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A visit to Chickadee Gardens

I was excited to finally get to see Chickadee Gardens last week. I have followed Tamara's blog  for years. She and her husband garden on 2 acres in Saint Helens, Oregon.  When you look at the map, it appears that St. Helens is directly across the Columbia River and slightly to the north of us. However, there is no convenient bridge to get over to the Oregon side. You must go north to Ridgefield, Washington (about 30 minutes north of our house) and go across there  or travel through Portland and then go north through Scappoose. Either way, it is about a 45 minute drive. I decided to try the Ridgefield route and I was glad I did. Not only did I not have to contend with Portland traffic (it was Rose Parade weekend), I got to see country on the Oregon side that was new to me.  Tamara used to work at the beautiful Joy Creek Nursery (my favorite, but alas they are now closed) and she now works part-time at Cistus Nursery.  She focuses on native plants and sustainabili...
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First Snow, Now Ice



Winter weather continues as the snow remains on the ground from the weekend. Last night, we got ice. Here is how it looks this morning -





Today, we are finally climbing above 32 degrees after being below freezing for five days straight. Temperatures in the 40s are predicted today and it should be all be over for now.

Alabama got some snow too. Although our winters are similar, snow is a rarer event there. A lot of times it is predicted and nothing happens. I can't tell you how many disappointments I had as a kid, waiting for that predicted snow and school closing, and waking up to bare ground outside. 

In reading comments on social media, I find people's reactions amusing. First, there is excitement and anticipation. Then a day after it comes, they are ready for it to be over. 

As long as I have power, food and books, I'm fine with it and I don't mind being cooped up for a few days. I'm like a cat, as long as I'm cozy, I'm happy. I'd prefer not to go out in it. The biggest drawback is worrying about the garden and the birds.

Once again, it is the Azara that brings the most anxiety. Last year, the poor thing was completely on the ground after the huge, wet snowstorm. I reinforced it with the biggest stakes I could find. This is it today  -



I'm hoping the branches will not break before the ice melts. After that, it looks like I will have to figure out how to tie it back up to endure the next one.

Is there a next one? Probably so, considering this is just January!

Stay warm and cozy!



 



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonJanuary 17, 2024 at 2:53 PM

    I can't say I ever get to see the framework of my garden the way you can when its stripped down to its basic elements like this. I hope the Azara makes it through the snow and ice.

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