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Stepping Into May

Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8".  It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
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Snow & Ice

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16) 
It started snowing yesterday around 1pm and continued for the remainder of the afternoon. Sleet and rain followed and is still lingering today. We did not have too many travel problems - I actually made it into work in Portland yesterday. My ice-encased vehicle was the most frustrating problem. It took forever to dethaw. 

Although temperatures hovered around the freezing mark, it felt much colder. The wind was just ferocious. Someone previously told me that it is the wind that is more detrimental to plants than cold temperatures. I covered a few tender plants with pots and I put a plastic sheet over my new camellia with all the buds. It will be interesting to see how everything copes.

These are some photos I took this morning.


Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)

Snow & Ice, Vancouver, WA (12/9/16)


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Jane StrongDecember 9, 2016 at 6:25 PM

    I'm so glad to see these pictures. I've read the forecasts but have not seen the results until now. The rose lying in the snow is very poignant. The mailbox and decorations with the snow crystals ... just perfect.

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  2. AlisonDecember 9, 2016 at 7:33 PM

    Glad you managed to stay safe. I'm not a fan of either snow or ice. It does make pretty pictures though.

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 10, 2016 at 4:48 AM

    Despite the ice and wind your place looks cheerful with the red ribbons and greenery to greet the world. It sounds like you have your garden all tucked in good for the winter season.

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  4. debsgardenDecember 11, 2016 at 1:31 PM

    Hi Philip, I do love your fence. Your garden is really shaping up. Your images look wintry! We heard it was snowing up there. Temps are going below freezing here, and with more rain predicted - who knows, we may get snow in Alabama! I could do without frigid wind, however. And ice, especially on roadways.

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  5. RobinLDecember 11, 2016 at 6:02 PM

    This post is so beautiful that maybe even *I* could learn to like winter!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hoover BooDecember 13, 2016 at 9:52 PM

    The rose-in-the-snow photo is great, if poignant. Based on several PNW blog posts the past couple days on frost and snow and ice--must be fun to photograph, but does a camera start to freeze up? Does the lens get frosty? I can't imagine that weather.

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  7. outlawgardenerDecember 14, 2016 at 7:05 AM

    Your pictures are lovely, especially appreciated from outside the reach of your horrible ice storm. Glad you and your garden are safe and sound!

    ReplyDelete
  8. _emily_roseDecember 16, 2016 at 7:36 AM

    I love your mailbox!

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