Turning a New Leaf

So one of my life challenges is that I was never able to grow a clematis plant. I have probably killed 3 or 4 innocent clematis' (clematii?) in my life, something for which I feel great shame. It turns out, all I needed was the right place for them to thrive, and give them a little bit of love.

I planted 2 different varieties last year. The both did really well and I was optimistic that I might not kill them this time. I tended them very carefully, and encouraged them to climb the trellises behind them. The plant on the left has light purple flowers, and likes to climb. The plant on the right has dark purple flowers, and is more bushy, which means it hasn't grown vertically very much.

One day I was trimming the overgrown grass around the plants with a Weed Eater. I'm not very deft with dangerous tools, so it comes as no surprise that I weed whacked the left plant on accident. I was heart broken! I rushed inside the house to find some sort of tape to see if I could "graft" the stem back together. Over the course of the summer, sadly, the left plant withered and died. Oh, the bitter sorrow.

A few weeks ago I peaked my bleary eyes through the haze of winter, and into one of the warm spring days we had this year. In other words, I went outside to examine the yard. You can imagine my surprise when I saw the left plant, not only alive, but THRIVING. It's amazing.

Today when I went outside I was thrilled to see the plant had grown taller than the fence! I don't know how it happened. I had given up all hope. But it is true, the plant has risen from the grave. Here, now, are the pictures to prove it. I hope you appreciate even a fraction of how incredible this was for me! :)


The left plant, today.

The right plant, still going strong.

A close-up of right plant's new flowers.