The 2024 Garden Year
January 19, 2024 January Our year started with snow, ice and frigid temperatures in mid-January. Our temperatures stayed below freezing for almost a week. I think it was the most consistent cold that we've experienced since moving here. Fortunately, it was a dry snow so there wasn't too much damage. Once again, we almost lost the azara and I'm afraid there would have been some breakage if I had not kept knocking the ice off. February 14, 2024 February In past years, it seems that inclement weather seems to hit around Michael's birthday in mid-February. After the January snow and ice, this month was actually quite tame. Nothing exciting to report - mostly birdwatching . Early flowers like hellebores, cyclamen and crocus begin to bloom in mid month. March 3, 2024 March I got into a walking routine which I'm happy to report I am continuing this year. You get to the point where you feel guilty if you miss a day. I do miss days occasionally but I'm learning that ...
Gorgeous
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! You've accomplished so much in so little time. I like the mixture of colorful and diverse flowers and especially those raised beds with flagstone.
ReplyDeleteThose stacked stone walls are fabulous. No wonder your back hurts. Worth the look though. You are getting to grow all sorts of new plants. It is fun to see them. I have never seen an Echnops with variegation. A neat plant. Your garden is coming right along.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've done lots ! It looks great , I'm looking forward to seeing it !
ReplyDeleteThe plant you called Echinops is (I'm pretty sure) Eryngium 'Jade Frost.' Eryngiums are all great drought tolerant plants, I love mine. 'Kent Beauty' ornamental oregano is another favorite of mine. Those terraces and steps are looking great! You've accomplished so much, you deserve a break. I despise the heat and the smoke, I've been taking a break too.
ReplyDeleteAlison, you are absolutely right! Thank you!
DeleteSimply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBack problems are the worst! Love the Eryngium. It all looks just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow, Phillip, this area is stunning. I'm so impressed. I hope your heat breaks soon. Aren't you glad you have air conditioning?
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe of your progress in the garden. The terraced bed beside the steps is wonderful and filled with plants I enjoy. I love Eryngium 'Jade Frost' and used to grow it, but mine reverted to plain green after a few years. Yours looks so trim and fresh, and makes me want to plant it again. I hope your back muscle heals quickly, but it is a good time to take a break!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks gorgeous! It's very exciting to watch you transform this space into a glorious garden!
ReplyDeleteThe terrace project is looking fabulous! Love, love the ornamental oregano.It is hard to believe you are experiencing such dreadful heat, while this week in Alabama I have 70s-low 80s, due to rain and heavy cloud cover. This has been one of the wettest summers I remember, much needed after last year's drought. By the way, I will be headed to your part of the world next month, visiting my sons. Hopefully, normal temps will back in the Portland/Seattle area by then!
ReplyDeleteHope you heal soon, Phillip.
ReplyDeleteAnd that your heat wave breaks and temps get back to normal there.
Meanwhile, as you say, it's a learning experience to see which plants are toughest. I like the way you're trying to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed you.
I have that exact Rudbeckia. I had it at my old house & brought a clump here 9 years ago. You can't go wrong with this one.
ReplyDeletePrettiest laboratory I ever did see.
ReplyDeleteYou've really transformed your new(ish) space over time. And all the plants look wonderfully healthy, despite the drought.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness Philip, your plant choices are always so unique and interesting. Lots of wows in this post!
ReplyDeleteI love what I'm seeing Phillip! Take a break! You deserve it!
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