Tuesday, March 23, 2010

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY / WHITE WEDNESDAY











http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com












http ://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com




CLEMATIS VINE



When we were in the process of redesigning our front entrance and front yard, I had a vision of a gate with vines growing on it. I found a pair of old gates at an antique store, and our contractor was able to separate them, to be used in two different areas of our property.



I asked the landscapers for lots of white flowers in the yard, and he complied. From just a couple of little vines, we now have Confederate Jasmine and Clematis practically overtaking us! During Spring and Summer, they have to be quite severely trimmed back every few weeks. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to get through the gate. The pruning actually encourages them to grow even more!



Although they've been growing for about ten years now, they grew very quickly from the start. We do almost nothing to them, other than the trimming. They thrive in full sun--ours get full afternoon sun. They like to be mulched to keep the roots cool and damp, so we usually have some pine straw around the base. Admittedly, they are brown and woody during the winter, but I think it's worth it to have this beautiful display every Spring.



The vines get so loaded down with blooms that the ones near the bottom lay on the gravel in the courtyard and continue to bloom their hearts out!
I'm a bit obsessed with white flowers. Besides looking so clean and fresh during the day, I love they way they look at night. They actually light up the darkness!




The Clematis is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes Ranunculus (Buttercups) and Anemones.



The Confederate Jasmine is heavily fragrant and most people feel very strongly about the scent---love it or hate it! To me, it's one of the most evocative scents of summer in the Deep South. This vine actually has some nice fall color as well.

19 comments:

  1. Beautiful! And makes me long for summer. Does the Jasmine grow in New Jersey? It's gorgeous! thanks for a beautiful post... Cass

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  2. Oh how lovely the Clematis and Jasmine are in your garden. Fantastic photographs.
    Joyce M

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  3. I LOVE white flowers- just gorgeous!
    xoxo Pattie

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  4. Tracy I love all of your white! Confederate Jasmine is one of my favorites. Ours took a beating this winter. I'm hoping that it will recover.

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  5. WOW...I love it. I simple love clematis, and have nothing in my garden yet..BUT this spring I will buy me some.. I think.Anyway...your clematis was gorgeous. Have a nice day.

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  6. I love jasmine and it's so pretty! Happy Outdoor Wednesday!

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  7. Tracy~
    Your clematis vine is gorgeous! Your yard looks beautiful, too. Have a great Wednesday.

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  8. gorgeous, i love wht in the garden~

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  9. Oh my goodness, when can I come over!!! Wow, talk about a green thumb!

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  10. Oh how beautiful! I love Clematis and Confederate Jasmine. I thought my jasmine had died but was so happy to see it is growing back. You are correct about people either love it or hate it.

    ~ Tracy

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  11. The flowers are gorgeous, just gorgeous! I bet it's such a beautiful sight all spring and summer!

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  12. What a Lucky gardner you are! I've tried to grow thease but no luck yet for me. Thanks for shareing................ Julian

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  13. YUUMMMYYY THEY SMELL GREAT EVEN OVER HERE...LOL
    THERE JUST BEAUTIFUL ENJOY THEM!!!

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  14. Your Celmatis and Jasmine are gorgeous. Such a bright beautiful welcome.

    ~jermaine~

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  15. That is beautiful and I bet that jasmine smells good.

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  16. Summerbreeze, makes me feel fine, Blowing thru the Jasmine in my mind! LOVE Jasmine, and white flowers especially for the landscaping! Beautiful!

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  17. Beautiful! I especially love the Confederate Jasmine! Happy weekend...Debbie

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  18. So beautiful and the little sneak picture of your yard, delightful. My first time here, I linked over from Faded Charm. I'll be back as I love gardening too!

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