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 fall colors are amazing. I really like the Euonymous albomarginatus and your new Zenobia pulverulenta 'Raspberry'. But the plant that made me look more than twice was the milkweed. Looks like something left over from halloween!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly do still have some autumn beauty in your garden. So much color! My garden has been hopelessly frozen. We have had record cold here this month. Just today we were able to get out and mulch leaves. The trees, maples mostly, are curiously holding onto their leaves. All else have dropped and gone to sleep. I am amazed at all the plants you can grow that I can't. I get a bad case of wants when I read your posts. Keep em coming. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Pheasant's Tail Grass has stunning fall colors. I'm not familiar with this grass; I'll have to investigate it further. You have trouble with reseeding?
ReplyDeleteI finally broke down and bought a small 'Fine Line' Buckthorn. For now it's in a pot and I hope to find it a permanent spot in the next couple of years. It's such a cool little tree.
I posted a photo of the Pheasant's Tail grass on Facebook and someone commented that it reseeded a lot but then a few others said that they didn't have a big problem with it. I will keep my eye on it and see what happens. I love the buckthorn too, it is so unique.
Delete