It was 37 degrees F. (2.77 C.) when I got up just after 6 a.m. this morning. That's pretty unusual weather given the Winter Solstice is this week. But Thursday we are supposed to have freezing rain, followed by snow, followed by plunging temperatures. Before that happens I wandered out into the garden to snap a few images to remember this warm, snowless moment. This view includes eight different types of evergreen trees and shrubs.
That bark damage is from squirrels. It's actually on the trunk of a very old lilac tree and not the Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis.
Ammonia's last hurrah.
Weeping Serbian Spruce aka Picea omorika 'Bruns'
Korean maples are like Beech trees. They keep their leaves all winter. It adds one more color and texture to the winter garden which I enjoy.
Stunning views! So does the squirrel damage harm the Lilac? Do they take away the bits they've scratched off?
I can't believe your Amsonia still looks so good! Mine turned to a single stem (the leaves having fallen off) weeks ago.
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 10:50 AM
Mostly it seems like they leave the bark hanging there in strips. The tree is 60 years old and only blooms on the very top where it gets sun. But I love the trunks and so we haven't cut it down. Since it's so old i don't worry about the critter damage but it hasn't killed it either.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 11:23 AM
I can't tell you how much I dislike squirrels. UGH they cause so much damage in the garden, specially for potted plants.
I have to tell you I thought of you and your mother load of locust pods this weekend. I saw a herd of deer standing under a locust tree munching on locust pods. Deer would be much worse than turkeys. Just seeing all of that delicious evergreen foliage would be too much to resist.
Your evergreens are gorgeous.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 05:45 PM
I know. What an incredible day! I went for a hike...and I was comfortable! Even when I took off my gloves! Next week will be too cold for me. Beautiful scenes from your garden, as always. :)
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 08:44 PM
I am enjoying driving on dry pavement but I would like a little snow cover for the plants.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 09:53 PM
A precious snowless and warm stroll in your December garden. Gorgeous!
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 09:43 AM