A Tangle of Clematis

There were a number of pleasant surprises in the first weeks after moving here in the spring of 2010.

Not least was the discovery of two well established clematis vines.

 This photo taken April 10, 2011 shows the lovely green-veined white one.

Not so appealing was the make-shift trellis of rusty chicken wire and metal stakes.

Last September grandson Devin undertook to remove the posts while I clipped the chicken wire free and rolled it up for disposal.

D. set in place this tidy black trellis which M. had bought for me at auction.

We worked carefully around the two varieties of clematis which had set new plants amongst the large flat rocks which kept the roots shaded and cool.

The clematis began blooming last week, taking me a bit by surprise.

[Checking photos from 2011, I find that as well, the crabapple, pear, and redbuds are in bloom this year 10 days to two weeks early.]

I have been tying in the vines growing at the base of the trellis, coaxing in any that would reach the supports without strain.

I am left with a wayward clump of the white vines which won't reach the trellis.

One lengthy vine had clambered over a clipped boxwood next to the carport and was venturing around the brick wall . I gently guided it back toward the parent plant.

This is easily identified as the old favorite Nellie Moser.

This single blossom is on a length of new growth vine only about 10 inches tall.

A ladybug displayed against exquisite white petals.

I don't have a name for the white clematis, although I expect it is an old standard.

I don't want to revert to ugly wire, but need to devise a way to tie up these vines before they sprawl into the path of the lawnmower.

In clearing this area D. and I removed strangling lengths of a non-productive grape vine, which had wound through the nandina, gripped the eave troughs and the edge of the carport roof.

This sprig of Nellie Moser wasn't noticeable  last year--it is now twining gracefully through the nandina.

During my many years of gardening in Vermont I coveted a clematis [or 2 or 3!]  I wasn't sure that they would be hardy there.

As I have looked through the varieties on offer in a number of on-line nurseries I realize that

the two established here have enduring appeal.

I would, however, like to plant an autumn-flowering clematis.

Perhaps when the greenhouse becomes a reality I can situate one along the wall.

But--isn't that where I dream of planting a climbing rose?

After nearly an hour of searching through on-line images and plant catalogues,

I'm prepared to guess that my white clematis may be Alabast.  The photos and descriptions match well.

this variety was introduced in 1998, so certainly not an heirloom.

The other possibility is Duchess of Edinburgh which is early flowering, described as having green shading.

In most photos it appears to be more double-flowered  than mine.