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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

Back to the garden


I have been looking forward to today all week with the promise of sunshine, 50 degrees, and no wind or rain! Yipee for gardeners! 

Signs of life are apparent everywhere. The crocus is starting to bloom (the little bunch above is right near the entrance to the driveway, underneath a Dwarf Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi'). 

Other newly planted bulbs are also coming up and of course, I don't remember what they are -



I got a lot of tasks accomplished today. I pruned a few roses, more ornamental grasses and the hellebore foliage.

I planted some new things, including this Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus), which was a favorite in the Alabama garden.



And five new roses arrived from Antique Rose Emporium ('Cl. Pinkie', 'Lamarque', 'Red Cascade', 'Sea Foam' and 'Veilchenblau'). I planted 'Climbing Pinkie' today on the new pergola.



And, last but not least, I got 2 more loads of pea gravel spread over the quarter minus in the new courtyard area. That should be all the gravel I need so a major portion of it is completed and I can start concentrating on adding the plants.



A few plants that are really beautiful right now -


Juniperus conferta 'All Gold'


Sedum

Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' (Red Twig Dogwood)

Another nice day is forecast for tomorrow. Maybe I can get the remainder of the roses planted!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Doesn't it feel great to be able to get outside and accomplish something in the garden!?! Your new courtyard area is really coming together. I can't wait to see all the plants you put around and in it. We are to have some decent days this week too. I hope the weather holds so we can be outside.

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  2. It was beautiful yesterday ! You even got gravel down . I got most of the back garden tidied up , but still so much to do.

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  3. A fresh canvas is so much fun. I can't wait to see the climbing rose on that fantastic pergola!

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  4. beautiful photos
    I loved knowing your blog.
    janicce.

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  5. Fringe tree! That will be lovely.

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