Last year we bought a clematis. It wasn't our first one. Or even our second. Those were eaten by some rodent with fur and a twitchy nose. So instead of shelling out the usual $5 -- we went for an ESTABLISHED plant and shot the wad at about $25.Still, for the price, this little guy was kinda beaten up, thanks to a hail storm that had hit a few days before. But we planted him and hoped for the best. The best didn't happen in 2009. Mr. Clematis existed. Hubby was depressed.
This spring, we weren't sure Mr. Clematis had survived the winter. It was slow to take off. And then one day--WOW--it shouted, I WANT TO LIVE. And see how it's blooming. (The arbor it grows on is at least 8 feet tall.)
Yup, I think he survived the winter.
Mr. Clematis sure is a handsome fellow.
ReplyDeleteAnd your post is really wonderful too. Sometimes, you do need to fork out more for an established plant, but often that plant pretends to disappoint before showing you what he is capable of
Wheee! What a handsome Mr. C. you have there -- AND he's purple!! (One of my favorites.) I hope you intend to go out to his arbor and share a glass of bubbly with him to celebrate his exuberance. Or maybe a Diet Coke. (Hey, don't laugh. The hosta plant where I used to work LOVED and thrived on the odd half-can of Diet Coke or left-over cup of tea that got poured on it routinely. It was really scrawny looking when it moved to in front of my desk -- after the previous owner retired -- and shot to life with its regular dose of caffeine. Your Mr. C. looks to have grander tastes than my old hosta, hence the suggestion for bubbly.) Whatever, enjoy him and may his exuberance increase!
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful! I love how purple it is.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! My favourite color.
ReplyDelete