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
I love that tidy little Clerodendrum but I expect it needs more water than I can provide. August is my least favorite month too but your garden looks better than mine, Phillip. With our current water restrictions I've let a lot of things go and just try to shift my eyes in another direction to the degree possible. We're expecting the worst heatwave of the summer thus far this week, with it shifting into high gear tomorrow and hitting its worst on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteKris, I keep hoping California will get more rain.
DeleteSlightly different vantage points than usual, those long shots are beautiful! I wouldn't think its August: everything is so lush and green. Redbud should be able to take full sun... I hope it tolerates the heat better once it matures.
ReplyDeleteThere's a 'ghostly' bare tree in the background of photo (one before last). Is it painted?
chavli
Chavli, those are limbs that Michael painted white and put in a large pot. I always wanted some type of glass sculptures to fill that hole and he came up with that idea which was faster and cheaper!
DeleteWow! Looking great there. I like the too-big Perovskia--perhaps just a bit of a cut back of the more brazen stems? It's fun when a plant says, "Hey, look at me!"
ReplyDelete70 days without rain--that makes someone in Southern California giggle. 7 months is normal for here.
Hoover, I don't know how you do it - yikes!
DeleteYou’d never guess from these gorgeous photos that you’ve had a hot, dry summer. It looks very green and lush.
ReplyDelete