't imagine being able to pick oranges from my own yard. But the apple trees are doing well this year; I'm hoping last night's winds brought more of them down so I don't have to get out a ladder to pick them:)

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  3. Nice! I should give those a try here at some point; they might just be hardy.

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  4. And, it's beautiful!~~Dee

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  5. Wow! Looks awesome.

    Do you use them for anything edible (I've heard that Poncirus oranges are 'technically' edible but hella seedy and sour) or just for ornamental value?

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  6. I keep having to prune mine. The weight of the fruit makes the branches bend down towards the sidewalk, where its thorns threaten to blind someone.

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