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March Treasures

Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' and Pieris 'Valley Rose' Buds are budding, flowers are emerging, and the garden is getting greener. Excitement builds! It seems like it is all happening too soon and that is probably the case since the winter has been so mild. There are also mutterings about a "false spring" which is certainly understandable. It is not uncommon here to get a big snow in April. It has happened many times since we've lived here.  Proceed with caution... I would not dream of putting any delicate plants out yet so they will remain in the garage. However, there is a flurry of activities that needs to be done. Rose pruning, cutting back perennials and grasses, transplanting, etc. etc.  It is all worth it - the garden rewards - Crocus Daffodils Anenome Hellebore Camellia 'Donation' Euphorbia wulfenii Tree Heath ( Erica arborea ) Hebe 'Pretty in Pink' Pieris 'Valley Rose' Pieris 'Passion Frost' And last, but certainly not le...
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The Slow Thaw

 


Although we've had temperatures in the 40s all week, it is taking a coon's age for the snow to melt. I did some work in the garden today and surveyed the damage. Fortunately there isn't much damage and we were lucky here in Vancouver to not get as much ice as areas south of us.

This morning, as I was pulling out of the driveway, I noticed a big limb had broken on the strawberry tree. 

Strawberry Tree (Arbutus)
 

The  Honey Bush (Melianthus) was laying completely on the ground. I had intended to prune this anyway so I cut it back to the ground.  

Honey Bush (Melianthus major)

Last year, I remembered that the Hebe 'Sunset Boulveard' was damaged badly by the cold so I had covered it before the onslaught last weekend. It looks to be fine -

Hebe 'Sunset Boulevard'



 

The Pieris looks like it isn't fazed at all by any of this -


 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonFebruary 19, 2021 at 7:04 PM

    I'm glad to see you weathered the snow and ice relatively well. I love that Pieris.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 20, 2021 at 8:54 AM

    It is good that you didn't have too much damage. Still awaiting those 40 degree days here. Maybe tomorrow. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hoover BooFebruary 20, 2021 at 4:47 PM

    Snow at least is moisture. Hopefully not too much damage yet to discover. 40's F, Brrrr!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverFebruary 21, 2021 at 10:10 AM

      I know - I was glad we got the snow. At least it keep everything insulated and like you said, moisture!

      Delete
  4. chavlinessFebruary 21, 2021 at 9:13 AM

    It's sad about that big strawberry tree limb. Hopefully the shrub isn't looking too awkward without it. You got to love Pieris for their cool, stoic unfazed nature.
    It seems my Pieris put on a good display of blooms every OTHER year. Have you noticed anything like it in yours?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverFebruary 21, 2021 at 10:12 AM

      The limb was large but it didn't affect the look of the entire tree. Fortunately, it was a limb located right on the back bottom. All of my Pieris have bloomed well every year so far.

      Delete
  5. chavlinessFebruary 21, 2021 at 9:13 AM

    It's sad about that big strawberry tree limb. Hopefully the shrub isn't looking too awkward without it. You got to love Pieris for their cool, stoic unfazed nature.
    It seems my Pieris put on a good display of blooms every OTHER year. Have you noticed anything like it in yours?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rainy Day GardenerFebruary 21, 2021 at 6:26 PM

    I'm glad you came out without too much damage. You did get quite a bit of snow - wow!

    ReplyDelete
  7. RobinLMarch 2, 2021 at 6:19 PM

    I’d be at a complete loss trying to gardening your climate there! And yet you learned quickly, as I imagine it’s quite different than Alabama was.

    ReplyDelete

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