Winter color: Witch Hazel

Winter can seem long and dreary in the Northwest.  On a recent sunny day, Hamamelis intermedia 'Primavera' (a variety of Witch Hazel) was in full bloom at the Oregon Garden in Silverton.

Enjoying the garden in winter requires looking for more than the lush, full colors of spring and summer.  Seek out the accents like this Witch Hazel.  Observe the forms, shapes, and lines of the plants and the landscape itself.  Take a close look at seed pods, flower heads, bare branches and tree trunks.  You will find beauty there that would otherwise be obscured by leaves and color. 

And by all means, go to botanical gardens year round.  There will be gardening delights any time of the year----if you just look beyond that summer-like expectation.

Witch Hazel adds a bit of color to a February landscape

The frnge-like flowers dot the branches

A close-up photo reveals the interest and beauty of the blossom

Weeds already? Is it Spring?

Weeds, like their more desirable garden counterparts, have a life cycle.  They germinate and start growing when their genetic code dictates.  For some weeds that cycle starts as early as December.  In order to prevent a hostile takeover of your garden, spend a little time out there pulling the weeds.  I know, it's only January, but the fresh air and exercise will do you a world of good.  By eliminating the weeds before those cute little white flowers appear, you will also prevent seed production and hopefully have fewer weeds to contend with next year.  

So, to answer your question:  No, it is not spring yet!  But it is time to weed...

Weeds are popping up in my perennial garden already!

Bittercress is a "winter" weed.  Pull it now to prevent seed production.

Handling Snow.....

January 2012 Snowfall

We rarely get snow and each time we do, I learn something new. This time I discovered that bamboo trees can't take much wet snow. The 2-3" of wet snow clung to the leaves of the bamboo and I was shocked to see them bending down and touching the grass.  Wind was predicted, it was raining heavily and the temperature hovered around 34 degrees.  I ran out with my camera to snap a few shots and then hurried to remove the snow.  Weather like this could quickly turn to more snow or even to ice.  I gently teased the snow off the branches, using a broom handle. The camellia bushes were buried under the bamboo and I was relieved to find them relatively unharmed.  As I shivered inside the house over a cup of hot tea, I was glad I had rescued my evergreen companions.  And thankful there had been so little damage afterall.

Snow had weighted down the row of bamboo trees.

Wet snow clung to the leaves, threatening breakage.

Elegant upright shoots were bowed completely to the ground.

Using a broom handle, the snow was gently teased off the branches.

Camellia bushes were trapped under the bamboo.

Thirty minutes later, the bushes emerged and the bamboo returned to nearly normal and upright, only a few broken branches this time.

What to do for your plants if it snows:

1.  Monitor the situation.  A little bit is fine but if the tree or bush looks stressed it needs to be attended to.

2  Listen to weather reports.  If snow is followed by freezing rain, all that extra weight could mean extensive damage.

3.  Wind damage is also a factor. The damage will be more severe if plants are covered in heavy snow.

4.  Gently wiggle the branches to remove the snow.  Work from the outside in, doing just a little at a time.  Gentle is key.

5.  Allow the branches to spring back up naturally.  Cold branches can be brittle and break easily.

6.  If bad weather persists you may need to attend to your plants more than once per day.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree....

Abies koreana- Korean Fir Tree 

At long last the Korean Fir has grown large enough to drape with lights.  Blue just seemed to be the right color this year.


Remember, the other half of gardening is stopping to enjoy it!!!


Merry Christmas Everyone!

Bringing the outdoors in at Christmas

Gather plant material

Cut the "Oasis" floral foam to shape

Soak foam with water and place in container

Insert small clippings firmly into foam

Cover entire foam, using a variety of colors and textures.

Materials used:

• Vase with a large diameter at top, about 10"
• One block of 'Oasis' floral foam-purchased at a craft store for about $2.00
• Evergreen branches (any variety will do).  I used 3 small branches that I wanted to eliminate from the tree anyway
• Privet hedge clippings 3-6"long, about 20 or 30
• Camellia bush clippings 3-6" long, 5-7
• Fine leaved viburnum clippings 6-12", cut in half, with orange berries intact, 25-30
• Rose campion, 6-10 very small plants
• Ornate berries from wild iris
• Sprigs of native sedum (they turn red in the winter)

Feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand!

Proceedure:

1. Start at the bottom with the largest clippings of the evergreens
2. Create a nice looking top 
3. Fill in the middle with evergreens
4. Add the other types of plant material, covering the foam base completely.
5. Add accents of berries, contrasting plant material, etc
6. Water regularly to enjoy this arrangement for weeks to come

Silver Frost....

Euphorbia

Leopard's Bane

Peony

Rhododendron

'Autumn Joy' Sedum

Spending time in your garden can seem a bit dull in the fall and winter.  However, when the weather gets clear, we often have frost the next morning.  You will find some spectacular silvery lace touches on leaves, buds, tree branches, and whatever else is out there.  Remember, one half of gardening is doing the work---the other half is stopping to enjoy the beauty.  So, yes, you can enjoy your garden in the winter.  It's just a little different than in the summer.  Take some time, look closely, and maybe even grab your camera!

Happy Gardening!

Bringing the Outdoors In.....

Creating a centerpiece from the fall garden can be a great way to bring the outdoors in for the holidays.

This arrangement started with the glossy leaves from a few twigs off the camellia bush, several sprigs of 'Angelina' golden sedum, a few blue-green euphorbia stalks and for the burgundy base: 'Autumn Joy' sedum.  To add just a little more interest, a few wispy branch tips from curly willow finish off the the whole ensemble.  It was placed it in a low ceramic pot of similar colors.  By keeping the total height of the centerpiece to about 12", it was perfect on the dinner table and did not obstruct view while the family was visiting.  

While the turkey was roasting, I dashed out to the garden and gathered up whatever I could find that looked nice.  Selecting healthy, lush plants of various colors and shapes, I put together this arrangement in less than half an hour.  With a set of tapered candles, it completed the dining room table setting and welcomed the family on that chilly, damp Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Day Bouquet