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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

The New David Austin Roses for 2021

'Gabriel Oak'


Two new roses have just been introduced by David Austin Roses.  Both roses are named for Thomas Hardy characters and will be available in the U.S and the U.K. this year. They can also be ordered from the company. See details below to get their sumptuous free catalog.

The following descriptions are from the David Austin Roses press release:

'Gabriel Oak'

'Gabriel Oak' is a a magnificent variety bearing large, many-petaled rosette blooms in a striking shade of deep pink. Over time, the outer petals pale slightly. The wonderful fragrance is strong and fruity. A vigorous rose, it forms a shapely, broad, rounded shrub with mulberry purple stems and dark green foliage. It grows 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide. Named after the beloved character of Thomas Hardy's 1874 novel Far From The Madding Crowd.

'Eustacia Vye'

'Eustacia Vye' is an exceedingly pretty rose with glowing mid-pink flowers with a touch of apricot. The rich hue gradually pales over time. Held on red-tinged stems, the blooms begin as shallow cups that open to full rosettes packed with delicately ruffled petals. The delicious fragrance is strong and fruity. 'Eustacia Vye' is a repeat-blooming rose with a strong, vigorous shrub and exceptional good health. It grows 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Named after the flawed heroine of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native.

'Eustacia Vye'

 

 

To request a catalog, visit davidaustinroses.com  or email US@davidaustinroses.com or call 800-328-8893.  I received last year's catalog and it is a beauty!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Photos of roses always elicit an immediate sigh from me, although the few I have have never thrived. I've committed to putting more effort - and water - into caring for them this year. If my efforts yield real results, I expect I might go a little crazy with new additions in 2022.

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  2. David Austin roses are so gorgeous, but I don’t think they’d do well in the Southeast at all without a lot of spraying.

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  3. They are so gorgeous, sigh. I'm losing so many to crown gall.

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  4. I always admire roses, especially those on trellises or growing over and around houses. I don't grow them because I have never had much luck with them. I admire them from afar.

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  5. Although I do not grow roses, looking at these blooms make me happy. Very happy indeed. I always stop and smell the roses that I see on my walks. Often I'm disappointed there is no scent. It seems like the fragrance is often the trade-off when they are bred for beauty and resiliency. It appears the two new selections you mentioned are plenty fragrant. I'm almost scared to open the online catalog... it could prove an expensive temptation :-D

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  6. Oh, my favorite topic. Last week I placed my order for seeds and my DA roses. I just keep thinking I am going to need a bigger garage, since I grow them in containers. :) For some reason, I am not attracted to the new roses this year. Probably because I am still in cloud 9 from Emily Bronte last year. :)

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