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
Toady's blooms' day post was a very welcome eye candy this morning, a respite from the nastiness outside. Photo 15, of Spanish Flag vine and Rose 'Gold Medal', is especially splendid.
ReplyDeleteYou gotta love those hydrangeas. And everything else in your garden. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou always put together spectacular combinations, Phillip. I love the Spanish flag vine with the rose in particular. Your 'Lady Emma Hamilton' puts mine to shame. The smoke hasn't seemed to bother the plants here either so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYour plant combinations are stunning! I have salvia 'lip stick' but it isn't blooming as wonderfully as yours. Do you fertilize with anything special?
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen. No, I don't fertilizer the salvias with the exception of giving them a little when I plant them. From what I've learned, they like plain soil, nothing too rich.
DeleteIs Hydrangea 'Ruby Slippers' really that orange, or is it being colored by smoke? Gorgeous! And I would love that Epilobium for Astoria. I'll have to see if deer like it...
ReplyDeleteThat is probably the smoke giving it the orange color. It does have a rich, pinkish color that comes on pretty quickly.
DeleteYour garden looks fabulous, despite the smoke. Those purple hydrangeas are wonderful, the roses also.
ReplyDeleteHere everything has a sprinkling of ash, despite the fires being quite far off. Hope your smoke clears soon and the crisis eases. Another disaster on top of Covid-19. Take care with that air so dirty.
Wow! Beautiful blooms. Those roses are spectacular .It would be my pleasure if you join my link up party related to Gardening here at http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2020/09/peacock-flower-beauty.html
ReplyDeleteYou have so many beautiful blooms. Fun to see them all.
ReplyDeleteAll of these gorgeous plants look so healthy and happy !
ReplyDeleteI really love the combinations and placements .. I think I went a bit "mad" for hydrangea last year and crammed so many in , that my gardens revolve around hydrangea .. other plants are their companions LOL ... but oh they do look so gorgeous when they start changing colour in the Autumn.
I miss having roses .. yours are stunning ! .. I just don't have the space or sun values any more for them, I have to enjoy other gardener's ?
My what a fascinating variety of colors and textures!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to share at My Corner of the World