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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

Icy Jewels



We missed the snow this week - earlier forecasters were saying that we could get as much as 2-5 inches. However, as it often happens, the snow line went much farther north so we missed out. We are getting cold rain and sleet and everything is wet. It is going to get very cold tonight and black ice will be a problem in the morning. There is also concern about the ice on trees. I would much have preferred the snow!


I did get a change to get a few shots of the beautiful ice in the garden today.







Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I hope you didn't have to get out in it. As pretty as it is it is dangerous. Our area got the snow. It is lovely but cold.

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  2. Pines, pines are the worst in an ice storm. Just looking at your photos I can hear a pine limb cracking and crashing. I'm glad I agreed to move farther south. Stay safe, and warm.

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  3. So beautiful but so dangerous! Everything in Limestone Co covered in ice today. Hurry spring!

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  4. Wow that pictures are superb! You are right though, snow would have been better for plants than ice.

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  5. It all looks wonderful ... but very cold! We had a very Springlike day here in the uk, sunny and still and about 9 degrees. makes me feel that the end is in sight!!

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  6. I remember the ice storms from when I lived in Alabama and Tennessee. Beautiful but so destructive to the trees.

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  7. Ice covered plants are always so lovely, but I am glad it is your garden and not mine.

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  8. Gorgeous photos, Phillip! I hope you didn't lose any plants to that ice. We were supposed to get that same kind of weather last night and today but it's either delayed or not going to happen. I'm relieved actually. It'll give me some time to get out there and refill the bird feeders!

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