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Blooming Its Heart Out

June 23rd, 2017

When I got these tiny clematises at a discount store this spring, I wasn’t expecting much of anything by the way of blooms for several years.

I was super amazed when one of the tiny vines started putting off one bud, then two, then three… Of course I have no idea what variety this is, it was simply labeled “red clematis”. We’re lucky to have a clematis farm here in Maine, hopefully I can get up there soon and they may be able to help me identify it.

I’m hoping to get the new garden area ready soon so a few of these can get planted into the ground. I dislike maintaining plants in containers for very long.

When I saw it was a red clematis on the box, I wasn’t super keen. But you can’t really complain when they’re so inexpensive. I’m happy with the darkness of this bloom, it’s more burgundy than red. It should pair beautifully with ladies mantle or a bright green hosta at its base. None of the other vines have blooms yet, I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

What’s surprised you in the garden this week?

6 Comments to “Blooming Its Heart Out”
  1. Heidi Crockett on June 23, 2017 at 7:26 am

    It looks like Clemats ‘Niobe’.

    Reply to Heidi Crockett's comment

    • Susy on October 23, 2017 at 8:03 pm

      It just may be, thanks for the recommendation.

      Reply to Susy's comment

  2. Nebraska Dave on June 24, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    Susy, no real surprises in the garden today. I’m still playing catch up from the 10 day vacation. June is not a good time to be away from a garden for so long. I haven’t grown eggplant for a couple years and had forgotten how tough they are. I put out tiny little plants that I didn’t think would do very well but they have responded and grown in size at an amazingly fast speed. All four plants are doing well.

    Automatic watering for Terra Nova Gardens has done really well. So far it’s only on the tomatoes and green peppers but will be expanded next year to other plants.

    Have a great clematis bloom surprising day.

    Reply to Nebraska Dave's comment

  3. Mandie on June 25, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    My accidental fennel (purchased last year at the local pet&hardware store’s clearance) is starting to bulb, I think. Do you have any tips for growing fennel?

    Reply to Mandie's comment

    • Susy on June 26, 2017 at 8:56 am

      Fennel is a very picky plant, don’t be disappointed if it bolts. It dislikes just about anything except perfect conditions. It likes coolish (but not too cold) weather and a decent amount of water. I have had more fennel bolt than bulb. I finally started purchasing a hybrid from Johnny’s Seeds and I don’t have any that bolt any more.

      Reply to Susy's comment

      • Mandie on June 29, 2017 at 7:48 am

        Thanks for the help! I bought them on a whim last year and they bolted, this year HAS been relatively cool and wet, so maybe I’ll luck out!

        to Mandie's comment

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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