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
Fine fall foliage. I too like the looks of this Strawberry Tree but what attribute gives it it's name? The red stems? Interesting.
ReplyDeleteLisa, it produces a small, red fruit that resembles a strawberry.
ReplyDeleteThese are all gorgeous but I am particularly happy to hear you are growing to love one of my favorites, the beautiful Manzanita species. Is your strawberry tree A. unedo, or a cultivar?
ReplyDeleteI think it is unedo.
DeleteVarious sources claim that the fruit on Arbutus unedo are edible. For instance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXxTMupwbFY
DeleteWhat fantastic japanese maples! They do seem to take their time, don't they? I could never remember their foliage-turning time very well until one year at Thanksgiving, for our guests, my window was filled with the bright yellow J-maple, sun shining through it. I remember it also because of the photos from that day. Funny, how I need the photos to remember. Wow--that Shaina & Bloodgrass!
ReplyDeleteThe strawberry tree is a favorite of mine. I love everything about it, especially that it has fruit and flowers at the same time. Plus, the fruit is eatable.
ReplyDeleteThat cornus is fabulous! Your garden is a riot. Of color that is.
ReplyDeleteNice that so many things are late to color up. I'm for keeping the parade going as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteThat Acer and blood grass combo is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYou’re right, your fall colors truly are magnificent! Swoon! I miss our autumn colors already.
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