Frozen, Part 2

Expecting the worst, I moved several hundred plants into the garage during the week leading up to last week's arctic outbreak.  Some of the more recent plantings, such as the Mexican blue palm (Brahea armata) in the lower right of the photo, were temporarily dug up.  Others are long-term pot residents that just needed the extra protection.

Of course, the plants in the garage aren't even a drop in the bucket compared to the plants that were stuck outside and exposed to the full force of arctic agony.  Once again, here are more observations of some borderline and/or new plants along with how dead or alive they are:

1 = Dead

2 = Severely damaged and may never fully recover

3 = Severely damaged but will probably fully recover eventually

4 = Severely damaged but will probably fully recover in less than a year

5 = Moderate cosmetic (e.g. leaf) damage but no known structural damage

6 = Minor leaf/flower damage

7 = No damage

Unprotected Lomatia myricoides = 7 (No apparent damage)

Unprotected Eriobotrya japonica = 7 (I have two of these - neither show any signs of damage)

Unprotected Daphne odora = 6 (Although the bronzed foliar "damage" makes it look more attractive)

Unprotected Metapanax delavayi = 7

Unprotected Magnolia laevifolia = 7

Unprotected Podocarpus matudae = 7

Protected Billbergia nutans = ?? (Covered with a blanket - it looks ok now, but bromeliads can definitely play alive when they are in fact dead)

Unprotected Sophora microphylla = 7 (Even the un-hardened-off new growth was virtually unscathed)

 I'll continue with a final installment tomorrow with plants featuring a little more frost damage....

NHS Board Garden Tour 2012

The Northwest Horticultural Society's annual Meet the Board tour was on Sunday, August 19th, 2012.  Five great NHS board member gardens were open to NHS regular members to walk though and be in awe of.

This board member has an apparent love affair with coleus, among other things.

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'

I like the dwarf mondo grass lawn (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'), although it is apparent that it does not tolerate foot traffic.  At least it doesn't require mowing.

This garden was home to many subtropical/tropical plants, including this schefflera.  Not sure of the species or if it is given any protection in the winter.

Nepenthes alata, center

The backyard was about the size of a living room and was just as cozy, although I'm not sure I'd want to relax underneath the pitcher plant (Nepenthes alata).

Rhodocoma capensis

Seeing this nice clump of Rhodocoma capensis made me want to give this plant another try after murdering one a few years ago.

Eucalyptus archeri

Look!  A eucalyptus tree that is alive!  This species is I believe Eucalyptus archeri, and was either transplanted as a very large tree from California or weathered the several recent harsh winters with flying koalas.

This bird netting over the patch of blueberry bushes is doing double-duty, keeping people away as well.

Rain barrels

Someday, I think it would be great if people built houses with rain storage containers hidden underneath the roof of the house.  UV lights could keep bacteria from growing, and the elevation difference would create an adequate amount of water pressure in order to be able to use a normal garden hose to water plants.

This "compost fence" looks like it was just recently stuffed with a bunch of yard debris.  I would love to see what this looks like in a year, when the material on the bottom has decomposed.  It's a cool idea, especially for smaller gardens.

I counted 12 chickens.  They must take their morning omelets seriously.

Eriobotrya japonica

Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica)

Edgeworthia

Edgeworthia.  Not sure of the species.

And finally, a contemplative Easter Island head.

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