Pruning & Transplanting Clematis (and other plants)
Ah, the clematis, one of the most beautiful and frustrating of plants. I counted five books on my shelf devoted to them, and I still have to consult them every year when it is time to prune. This year I'm doing something new - moving a few that are obviously not doing well (lack of sun, more than likely). I'm worried about one of my favorites - 'Jackmanii Superba'. First, I had to dig it up when the new gate was constructed. This clematis was massive, and the bottom stalk looked like a small tree. I divided it to give a piece to my neighbor. Somewhere along the way, it was cut back all the way down to the trunk . I'm still asking myself how this happened. Only time will tell if I've killed the poor thing. It has been replanted, and so far, no signs of life. Others that I decided to move were not subjected to that abuse and were moved immediately after I dug them up. This is 'Etoile Violette'. This rampant variety was along the front fence and it alwa...




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With all the rain so far this year, the mosquitoes are the worst they have been here in Mid TN in the 5 summers we've lived here.
Even so, they usually leave me alone. (My wife is not so lucky.)
So, for the first time, we've resorted to using DEET ("Off") and also experimenting with a 20% picaridin repellent spray. So far, both seem pretty effective. I'm also hoping they keep the ticks away after I had one attach to me earlier this year in a delicate spot. Not fun.
Stay cool and enjoy those early mornings in the garden -- one of my favorite times of day during the summer! :)