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
It is Iris and Clematis time in my garden too. Of course I don't have the many varieties and the amounts of iris that are in these pictures but they make me happy when I see them. I can't imagine paying $50 for an iris. It must have been out of this world beautiful. I think all of mine have been given to me. They are great performers. I love delphiniums and lupines. They just don't grow here due to our hot dry summers. They are such striking plants. I will never forget the time I saw a moose standing in a ditch full of lupines munching away. We were in Maine at the time. A fond memory. Lupines always remind me of vacations.
ReplyDeleteWe could not grow them in Alabama. I can't wait to try some here. I have some started from seed and they are doing well.
DeleteWow. What can I say, but "Spectacular!"
ReplyDeleteWe visited an iris garden in Tennessee a few days ago, but I guess the heat here makes irises fade faster.
(Plus this was a state garden and I don't think it has the funds or the manpower for the upkeep that the garden in Oregon seems to get...)
Anyway, good timing!
Thanks!
DeleteWhat an abundance. Sensory overload! On a smaller scale, I get similar feeling in my own garden this time of year.
ReplyDeleteA couple of your pictures feature huge purple heads of Alium (drool) with another 'feathery' lighter color bloom. Can you identify that plant?
I think that is Meadow Rue (Thalictrum).
DeleteWow...just wow. Looking forward to the other two gardens.
ReplyDeleteStunning! One thing I admire about the PNW is how well perennials do there. I have visited Portland in August and walked through neighborhoods whose front yards were mini versions of Schreiner's gardens. In August! No doubt yours will be just as glorious.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I remember ordering from these folks but have never visited. Thanks for letting us enjoy it vicariously through your post!
ReplyDeleteBefore I knew much about gardening, I knew about Schreiner's.
ReplyDelete