Thursday, June 20, 2013

Climbing Clematis


 I love clematis. How could I not? Just look at those blossoms!

 Their only downside is that, like all perennials, the bloom time is relatively short.
 
(dry brush filter)
 The clematis that climbs our light post is simply spectacular when flowering.


 Heavy rains over the past several weeks, however, brought an even earlier end to its short bloom time. These photos were taken about two weeks ago, when the vine was still covered with flowers.

Not to worry though. The clematis climbing the arbor over the garden gate has just started blooming. Not as spectacularly as in years past, thanks to me accidentally cutting the vine growing up the side of the arbor that you see in the photo above. A winding trumpet vine was starting to warp the lattice, and since it was too shady a spot for the vine to even blossom, I decided to cut it back to remove the thick, destructive trunk. In the process, however, I accidentally cut back the clematis growing up that side as well!

 (dry brush filter)
Thankfully, the clematis I'd planted on the left side of the arbor escaped my cutting shears...

... and it's putting on a spectacular show right now. I'm hoping that next year the right side will grow back!
 
A little further into the backyard, the clematis that I had all but given up on (planted a few years ago) suddenly took off this year! Perhaps it was having a race with the new honeysuckle vine I just planted next to it, seeing who could reach the top of the swing set first.

I love the combination of the lavender clematis and the red-orange honeysuckle intertwining. These are the vines that are planted on the left side of the swing set, where the ladder to the monkey bars used to be...
 
(watercolor filter)
 
(dry brush filter)
I planted the same combination of lavender clematis and red-orange honeysuckle on the right side of the swing set as well.

Hopefully the rain will stay away for a while and let these beauties finish their natural bloom time!

Wishing you all a beautiful week.

I'm joining Claudia, Mockingbird Hill Cottage for A Favorite Thing Saturday,
Tracie, Fishtail Cottage for Cottage Garden Party
and Cindy, My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday

Donna

16 comments:

Melissa said...

Very beautiful!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Those looks so pretty--your whole yard looks delightful. Just the type of landscaping I love!

Susan said...

Gosh, Donna. They look gorgeous. I assume clematis comes up every year, right? A perennial? Love them! Susan

The Shabby Chicas said...

Love the color...what a great place to retreat to. What is Baby up to?

Barb said...

Your clematis is lovely. I love the look of vines in a garden or near a house.

Melanie said...

I love Clematis. Unfortunately, I don't have anywhere on my property where it grows well - not enough sun!

Valerie Cottage Making Mommy said...

Oh I love Clematis. Something else I need to add to my new garden.


Hugs,

Valerie
Cottage Making Mommy
www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Your gardens are lovely and I like the techniques you used on the photos. I have several clematis and find them one of my favourites in the garden.

Crafts a la Mode said...

Beautiful clematis.I have a small clematis that has a few flowers... Best wishes, Linda

Last year my two daughters and I each adopted a dog from the South. They are all doing well also. Thought you might like to know...

http://www.craftsalamode.com/2013/06/what-to-do-weekends-25.html

Elaine said...

Your yard is so pretty, no wonder all the wildlife likes to hang out there.

I love any kind of climbing plant. Adds another dimension to a garden.

Lorrie said...

Your clematis plants are really lovely. I had one and got fed up with it and pulled it out this spring. Next year I hope to try with another one in another spot.
What a beautiful garden you have. I imagine you spend hours out there.

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

It's SO pretty. I started a purple one this year. Had one bloom, died off in the cold and is now coming back.

I had autumn clematis ( the tiny white bridal wreath flowers ) for years and then it was killed by some wild morning glory so I had to plant another one last year. Hoping for healthy blooms this fall.

Your garden and flowers are exquisite...just love your posts :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful clematis!

PS: Saw your weight loss chart on the side. Congratulations! What's your secret?

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

So pretty... I love our clematis, and it's in its glory right now... perhaps I should think of adding another!
:)
~Becca~

Claudia said...

You have some beautiful clematis plants, Donna. I love the way you've managed to give them something to climb on. My plant needs a wee bit more of a structure, I think. Love your gardens. I can imagine sitting out there with you and having a good long chat.

Thanks so much for joining in this week.

xo
Claudia

Donna said...

Your flowers and photos are beautiful! Thank you for the lovely garden tour. Clematis blooms make me smile!