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
The sun was absolutely wonderful today! That second iris picture is lovely. They look more like Iris reticulata than Dutch iris. My Dutch iris are just poking their leaves out of the ground. I love pieris. They're some of my favorite shrubs, even though you'll hear other lifelong residents of the PNW dismiss them as common. Mine are all really young, too.
ReplyDeleteYes, we had some sun and dry weather up here near Seattle today too, and I finally got some work done in the garden. I'll be achy for a few days but it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteThe little iris are always a treat during spring. Mine aren't up yet. Those a lovely blooms on the Pieris. We are back to winter here. There will be a lot of bud/bloom loss. Nothing like a whacky spring to make you look forward to summer.
ReplyDeleteHi, Phillip, three days of sun the whole winter?! I would be seriously depressed. Anyway, I am glad the sun came out yesterday for you and you got to work in the garden.
ReplyDeleteThe color of the dutch iris is simply stunning and you took some wonderful shots of them.
I love, love, love the pieris shrubs, especially the variety 'Valley Rose', I don't recall that I have them seen here in San Diego. I have to check, if they grow here I might have to get one. They are so beautiful!
To many more sunny days with plenty of gardening!
Warm regards,
Christina
It never seems to stop raining ! I did have a nice day in the garden yesterday though , I was hoping for more today , but it doesn't look promising .
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, especially that 2nd one with its delicious colors, the bokeh, the light pricking the edges of the blue...makes me feel happy...thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe have had some dreary days, but today was sunny, though cold. Freezing temps are expected this week. Of course, most things have budded out early this year. Azaleas are in full bloom. I have pieris planted in several areas of the garden. Last fall every one of them developed a blight. I cut away the affected areas and sprayed them. So far they look OK this year. They have always been one of my favorite shrubs.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!
ReplyDeletesnow here, daffs are blooming trees are buding out and the freeze is going to kill a lot of things
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics, Phillip.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've had such a grey winter, but as you say - sunnier days are ahead :)