Clematis. The smaller-flowered variety has a


strong impact with its neatly spaced florals. Clematis needs to be supported by


a trellis or archway, but can be trained to drape over rocks, stumps or other shrubbery if you have the patience. It likes to keep its feet cool, so generally, it needs to be planted six to eight inches deeper in the ground than most other vines. Clematis are, however, hardy peren-


nials, so you can expect its drama to strike you each year. Generally, in colder parts of the


country, clematis die back in winter and grow from the ground each spring, but in some of the higher zones or where there is a good warm micro climate, the vine will stay viable right to its ends. Now, on to the vines that nurture


you in more ways than one. Nourishing vines


and offer you protein-filled beans along with sweet pockets of bright


Scarlet runner beans grow on vines scarlet


coloured petals. They are one of few beans grown


for their beauty, but even their starchy roots and young leaves can be eaten along with their fruit. They are also perennials, though unless their roots are protected from frost over winter, they won’t reappear in this part of the world. They also depend on pollina- tors, which means you will be invit- ing a buzz of activity along with them: hummingbirds, bees and the like. Scarlet flowers, like scarlet women, are showy and perhaps more dramatic


Clematis alpina ‘Willy’. 16 • Summer 2014


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