Tag Archives: Clematis

A Clematis for all Seasons

Clematis durandii in blue vase
For the past few months I’ve been buying a beautiful blue clematis that is now being sold as a cut flower by some florists. Not only does it look wonderful in a vase, but it also lasts at least two weeks while the flowers progressively open. Thanks to a press release from the British Clematis Society I now know that it is an old-fashioned herbaceous clematis (grows to about 2 metres, so better for the back of a border than as a climber) called Clematis durandii. Obviously the flowers that I buy at this time of year are grown undercover, but I think I might buy a couple for relatively compact colour in the summer borders. It can also be grown in large containers.

Sweet Summer Love


The thing about spending more time on the computer instead of working outdoors as I would be when both legs work, is that I keep discovering more plants that I would like to grow. Reading @Graham_Rice’s blog on MORE

Spring Fast Forward

pear-blossom

Suddenly everything is in flower – all at once – and as much as I am enjoying the wonderful weather, I’m also wishing that it would slow down a bit – and rain. It is very dry here and the sandy soil means that anything that isn’t well mulched needs to be watched for wilting – even the tulips in pots are flagging. The pear blossom is glorious, the camassias are opening and I can see fat buds on the large-flowered clematis and some of the roses.

Early March, early signs of life

Holiday at Sissinghurst

The National Trust has just unveiled its latest holiday cottage – the Priest’s House at Sissinghurst.  Stay there and you get the freedom of this iconic garden in the evenings and on Wednesdays when it is closed to the public. The cottage has been beautifully converted – and as estate agents are fond of saying – it is deceptively spacious.  The main bedroom overlooks the White garden and there are two more twin bedrooms, two bathrooms, 2 sitting rooms and a kitchen dining room. For more information go to www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk