Both plants flower at the same time and, being right by the front door, I have a front row seat to enjoy their dusky colours and sweet scents. Just when your spirits might be at their lowest at the turn of the year, a clematis from southern Europe beguiles you with its charm. Possessing a mind of her own, she weaves her spell right through the darkest days and the pale, creamy bell-like flowers are set amongst evergreen ferny foliage. Mine grows through and to be honest, a long way beyond, a small berberis. So be warned - this clematis is headstrong, but certainly has winning ways.
Anchor points abound amongst the summer hay.
Delphiniums find a soft spot in many gardeners' hearts and I am no exception. The breeders have been busy providing us even with red delphiniums although I admit to preferring traditional shades of blue and white. These plants represent something of a challenge to most gardeners, demanding a rich soil, attention to watering and, not least, time-consuming staking. It always amazes me how fast they grow. In March they barely show above ground, but by June they tower to five or six feet.