Re: [SG] new subject - ivy/now Clematis

Right you are Paul.
        In one of my slide presentations and lectures I touch on the use of
Clematis in the garden. These things were doing well on their own in the
wild before we brought them into the garden and began hybridizing them. In
native habitats they scampered along the ground, up small shrubs and trees,
over rocks... thus the cool roots and head in the sun thing. There are
dwarf Clematis reaching less than a foot, ones to 2 feet or so and the
shrubby ones forming large clumps to 3 or 4 feet without climbing that can
be used like perennials.
        I enjoy planting clematis along with the small trees in the garden.
(careful or the clematis will overtake the tree and pull it out of shape or
smother it.) Know what each will do before putting them together) When the
Dogwood is finished blooming the clematis takes over to extend the bloom
period.
        I use clematis along the edge of one curve in a path to emphasize the
curve and define a space. The clematis just lays on the mulch and has for
years. The blooms just come up on top of the foliage. In the background are
Iris palidia and Peony, Digitalis and Gentiana.
        Great for covering an old stump until the stump decays. Don't just think
"up a trellis" when thinking of clematis for the garden.
        Gene Bush     Southern Indiana    Zone 6a     Munchkin Nursery
          around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com     http://www.munchkinnursery.com

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> From: Paul Henjum <Meum71@AOL.COM>
> Another vine to try as a ground cover is Clematis, even the large
flowering
> types can be trained to grow as a ground cover.
> You run string horizontal to the ground about five inches off the ground
to
> stakes. The plants will grow out along the springs and should form a
carpet of
> color when in bloom.  Plants do best in moderate shade.
> Just an idea.
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