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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