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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

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

Comments

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

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

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