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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

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day - September 2021

Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel'

Last week I wrote about the joys of new Abba and Vera and this week there is more excitement - we have rain in the forecast! And the possibility of a good rain - at least one inch. Keep your fingers crossed for us. We are in dire need of it and I'm sure the plants would be overjoyed as well.

Despite the drought, there are lots of blooms in the September garden. I will start with the container plants which get daily watering. Note to self - less containers next year.

Two matching baskets hang on the pergola - they are filled with Begonia 'Bonfire' and Fan Flower (Scaevola).


I don't remember the name of this begonia. I've overwintered it for the past two winters in the garage.


 

I tried to overwinter Hell's Bells (Datura) last year but it didn't make it. We liked it so much that I got another one this year.

Oxalis 'Plum Crazy'


Another beautiful begonia (a customer recommended this one) and an overloaded fuchsia at the top. The fuchsias have not done as well this year but this one is outstanding. The plectranthus in the middle has never bloomed.

 

Some new plants in the ground -

 

Autumn Sage 'Mirage Soft Pink' (Salvia greggii) - I love this plant. I just planted it about a month ago and it has really taken off.

 

Trachelium caeruleum Hamer Pandora (Blue Throatwart) (Blue Lace Flower) is planted in three different places. Results have been mixed but what a beautiful color!


 

Aster ageratoides 'Starshine'

Rose 'The Fairy' - I grew this one in Alabama. I picked another one up during a weak moment at the nursery.

 Older plants in bloom -

Boltonia 'Snowbank' - planted in the Pan Garden where it is much too tall but I love it. It takes forever for the blooms to open. It just started blooming last week. 


Angelonia and Aster 'Kickin' Purple


Rose 'Home Run' and Aster 'Wood's Purple'


Caryopteris 'Good as Gold' - love this plant so much and so do the bees. The phlox is either 'Purple Kiss' or 'Blue Paradise'.


 

Hybrid musk rose 'Cornelia' enjoying another flush

 

'Darlow's Enigma' rose on the pergola.

 

Dicliptera suberecta (Uruguayan firecracker plant) - moved this year and it is performing much better.


 

Solidago 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) in the front border. Another transplant. Such an easy and rewarding plant.

 

Another Goldenrod, this one in the back garden next to Cistis 'Mickey'

Hardy Begonia

 

 

Honeysuckle (Lonicera americana)

 

Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'

 

Turtlehead 'Hot Lips' (Chelone)

 

Veronica baldwinii (Western Ironweed)

 

Lantana 'Miss Huff' - how is this for overgrown? She just won't quit!

Check out May Dreams Gardens for more bloggers sharing their blooms.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. As much as I envy the flowers in your garden I don't have a chance of growing under present circumstances, like those luscious flowering begonias, I think I envy your rain forecast even more. Envious or not, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

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  2. Beautiful blooms! And such vibrant colors! Love them all!
    Have a great day!

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  3. I chuckled at your "Note to self - less containers next year". I doubt it's possible; with the success of your pots, whether hanging or standing, it'll be hard to cut back. Your Oxalis is indeed crazy beautiful, the vignettes with the Aster are stunning, and my favorite: the photo with the Hybrid musk rose 'Cornelia': Yowza!

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  4. Wow! Your garden is so incredibly colorful for September! Love your container plants. I'm a big begonia fan but don't have enough shade close to the house for them to be grown in containers. My fireworks goldenrod spreads everywhere but it is such a great plant I don't mind.

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  5. Your September gardens are so beautiful with all the flowers. Goldenrods always attract many insects, and I was wondering if Fireworks Goldenrod sends out runners or is clump forming? I know that feeling about watering pots. I have twenty-six of them after I got rid of a few last year. They still keep me busy with watering.

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    Replies
    1. Yvonne, it seems to be clump forming. It spread out a little and I have transplanted pieces in other areas.

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