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
Hi Phillip. Despite the colder than average weather you've been really busy. It looks great. I am afraid that Hebe is a gonner. Patty's Purple is notoriously tender. There is a rule of thumb about Hebes: the smaller the leaf, the hardier it will be. I think you'll have success with those. I can't wait to see this take shape. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteI was keeping them in the basement inside a pail so it must be very, very tender! I found the study that was done on hebe hardiness in this area after I purchased them and noticed that 'Patty's Purple' was not the hardiest.
DeleteThat was quite a chore. It will look gorgeous with plants cozying up over the edges etc. I have never heard of Hebes. I had to look up the plant to see what it looked like. Interesting blooms. My projects always get a few tweeks when I finally get around to doing them. You never know what you will run into to change the course.
ReplyDeleteIt happens a lot with me because I usually do not know what I am doing! ha
DeleteI love the gentle curve to your stairs. I couldn't really tell what was going on with the first photo, but the one from above shows it off well.
ReplyDeleteI like the curve that you added to the stairs. Well done and kudos to you for getting a project done now in our very wet and cold early spring. I remember several years ago being at the same point on the learning curve that you are now, figuring out what will grow here and planting new-to-me plants. Looking forward to seeing what that slope looks like once it's terraced and planted and has a few years to grow in.
ReplyDeleteHow did you manage to get so much done with all the: rain, snow, wind ….and just yuck grey . It looks really great !
ReplyDeleteI have been working on it for several weeks. I would just wait for the no-rain days!
DeleteImpressive!
ReplyDeleteIt must be fun to try out plants you have never grown before! I also like the curve to your steps. Straight would be boring. It should be a wonderful walk when all the plants have matured.
ReplyDeleteGood stairway. Much safer to climb than walking the slope on a rainy day.
ReplyDeleteAny roses along the stairs? Hebes are lovely but...they are not roses, are they?
I think you were wise to put the curve. When my hubs built the steps on our back hill, I made him go straight up. Well, you know how that goes --- he had to redo and put a curve. A curve makes it easier on old knees to go up ;)
ReplyDeleteThe rule of thumb regarding Hebes, as noted by first commenter, Grace Peterson is true. Its good you find out about it now; It took me over a decade and many lost Hebes... The steps look beautiful, and I like the curve. It is good to see you don't let the weather get in your way.
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