Northeast Gardening: What's blooming today # 2, 1 by grammyphoeb

grammyphoeb wrote:
Andy - WOW!!! Al - beautiful blooms! So last year mine was in the sleeping stage and this year it's creeping - how long does the creeping stage last before it begins to leap?? How do you know what group the clematis is in? What are some good varities that can be cut back each year. I have a bridge in my new garden area that I want a clematis on but the bridge needs to be sealed yearly. A clematis that can be cut back would work so the bridge could be sealed. I plan on using some kind of netting attached to the bridge as a trellis. Would an Alberta Spruce planted at the back of the bridge work as a good trellis? I would keep the Alberta Spruce shrub size and not let it get to tall. Would love to try a spiral haircut on an Alberta Spruce but afraid to try it!!! Eleanor