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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

HPSO Garden Tour: Dragonfly Hollow


Fun day today. Michael, Rebecca, McKenzie and I visited two beautiful gardens on the HPSO (Hardy Plant Society Oregon) Garden Tour. There were five gardens altogether, all located in Vancouver. It was nice and cool, with temperatures in the 60s. It did come a brief shower when we got to the second garden but not enough to deter us.

First up was Dragonfly Hollow, not too far from where we live. This lovely garden was located in a heavily wooded area and chock full of interesting plants, spectacular plant combinations and artwork. It is the garden of designer Vanessa Nagel. Lots of inspiration and great ideas!

I will share photos of the second garden, Matsu Kaze (Wind in the Pines), in my next post. If you like conifers and Japanese maples, you are in for a treat!




























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Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Looks like a lovely garden, with some beautiful stone mosaics.

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  2. Wow. This is inspirational. I love all of those yellow-green grasses. I can't seem to get them to grow here. It must be our dry hot weather. I love the stone circle too. Lovely.

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  3. So glad you got to see Vanessa's lovely garden. She has such a good eye for plant combinations, and the whole garden is beautifully designed. And practically in your backyard!

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  4. What a great garden! The rock mosaic path and steps are absolutely gorgeous - and the plants, SO large and luscious...

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  5. Dragonfly Hollow? I love that name!

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  6. Yet another fabulous garden? Must have been a great day. Your photo of the Hakone grass, hostas, and...the other plant--just perfect.

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