Kaseys Korner: sizzle, pop, burst

From an emerging diminutive mound to flat out spectacular is what seemed to occur with my clematis integrefolia this weekend when our temperatures took a dramatic turn upward. Where did that come from??! I'm used to a much slower evolution but I guess plants and humans alike were just waiting for a little heat. I've learned to insert an obelisk over the emerging foliage early in spring to help keep the lovely rounded shape I prefer. Otherwise, it sprawls all over and falls apart in the middle (kinda like its owner, but that's a whole 'nuther, much less fascinating story). I have a long and interesting history with this perennial. I first saw a photograph of it in Lauren Springer's book titled "The Undaunted Garden." That was approximately 18 years ago, give or take a few?? On sight, I fell in love with its unique bloom and started obsessing about acquiring one for my own garden. Not knowing where to search, I wrote to Lauren herself, inquiring where I could get one (pre-Internet days). Unbelievably she promptly jotted me off a handwritten note with a source!! Glory days! The rest is history. I bought myself one that week and the original plant has been with me thru four moves and three gardens, that's how much I love it. It is amazingly tough as it survived (not sayin' thrived) in a container for two years (during a brief apartment stay). I wouldn't think of being without it. Those pretty, nodding heads always make me smile. Welcome back old friend!