clematis

Here's a picture of the Jackmanii clematis, the one that had all the buds. I think I need to feed it more. I'm not at all unhappy with how it looks, but I was at someone's house today whose Jackmanii blossoms are way bigger and deeper colored. I know my clematis is fighting with the lilac it's growing into and the peonies next to it for resources.

Speaking of growing into the lilac, you can't really see it here--I'd hoped you could because of the morning sun--there are clematis blossoms peeking out through the lilac leaves. Nice effect. :)

The clematis out in front of the roses is alarming this year--usually by this time it's clear to the end of the little fence, clambering into the pink rose, and a sheet of purple blossom, really breathtaking. This year it's only about halfway along the fence and just kind of hanging there looking deeply unhappy. I'm wondering if the problem might be the Russian sage, so I pulled out a lot of volunteers (note: Russian sage spreads--not really aggressively, but it definitely aims to increase its territory) and cut the mother plant nearest to the clematis back to the ground. I may feed it, too, if I can figure out a way to feed it without feeding the sage!

Lavender blooming--I ought to go cut it. I've never saved lavender blooms before, but I've certainly got a lot of it, and am contemplating more (can one ever have too many lavender plants?), so I could try cutting and drying it.

What a day at work! My boss is going to have to get me some speed or something if he wants me to keep up with him. He's one of these hyperactive guys who sleeps about 3 hours a night and has 27 balls in the air all the time. I love working for him, but sometimes I just want to say "Down, boy. Take a deep breath. Ommmmmmmmmm..."

I have to water things tonight--the potted plants, and the lily bulbs I planted, and the new astilbe I put in. I'll be doing that while the dogs are out playing. I guess after I finish watering I'll start ripping out the baby sweater and give it another try.

(There's not much good about a flood, but it's terrible to hear the names of towns you know being listed among the ones where the levees have failed.)