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
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.
ReplyDeletePS: best of luck on the sale of your home.
Wow, that is a lot of oranges.
ReplyDeleteHow 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:)
ReplyDeleteNice! I should give those a try here at some point; they might just be hardy.
ReplyDeleteAnd, it's beautiful!~~Dee
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteDo 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?
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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