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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 17, 2006)
14 , JUStlOUt NOVEMBER 17. 2006 In Search of Evergreens Pizzazz to get you through the drab ith leaves dropping around, it’s kind of hard to say goodbye to the real gardening season. Unlike so many parts of the country where the winter months are spent sharpening tools and cleaning potting sheds, we have a choice. Fortunately for us here in Portland, our gardens don’t have to go away completely. There is plenty to do outside on the dry days, even if it is just enjoying being outside without getting wet. You might wonder how to do this. Filemon in Northeast Portland wrote to ask rhe following question. W Hi D irty D an : / need some advice. I've got all these bushes in my yard—some oakleaf hydrangeas, a couple of Japanese barberries, a few roses.... Well anyway, I’ve had beau tiful fall color from some things—1 love the burgundy leaves on the hydrangeas, and 1 couldn't be happier with the crape myrtle I put in last year, which was absolute ly on fire with orange and gold up until a few days ago when the rain knocked off the last few leaves. All that stuff is so pretty up until winter sets in, but then it gets a little depressing to watch the whole garden become a barren wasteland in November. So I’m wondering, What can I put in that will be evergreen and pretty all winter long! I’m not so crazy about those perfect little Christmas-tree-looking things I always see in the nurs eries this time of year—I want something with a little pizzazz to get me through these darker days. (As for the roses, they got covered in mildew and spots and stuff yet again; 1 got sick of them and ripped them out, so I’ve got some room.) Can you suggest something lovely! Oh Filemon, you did mention that you really liked the pizzazz of burgundy leaves? You might try the Chinese fringe flower, Loropetalum chinense. There are a number of cultivars on the market, many with dark purple leaves that persist through the winter. The added bonus is that they will give you a big show of hot pink flowers in the spring, and something tells me you might like that. Loropetalum can handle a variety of sun situations from full sun to partial shade—just don't let it dry out too much. Another you might try to get your fingers on is Rhamnus alatcmus, Variegata or variegated Italian buckthorn. The common name is misleading, but don’t worry, there are no thorns. When it comes to ' FÁNTASY FOR ADULTS ONLY ▼ T ai <■ ' Enhancing love. sex. and everything in between since I 985 We offer Portland’s hottest selection of: movies, games, toys, lingerie, and much more... All Apparel. Hosiery. Linger ie. Costumes, and Shoes shrubs being handsome, this one certainly qualifies. Reddish stems are adorned with small green leaves, each edged in cream varie gation. I have grown this large shrub in my garden before, and 1 can say it is easy and undemanding. Its branches also make great cut foliage perfect for holiday entertaining. One last suggestion I could give are the bright and sunny leaves of Sun The Chinese fringe flower brings hot pink in the spring and can stand dance, Choisya temata. up to the Northwest's winter. The golden Mexican mock orange really gives its all. Sometimes I look at this plant and think that helping hands. Anyone interested in volunteering it might be almost too bright, but then 1 decide I still some time should contact volunteer director love it. A citrus relative, Choisya is hardy in Kathryn Siebert at ksiebert@ourhouseofportland.org. Portland, only occasionally getting a tiny bit of dam On another news note, the club Garden age in really cold weather. If you have the space on Friends is starting back up again. Members look the north side of your house or a place that gets like they have some fun events planned in the morning sun and afternoon shade, you should future. I’m sure this is another great way to meet devote it to this plant. Filemon, I think you will real like-minded gardening fanatics and learn a few ly like this one, especially on dreary January days. things while you’re at it. To find out more, contact Dave Kohl at dkohl@cu-portland.edu. © Recently someone contacted me with a request that 1 gladly will put out there to all of you. Our House of Portland, a nonprofit organization provid ing health and housing services to people with HIV/A1DS, has a garden that could use some To reach D irty D an , who will answer any and all of your gardening questions, simply e-mail dirtydthegardener@yahoo. com.