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
Phillip, years ago I visited your blog in Alabama a few times. It's nice to see that you are still blogging. I used to have Hot Lips years ago, but she didn't do well with our heat and wind. Yours looks quite happy, though, and that begonia is really something special!
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be a plant that does better as the season progresses. It starts looking really good around August and September.
DeleteI love all those shades of purple!
ReplyDeleteHappy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!
Thank you Lea!
DeleteLooks great! I really like your Agastache. We had some at our old house and it was a great plant.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca!
DeleteYou have one of the prettiest gardens in the blog kingdom - well-grown colorful plants, seasonal interest. It's always enjoyable to see what you've got.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jane!
DeleteStill so many blooms in your garden. Impressive. I'm particularly envious of your Agastache 'Electric Punch'; I've tried to grow it several times with no luck. The color variation from orange to bright pink reminds me of sherbet ice cream.
ReplyDeleteI got it at the Plant Swap and just stuck it in a really awful place and forgot about it until I found it blooming later. I have lost several of them but this one seems to be happy.
DeleteI love that coreopsis. I need, really need, to get a red one for my garden. Coreopsis is such a non-stop plant once it starts blooming.
ReplyDeleteI had never had luck with coreopsis in our former garden but it grows like crazy here!
DeleteI recall following your Alabama garden, Phillip - this one must be such a different experience for you. I'm in love with your asters, which I have a hard time growing in SoCal. I wish I could grow Salvia 'Amistad' too but despite multiple attempts, I've yet to get it to survive more than a single season.
ReplyDeleteKris, 'Amistad' is an annual here too. I like it so much that I buy one if I can find it.
DeleteI love begonias but they don't ever look as good as this one. I haven't found an agastache that does well in my garden either. Hmmmmm. All looks so pretty. Happy GBBD.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I have to give Michael credit for the begonias. They are in pots and he cares for them. He waters and fertilizes on a set schedule. He is meticulous about it!
DeleteHi Phillip, I recently searched for Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate', hoping to add it to my own garden. No luck locally. If I want it I will have to order it. Glad to see how lovely it looks in your space. I also love that red coreopsis!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, what a joy! I think you need a greenhouse--imagine begonias that perfect year round...
ReplyDeletenice post
ReplyDeleteWhat a wondrous variety of colors!! Wow!
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