Plant of the Week: Western Clematis

While leaves are dropping and greenery becomes scarce this time of year, Clematis ligusticifolia keeps on truckin'.  Sure, she's not dripping with lovely white flowers right now.  Ok, so her octopus-like seed heads are getting a liitle rough around the edges.  An evergreen vine refreshes the eyes after a yellow and brown overload.

The clematis vine at Larner Seeds had conquered a small fence and looked like it was ready for world domination.  It's seed heads were worn like medals of courage, interspersed up and down its tendrils.

Soil:  Clematis prefers cool roots, so mulch generously if she'll be in sun.  Otherwise, well-drained to light clay should do nicely.

Sun:  The one pictured at the top sits in mostly-shade.  The one at Larner Seeds had part to full sun.  Go figure.

Plant:  Anytime!  Be careful with transplanting, though.  Vines typically have very sensitive roots that don't like the hustle and bustle of a transplant.  (Bougainvillea are notorious for this kind of behavior, by the way)

Buy it:  Annie's carries it and has a lovely photo of one in full bloom, Oaktown Natives seems to have one in stock, and if you're into the propagation thing, Larner's carries seeds.

Good for:  Greenery when you're blue, gorgeous white flowers, space-age seedheads, a vine for shade and to scramble up trees, a trellis adornment. 

Field Trip: Larner Seeds

So many things going on and not enough time to tell you all about them!  That means that Plant of the Week is taking a week off and will return next Wednesday.  But....  instead I present another adventure with Aunt Joyce!  To Larner Seeds in Bolinas!  You wouldn't believe the crazy winding roads to get to Bolinas.  Apparently, the residents regularly remove signs guiding your way in an attempt to prevent tourism.  (And I don't blame them, I'd love to have it all to myself it I could!)  Despite this, we found our way and entered into a world of California natives.

While no profusion of blooms greeted us, the garden held little treasures:  a blooming Ceanothus, the seed-heads of a Western Clematis, a Dudleya popping out of its pot. 

The main attraction, however found us inside the little shop perusing the wall of white and green envelopes ooh-ing, aww-ing and grabbing one of this and two of that.

I purchased packets of Baby Blue Eyes, Meadowfoam, Red Maids, Owl Clover, Linanthus grandiflorus, Arroyo Lupine, and Scrophularia californica (which I am so, so excited about).
I've bought more than I can handle and I'd be happy to share if y'all let me know.  Wouldn't it be fun to do a seed exchange one of these days?

For those that can't navigate the winding roads to the nursery, you can purchase seeds, books, tools and pamphlets online at Larner Seeds' website.  Happy Fall planting!