Publisher's Note

The 1st quarterof the year is over and yes, time flies so fast. It was just like yesterday when Ed Stelmach stepped down as Premier of Alberta when Alison Redford won the race last year and she became the 1st Woman Premier of Alberta in the political history. Now this coming April 23, 2012, we [...]
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GARDENER’S CORNER – CLEMATIS

A striking addition to any garden is the hybrid clematis vine. There are hundreds of varieties with a wide array of flower colours and combinations of stripes and shapes. The vines are georgous with showy bloosoms for most of the season. A sunny to partial shade location is required, plus the hybrid varieties need to be planted against the foundation of a heated building, on the west or south side, for some winter protection. All clematis vines need something for their leaf tendrils to cling to like a trellis or latice. Prune off only dead or broken branches or any die back in early spring. When planting the hybrid clematis varieties, plant them deep, about 4 inches above the crown. The extra soil covering the crown helps to protect plants in the winter. With proper care clematis will develope vigrous growth and reward you with large 3 inch flowers. Dig your planting hole 24 inches deep and twise the width of your plant’s root ball. Mix 1-1 parts soil and compost or peat moss and work it into the root ball, make sure that you’ve filled in all areas leaving no air pockets. Pack the soil well in around the roots. These vines will live for about 15-20 years if well cared for. In the fall water your plants well to prevent winter dry out.

During the summer clematis like cool roots. Grow low spreading plants at the base, or place a peace of driftwood in front, or a thick mulch will help enormously. Try planting various colours of the same type together in a group. A mix of white, pink, purple and red varieties are absolutely stunning.

Dividing is not recommended, it’s a difficult process with these plants for the root ball gets rather large and compact. Its best to start with a new plant and fresh soil. Slow release fertilizer like bonemeal is recommended worked into the soil at planting time. Surprisingly clematis makes a good cutflower. Cut for bouquets when petals are starting to open, and place the vase away from direct light. Clematis is a plant that will reward you for the extra care.

Happy gardening

H. Kriaski

GARDENER’S CORNER – CLEMATIS

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