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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

Happy 4th


Happy 4th of July. It is not my favorite holiday but it has been a good day and I'm thrilled it on a Saturday which gives me an extended weekend. We worked on the laurel hedge most of the day and I managed to get some photos.

It is a glorious 72 degrees here - I actually changed into sweat pants and a flannel shirt when we came in.

I also added another tree - Redbud 'Hearts of Gold'. It is in the shady border and I just hope that the leaves will maintain the golden hues.

Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold'


Other beauties -

Gaura 'Belizza Dark Pink' and Lavender 'Hidcote'

This fuchsia was given to us by our neighbor's boyfriend (who she is no longer with). He worked for a landscaper and the tag on the fuchsia said "Landscape fuchsia". It is one of our favorites -




Veronica 'Marietta' and Erigeron 'Profusion' (Santa Barbara Daisy)



Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Hydrangea 'Annabelle'

Hydrangea 'Miss Saori'

Hydrangea 'Rotdrossel'

Hydrangea 'Snowflake'

Lily 'Midnight'

Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana)



Lily 'Roselily Natalia'

Sumac 'Tiger Eyes'

Flowers along the shady path under the dogwood tree


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Oh I love the color of your oil jar. I've been seeking one for at least a year and just can't seem to find the perfect size/color. The 4th was a big deal for my family when my kids were little-we went to a funky cottage resort in the redwood forest for years -swimming pool in the day, campfire at night. Those days are gone but I do like to light a smoke bomb .

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  2. Phillip - your gardens inspire! You have an explosion of colors in your own backyard..a perfect 4th of July celebration.

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  3. It was a blistering 93 here on the 4th. It is so nice to see your lovely moist floriferous garden. I love that fuchsia. I ripped out my Tiger Eye Sumac. I don't have to worry about not having one since I have since seen a couple of pop up. ha...

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  4. Ohmygoshsogorgeous! The photos even look like it was 72F, close to 90F as it was here.

    The Aruncus flowers look like little fireworks--very appropriate.

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  5. Hydrangea 'Miss Saori' is so lovely! Quick internet search shows it with dark foliage. Dose your plant has dark foliage? Its hard to tell from the photo.

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