July 1: Clematis report

It's the first of the month and so it's time for my monthly clematis report.  The vine started off the spring like gangbusters but sometime in the past month the prolific growth ground to a halt and the vine began to fade.

Bummer, huh?  I consulted my favorite gardening guides and learned that the clematis doesn't get going with abundant growth until the third or fourth year that the plant is in the ground.  In the meantime, I should fertilize and water the vine.  I've done both and will continue to do so but it may be next spring before I really see some impressive growth and new blooms.

It seems the garden believes a few more lessons in patience are in order for me. Duly noted.