Freeze-thaw

A day of solid rain turned into a day of rain, sleet and wet snow with high-ish winds.  The snow always transforms the views in ways that are (at least initially) quite beautiful as can be seen from our kitchen view (with raindrops for artistic effect).  Because the snow is wet and heavy and because the wind is blowing, there is a risk of damage to the trees and shrubs and damage to anything beneath a high falling branch.  Our electricity did flicker of and on again earlier and there are sirens wailing every now and again in the distance.

Yesterday I was more concerned about the unhealthy state of Rhododendrons in the garden.  We appear to have large and small amounts of decline in different plants that might be considered root rot and die-back.  Both are caused by fungi.  I have it on good authority that over the past five years we've had early and significant episodes of freeze-thaw cycles that may be weakening these plants.  Rhododendron roots are close to the surface and can be damaged when exposed to very cold or very hot temperatures.  I need to ensure that I mulch them extensively and feed them again this year.  These plants may be toward the end of their natural life-span anyway, but why not help them as much as possible?  

The picture below shows localized die-back.