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
Your holiday preference for dark weather is right in keeping with my own thinking. Of course, I'm a bit of a Scrooge as well, so it works for my dark mood at this time of year too.
ReplyDeleteYou still have beautiful color and even flowers! Wow. It has been unseasonally cold here so we have very few leaves on any plant and no flowers for sure. I like those cozy days too when I am inside cooking and celebrating. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Michael.
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with you. Perfect time for garden books, lists, and garden shows/films on the telly.
ReplyDeleteI've had Buckthorn 'Fine Line' on my wish list for a while now. Yours looks wonderful in it's changing colors. It reminds me of curly fries :-D
ReplyDeleteThe most intriguing and cool picture is of the Papyrus: does it fully die back and regrow next season?
Last year I put the papyrus in the garage and wintered it over. This year, I am leaving it outside and see what happens.
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