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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

Fall color

I just returned home this week after a ten day visit to Alabama. The fall color there had not started yet but it is really beginning to show out here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Greeting me at the driveway entrance is Kelsey's Dwarf Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi'). This small shrub was already here when we moved in. It is located in the most inhospitable site - a dry bed, next to the driveway and road, and in full blazing sun. When I finally identified the shrub, I was told that it is a lover of moist and wet soils. Well, I beg to differ!

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More dogwoods -

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Our beloved 'Wolf Eyes' which we also grew in Alabama. I never noticed such pink coloring in our previous garden but it is definitely pink here. It has suffered from sun scorch but it appears to be growing and it bloomed spectacularly this spring.


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Dogwood 'Celestial Shadow' is another tree suffering from too much sun in our shade-deprived garden.


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The existing dogwood in the back, the pink-flowering variety, is the largest tree in our garden.

On to more trees -

I just added this Dakota Pinnacle Birch (Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'). It is supposed to grow tall and narrow. I am very pleased with the fall color. I was discouraged by many about planting a Birch tree because of their propensity to borers and other diseases. Fingers crossed...
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Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'

Another new tree for us - Japanese Maple 'Osakazuki'. There are so many varieties to choose from and it easily becomes overwhelming. I loved the shape and form of this one at the nursery and it is reputed to be one of the best reds.

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Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Planted last year, Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) has not grown much but the color and flowers have been very nice.

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Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum)


Some shrubs -

This Korean Lilac (Springa meyeri 'Palibin') was another plant already in existence when we arrived. It is lovely in the spring and the fall color is quite spectacular. I don't recall noticing it last year.

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Korean Lilac (Springa meyeri 'Palibin')


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Rhododendron 'PJM'


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Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)


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Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'


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Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry')


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Blue Star (Amsonia hubrechtii) and Geranium 'Rozanne'

And I cannot resist throwing a flower in - Aster 'Monte Casino White', from Joy Creek Nursery, just beginning to bloom -


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Aster pringlei 'Monte Casino White'


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. You have lots of color in the garden now. I really like all the dogwoods. They don't do well in my garden it seems.

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  2. You have so many beautiful plants, Phillip. It's amazing how quickly you've created a wonderful garden. Fall is now coming to Alabama, at least with the dogwoods. The other trees are starting to change in my area but it all seems a little late. We finally have moved out of summer temperatures - what a relief.

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  3. Isn't it funny how we can overlook something one year and it becomes a standout the next? In my experience, the sourwood is an EXTREMELY slow grower but oh, what a beauty!

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