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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

A vase before the frost

We've had a few frosts during the last week. There were still lots of blooms left in the garden so I cut a few of them before the cold snap. 

The rose 'Gold Medal', one of our favorite hybrid teas, is sending up 6 feet stalks that we see outside the bathroom window. The hydrangeas are still covered with dramatic, dark purple balls of color. I don't have many dahlias in the garden and I don't recall where the orange one came from but it is very pretty. Dahlias are to be dug up after the first frost so that is a chore I must do this week. There is another pretty pom-pom dahlia called 'Lolipop' in the front garden that I purchased at a Master Gardener plant sale shortly after we moved.

I have been very pleased with Baby's Breath (Gypsophila) although it has gotten much bigger than expected. It is too tall for the front of the border it resides in and I would like to transplant it before spring.

And in the rear is the remnants of Goldenrod, a good filler flower for an arrangement but so, so messy.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Such a striking combination of blooms. Those golden roses really pop in that color wave. Happy IAVOM.

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  2. Nice combination! What makes goldenrod so messy -- just in a vase or in general?

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    Replies
    1. The dried blooms are very tiny and fall everywhere when disturbed.

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  3. Ohmygosh the color of those hydrangea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  4. Beautiful! The color of hydrangea is so stunning!

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