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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

Laura & Charlie Heldreth's Garden





Yesterday it hit 100 in Portland. I am not sure what the exact temperature was here in Vancouver but it was around that. Not the best day for a garden tour but we really wanted to see Laura and Charlie Heldreth's garden so we got there right at opening time while it was still cool. Fortunately, the garden is shaded!

The Clark County Natural Garden Tour is a yearly event that focuses on gardens that utilize organic practices that benefit wildlife and the environment. 

The Heldreth garden is not only beautiful and lush but it is also educational and Laura is an excellent teacher (she teaches horticulture classes at Clark College).

Along the front is a variety of shrubs, grasses , perennials and native plants. Vegetables are planted in raised beds along the hellstripe, yes vegetables, and Laura encourages her neighbors to take some. 

A wide range of plants highlights this terrific garden. 

In the front - 










In the back garden, a tropical-like oasis awaits underneath giant fir trees -



In addition to the lush plants are interesting art pieces and seating areas -



Thank you Laura and Charlie for opening your fantastic garden!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Great photos! You captured the magic of the Heldreth’s garden.

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  2. I didn't know Laura's garden was on a tour this year. She opened it a couple of years ago for bloggers to come and check out, but I couldn't make it and I've been kicking myself for it ever since. Of course I might not have come down on the hottest day of the year either, but still... Isn't Laura just the sweetest woman? Love these shots of her and Charlie's garden, thanks for sharing them.

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    1. Yes, she is the sweetest woman! I told Charlie that they need to do the HPSO Open Garden Tour next year!

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  3. Aren't garden tours fun! That sort of heat does take a little of the fun out of it but I am glad you carried on. I also didn't know there was a tree like clethera. They are such interesting shrubs. I imagine China would offer all sorts of plants we have never heard of.

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    1. Lisa, there are so many here that it is impossible to keep up with all of them, even if you had the time to do them.

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  4. I want to tour this garden...Hope to some day. Lovely photos, Phillip.

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  5. Wow! Such gorgeous photos! It's so much fun to see our garden through your perspective and camera lens. Thank you so much for stopping by on such a hot day.

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    1. Thank you Laura! I know it is a lot of hard work to prepare for such an event.

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  6. I love Laura and Charlie and their garden is as wonderful as they are. Thanks for the tour.

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  7. Really gorgeous. Laura's garden just keeps getting better and better.

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  8. Gorgeous photos of an equally gorgeous garden. Must get out there to see their garden...it is so lush and cool. Thanks for sharing, Phillip.

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  9. I would love to see her garden!!! Lucky you! Incredible photos!

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