Big life changes are in motion. My friend Barry Parker has sold his house and is moving away from his garden of 27 odd years. He recently had a sale to raise funds for the move. Barry has gifted me several plants over the years, and my garden holds many reminders of our friendship and his garden. However, I approached the sale with the mind to purchase something special and lasting that would not stand any chance of succumbing in the face another fluke weather system. I chose an alpine trough.
Barry put several of his troughs up for sale. I could only afford to buy one and decided that I wanted it to be one that he had made himself. After a lot of deliberation, I went with one that was planted up with a hardy succulent, a dwarf yucca (I had the same one, but it did not survive the winter), and an AMAZING and unbelievably miniature clematis (Clematis columbiana ‘var. tenuiloba’).
I have an ongoing fear of clematis, one that has been quieted substantially over the years due to Barry’s influence and encouragement. Regardless of how far I have come, I have to admit that I was nervous about taking this plant on. I think there is a tendency in the garden world to associate small with delicate.
However, some quick research about the rock clematis as well as confirmation from Barry put my fears to rest. It’s a hardy little thing, and a native to the Rocky Mountains. I love the way that Barry’s planting has it situated next to a small mountain, making the trough a miniature mimic of its native environment.
So tiny, but lovely no matter the size!
Lovely photos and story! If you have the room and one day want to try a larger clematis, try a clematis alpina or clematis macropetala. I have several and in Calgary they thrive, even with our crazy weather and you don’t have to worry about pruning them – birds love the seed heads. (First year they will establish their root system and the second season they will be off!) I enjoy your posts. Thanks.
I started growing clematis 4 years ago and have several now. I’m no longer fearful. It was just this little thing that worried me.
Whoa, I never heard of such a thing- usually clematis are huge unruly vines! Plants from friends is great- you’ll always remember him and his garden when you look at our new little guy!
Good luck with your new addition, and especially good luck to Barry during the move. I hope he’ll be happy in his new home.
I love these! And they do grow wild here in Alberta. I actually saw some of the plants emerging this past weekend when we were on a morel forage. Another one of my native favorites in our area is the shooting star, which are out in bloom right now.
Barbara above recommended the alpine clematis vine and I couldn’t agree more! I have two in my yard now and they are absolutely lovely. And I am afraid of clematis as well – I know there are several clematis that are hardy to my zone, but I’ve always managed to kill them, with the exception of the alpine vines.