well, last year was my first one, so I can't really speak.. but if you take a look at the 2nd picture closely, there is dieback (the branches turn black) on many of the branches.. the tiny leaves all around are the new growth for this year.. since this is a picture from last month, there have been plenty of new leaves and they have been growing out even from the black branches.. from all the way at the top too..
is there a website for history temps, then maybe I can show you what it dropped down to.. I think around mid 30's or so..