vine for support. I knew that Clematis climb by wrapping their wrists around small twigs, so other vines are wonderfully helpful for their successful climbing.

Here are some tips to get a Clematis started up your tree!:

-Choose a tree with rough bark, like a maple or oak. A smooth tree, like a cherry, with not get enough grip for your Clematis as it grows.

-Plant it on the shady side of the tree trunk and add compost. Mulch well. This enables you to give its roots the shade they need to start well.

-If you are not planting by another vine, then add a way for the Clematis to make it on to the tree bark. Use small bamboo canes, fishing line or twigs to make a scaffold for it to climb.

-Help the Clematis along by occasionally tucking its loose new growth into the rough bark of the maple.

It has turned out beautifully! I especially like the dreamy blue of Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' when viewed on the tree trunk against the blue sky. I hope yours does too!

. I gave it a nice FRENCH CHOCOLAT graphic by transferring the image with carbon paper and Hand Painting on the graphic. I then distressed it and sealed it with Poly to protect it.

Head on over to see the full makeover.

paint! Preparing the surface of outdoor furniture is they key to make sure the paint finish is beautiful and lasts! http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2013/04...

one night! This happened up north after our dog was no longer around, and now it happens here in NC. Those chipmunks are drawn to sunflower seeds.... What to do? Has anyone had this problem? Leave them in plastic pots until they are 8-10" maybe? Lightweight mesh around them does not work...Any suggestions?

so.....that would be you :) For years when someone said "air plant" I pictured this dried up looking thing on someone's desk or on a refrigerator magnet. A whole world has opened up to me. I have always loved gardening, and also work in soil outside. But this....it is almost ethereal to me.