A Sense of Place

I know some people who would look with scorn at the subject of my last post. Clematis 'Cassis' is, for them, too overbred, too complex and in the worst possible taste. For them, the simplicity of the species, unmixed with the genes of others, is the only choice. I am unrepentant in my love of the big and bold and complex structure of double flowers, I also have to admit to loving with equal affection the unaffected beauty of species as well as the inherited qualities of the 'primary hybrids'. Since we are in the middle of Clematis season here are some of my favourites. Clematis adisonii ,a species found in the mountains of Virginia , USA. The lovely seedhead of C. addisonii. Clematis 'Odoriba', a C. viorna x C.crispa cross. Clematis 'Sonnette', derived from C. viorna. In the UK it is known as 'Peveril Peach'. Clematis 'Harlow Carr', Clematis on the Web mentions that the origin is withheld by hybridizer, but it must have C. integrifolia ...

An appropriate follow up to my last post. A fabulous Summer shower lit up the sky this evening.

After a rather dry Spring, it's good to be reminded of the effect of rain on the garden. No matter how much water we put on the garden either by hand or by irrigation, nothing brings the garden to life like a real downpour of rain. There must be a scientific explanation for this, but plant life responds to rain in a way that can not be duplicated by the hosepipe.

I have written in the past about finding a copy of " Rock Garden and Alpine Plants " by Henry Correvon , it was while on I was on holiday in Maine that came across this lovely book, in excellent condition and containing eight illustrations and a photograph of H. Correvon himself. So it was again a thrill when I was recently given an old copy of M. Correvon's " Alpine Flora ". Although it was not in great condition, it had 180 illustrations and also an acknowledgement to Philippe Robert as the artist. It has been difficult to decide on which of these pictures to post as they are all exquisite, they were probably done at the turn of the 20th century and are obviously influenced by Japanese prints and the Art Noveau movement. Monsieur Correvon, a smartly dressed in the manner of Hercule Poirot. Philippe Robert, the Swiss artist and illustrator. Saxifraga cotyledon. Vaccinium myrtillus and V. uliginosum. Eringium alpinum.