Ready, set, order!

Is he putting the hooks into holes he drills between the stones of your glorious stone work? I only did that once and had to measure carefully. Glad it came out right.

I'm still in the midst of reorganizing the 36,988 photos that appeared on this new laptop from the old computer that barely had 23,000 so there are lots of duplicates to be deleted but so much eye strain. I could stay here a week just working on photos!

Today, believing the weather report, I went outside to remove the deer netting from one of the Jackmanii clematises. I thought my hands were frozen by the time I finished. Then I had to hoist up Pink Champagne to the scrollwork with wire. Wire and cold hands make for an icy job. Glad those two things are done.

Does anyone have any experience with Purpurea Plena Elegans?

Pretty color....

That is Pink Champagne (from Koi). Here's another of Pink Champagne. I always know when I love a clem because I buy it again.

The DH will put the hooks in the woodwork that goes across the entrance to the patio. I want to use Mayleen to frame that area and have it go down the other side.
It was interesting to see that it was already starting to put out leaves underneath where it had not been exposed to the cold weather. I suspect it won't be doing much more growing because of the weather we now have coming. I'm also not going to do any trimming unless I have portions of it that's dead. That's been my big mistake in the past, with trimming way too much of the old wood, to prevent Mayleen from consuming the house, and therefore cutting off the stems that would have provided blooms.

I love Pink Champage, it is a prolific grower here, and has been the best performing newly planted clematis for me so far. This will be the second year that it's in the garden There was no sleeping, or creeping, it leaped from the first year that it was planted. Annette

If you need additional support for Mayleen you can use dental floss (very strong) to hoist up stems as needed. I've used it many times.

I trim the Grandiflora from the inside of the dog's pen but not the outside, which is why it is huge. If I didn't trim it on the inside the whole area would be one 16' x 12' Grandiflora.

Hurray for Pink Champagne!

You can see the dental floss used here to tie the clem to the obelisk.

Arlene, you are a wealth of information. Thanks for the tip about the dental floss. I have learned so much from you. I'm adding that advise to my Garden Essentials list for 2013.

Thanks, Annette. I have things that didn't work as well! Strike down string. It rots too fast in sun. I do love the chenille ties but doubt I have a photo of them. They are about a foot long and can be cut as needed. They disappear from sight but can be saved for many years. They're available at florist supply shops and probably craft stores.

I've looked for the green chenille ties for 30 minutes now and can't find them but, just so you know what you're looking for, here's a link to a bag of colored ties:

http://www.joann.com/pepperell-noodle-roonie-jumbo-craft-stems-12-6-pkg-primary/zprd_10757722a/

Some store must sell the green ones that a friend sends me!

Thanks for the link Arlene, it's always nice to have a picture example. Years ago, I bought 1000 ft of green twist tie that I finally used the last of last year. I've now found it in reels of 150 ft that I bought last fall, and it is quite strong in holding up the plants. I have also used the green plastic ties that were 1/2 in wide, which I found wasn't very strong, and the plants would fall down, because this material was too weak. The plastic ties were what I used with Mayleen last year, and the reason why she fell off of the drain. Annette

The whole process of living and learning (always the hard way) can be annoying!

Another one that didn't work as planned was using a section of green plastic coated fencing over the clematises in the barrel at the white fence. I did it to encourage the clem's to grow over the fence but now I have a mess to cut back since they all got tangled.

Finally found a photo of the green chenille ties. It's at the top right of this photo. They held the tomato vine in place very well.

The green chenille ties really do disappear into the plants, I had to look to find it.

The color is good and it does blend in well. It's strong and that's what is important to me.

I guess the clematis must agree with the groundhog that we're going to have an early spring. The pips continue to increase in size, and I suspect leaves are on the way. Snow Queen at the mail box get's the most sun of all the clematis that I grow, and seems to be the furthest along.

Here are Snow Queen, Crystal Fountain, Patricia Ann Fretwell, and Barbara Jackman already making a move. these pictures were taken this afternooon. Let's hope we don't get another seriously cold spell. We're going to have several days in the 60's this week. I hope the groundhog is right with his prediction. Annette

Wonderful, hopeful photos, Annette! So glad to see how well they're doing and so early. Even a cold snap doesn't seem to bother them now so let's hope your weather remains warm and the groundhog is correct (as if they really know or care).

This has been a very busy winter here and I've had to go over all my photos but the reward is well worth it. While looking at photos I did find a spot that is ideal for a clematis so now I can shop guilt-free that I'd buy something and not have a place for it. The spot that's under the window of the shed has very fertile ground and the nearby asparagus thrive so I imagine a clematis would love it.

For anyone who loves lilies you can't beat Bert's prices. Look at his Classified ad on DG and his amazing prices! I've seen some of these, like Muscadette, Mona Lisa, Conca d'Or, Tiny Spider and Hotline at more than triple his prices. Here's his ad so just go to it and click on the link: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1296570/

I fell in love with Hotline the first time I saw it. Just Google "images" and you'll see it. Reminds me and others of Omoshiro!

Hi Arlene, I'm glad you've found a spot for a new clematis. I'm still thinking about where to put the 8 that I've ordered.

I love Bert's lily bulbs. I've ordered from him in the last 2 years, and the lily bulbs are beautifully packaged, are healthy, and do really well here. I had a chance to meet Bert 2 years ago, when he came to see my blooming bulbs. He's a really nice man.

Hotline is beautiful. I may have to indulge. I already ordered lilies from the end of season sale from Van Engelen and got Asiatics White Pixels, Orange Eletric, Oriental Auratum Gold Band, Op Anastasia, Tigrum Sweet Surrender, and Tr. Regale Album. For spring I've got coming Silk Road, Triumphator, Ormea, and Sunny Crown coming from B & D lilies, and more Anastasia, Scheherzade, Lillium hansonii, formosum, and Red Hot coming from Brent and Becky's. I can see more grass being removed this year to accommodate the new bulbs.

My thrill came from finding the spot by accident and it makes me wonder how many other spots I've overlooked.

Bert does a good job. I counted up what it would have cost me elsewhere and the total saved was over $80. and my cost is only $40. so I'm happy.

Well, you certainly aren't shy about ordering lilies! Triumphator is gorgeous and has lasted me years here. Anastasia is glorious and the scent is heavenly. Last year I put in a big order from B & D and First Crown was available. That is one gorgeous lily.

Between the clematises you ordered and the lilies you might as well set up a cot outside so you won't waste time getting everything planted. Have fun!

I pray that all of my northern DG friends stay safe during the blizzard that is expected starting tomorrow. May you and all of your families be safe. Annette

Thanks, Annette.....I'm hoping it will be 12-18"....that's manageable....

Thanks from me, too. I'm sure we'll be fine staying indoors and watching the blizzard from safety.

My daughter and her family leave for 10 days in Hawaii on Sunday. I could try and hide in their luggage but they'd probably notice

Hi Arlene, I hate to say this, but I'll be traveling to Hawaii on Saturday ;~) I'll be in Maui for 6 days for a conference. I'm looking forward to getting away from this cold, dank weather we've been having. It's been raining for 2 days, with more rain expected, which is good for the plants, giving them a nice start for the spring.

Stay safe and warm, with the crazy weather heading your way. Annette

Annette - have a wonderful time. I'll sit here and go through our photos of two weeks in Hawaii back in 2002. I just hope we'll keep our electricity through the storm, which is moving rapidly.

Good luck today, Pirl...

Thanks. We're fine but those near Boston may have some major problems.

I see it's changing to rain along the coast for awhile anyway....will cut down on accumulation, I hope!

Hi you all in the frozen tundra, greetings from a balmy Ga. today after the good rain I went and checked my clems, they are all doing good, John Warner looks like it has buds on, the first time ever, last year I got it late. Then I was thinking of " so what is it next to do with the clems, should I start firtilizing and epsom salt, or what to do with them. We are done with the snow, I think, but sometime it surprizes us late in February. Any advice, they are now sprouting, I better get ready with my trellises. Etelka

Hi, Etelka. We're thawing out up here on the elongated iceberg. We had rain today and lots of fog with more of the same for tomorrow.

Just look at the tops of each clematis and cut back any that don't appear to have leaf buds. You can also cut back any stems that look dead but be sure you look carefully and don't cut off the wrong stem (as I have done more times than can be believed). You can put down some Epsom salt and cover it with manure and compost. It will slowly work magic on your clem's.


Marilyn - did you get a lot of snow? My son is in CT and he had 18" as we did.

Well, Arlene, the newspaper said 24-30", but the drifts were 4-41/2' around my house....I can't see any clems! The snow almost made it to the top of my trellis.......my front door can be opened, but you can't get anywhere from it, unless you can walk on top of the drifts.....not even today's rain, fog, or 38 degrees made much difference.....

Eek! Our back door is totally blocked but we have other doors we can use, thankfully. I was concerned about you when I heard where the storm would hit hardest. No clem's to be seen here, Marilyn!

We must have slept through some major winds because a few minor pine limbs are down in the back. Recent storms, from 2011 and 2012, have taken so much that I figured there was little more damage any storm could do.

Aloha from Maui, HI. I'm glad that everyone and their families did well with the storms. I hope that the Northeast continues to defrost quickly. I'm wishing I could send some warmth your way

Here are a few pictures from our whale watching tour today. We saw several schools of dolphins, and a lot of whales, several of which breached, or were seen rolling around, slapping the water. Our catamarans were the Hula Girl and the Shangri La.

It rained on the eastern side of the mountain, and the trade winds blew the mist from the rain to the west side of the island, which created a rainbow that we were able to see while out on the water.

Looks like Paradise!

It is beautiful! I have always wanted to go on a whale watch when we have been in the Boston area. Seems that either something is going on or it is the wrong time of year for the whale watches. I will at some point, be able to go on one. Sounds like it was a lot of fun!

We've been on many whale watching trips and they are magnificent creatures. One swam right next to our boat! Hard to get enough photos.

Looks great, Annette! Enjoy every minute.

Thanks everyone, it's nice to be experiencing warm weather at this time of the year.

We visited the Kula Botanical Garden today. I'll share some pictures once I download and resize them.

Happy Valentines Day to all, especially clematis lovers!

Same to you....great color on that clem.

Thank you, Marilyn. It was either a Walmart or Home Depot (plant in a bag) purchase from many years ago. By late February to early March I am highly susceptible to anything that can be grown.

More snow coming Friday night.

Pirl, I am glad that you will be snowed in with your favorite person. Here we have some cold nights , but tomorow will be in the 60s. Just noticed that my favorite clem Daniel Deronda has a bud on it, I am happy. I will have 4 days off, so better do something with the trellises. I will have to buy me a cordless drill, so I can do some drilling. I wish they have some clasess on how to do things for women. I have lots of tools, but not much of the knowledge how to use them properly. Etelka

Our driveway is clear and so are the roads. Today we had 44 and it was very sunny and felt like spring - only five weeks to go!

That's wonderful news about Daniel. He's one man that won't disappoint you!

From all Jack has said, cordless is not as powerful as having a cord so ask before you buy and you might ask the sales person to show you how to use it and what bits you might need for your job. Up here Home Depot does have some home improvement courses but I seldom pay attention since I'm not about to tackle laying a ceramic tile floor...ever. Mine were done a while ago and will remain as they are. If you can find a talented sales woman maybe she could come over to show you how to use your tools and you could repay her with one of your wonderful dinners.

The rose heart is lovely.

February 15th - better than Valentine's Day because it's Zuzu's birthday!

My very best wishes to Zuzu for a spectacular new decade to spend with your roses, clematises and all that makes you happy.

1. Just a taste of Zuzu's gardens.

2. Our Zuzu.

3. Smitty, who is only here to offer help eating your birthday cake!

Best wishes always,
Arlene

Beautiful garden!