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The 2024 Garden Year

January 19, 2024 January Our year started with snow, ice and frigid temperatures in mid-January. Our temperatures stayed below freezing for almost a week. I think it was the most consistent cold that we've experienced since moving here. Fortunately, it was a dry snow so there wasn't too much damage. Once again, we almost lost the azara and I'm afraid there would have been some breakage if I had not kept knocking the ice off. February 14, 2024 February In past years, it seems that inclement weather seems to hit around Michael's birthday in mid-February. After the January snow and ice, this month was actually quite tame. Nothing exciting to report - mostly birdwatching . Early flowers like hellebores, cyclamen and crocus begin to bloom in mid month. March 3, 2024 March I got into a walking routine which I'm happy to report I am continuing this year. You get to the point where you feel guilty if you miss a day. I do miss days occasionally but I'm learning that ...
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Mid February in the garden


While the pots await their new occupants, the mid-February garden is sleeping soundly. It has been cold and wet during the past weeks but we've had two days in a row with no rain and even some sun. Although it is cold out (low 40s for the highs), once you get moving about, I don't notice it unless the wind is blowing. Fortunately, it has not been windy either so I've been doing some winter pruning and transplanting.

 Looking around the garden, there are some nice things to see -


Viburnum 'Spring Bouquet' (above) is an all-season beauty but it is especially stunning during the dead of winter.


Mugo Pine 'Aurea', one of our favorites, and we are a bit perturbed that Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps' in encroaching upon it. (On the other side of the fence is Viburnum 'Spring Bouquet', mentioned previously.


The pine 'Golden Ghost' (Pinus densiflora) continues to stun. I have to say this is one of the most beautiful plants I have ever grown.


Juniper 'Daube's Frosted' (above) is also very pretty this time of year. This is a low-growing juniper.

Pieris 'Valley Frost' (above) is another plant that looks great all year.

Spirea 'Ogon' next to Phormium (New Zealand Flax) 'Rainbow Queen')

And finally, the ornamental grasses are a winter favorite of mine. I could not bear to cut them down just yet. Maybe in a few weeks. This is Panicum 'Shenandoah'.


The asters are also quite attractive in winter. That is Pennisetum alopecuriodes 'Hameln'.



 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Jane StrongFebruary 18, 2019 at 6:57 PM

    That viburnum! Mine isn't showing any white flowers yet.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 19, 2019 at 5:01 AM

    What beauty you have in the garden during winter. I keep forgetting you are in such a warm area. You are lucky not to have been blasted with the snow that has swept through your part of the country. Those empty pots look so promising. I can hardly wait!

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  3. outlawgardenerFebruary 19, 2019 at 7:09 PM

    Lots of pretty going on in your garden! Snowmageddon laid our grasses flat so they've been getting an earlier-than-usual haircut. Will you be coming up to the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival?

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    1. Phillip OliverFebruary 20, 2019 at 2:43 PM

      No, I won't be making it this year. Maybe next year!

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  4. chavlinessFebruary 21, 2019 at 9:00 AM

    Both your conifers are stunning. They especially shine during winter's gloomy weather. North Seattle snow was/is slow to melt: I need to venture into the garden to see if my Spirea is starting to set buds.

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