The first bloom from the clematis on the new arbor.
Â
I didn’t think the Nelly Moser would bloom this year. But one of two we planted earlier this summer did just that this morning and I’m elated with the first bloom.Of course, I dashed straight out to snap a photo—standing in dewey grass in my sandals and noticing that our promised sun has  given way to spit!  But I don’t mind so much. Everything needs water once in awhile! This one bloom is a taste of the future—when the arbor is completely covered with big pink pom-pom blooms.  A girl can dream, right?
As I ran out the door I could hear IZ admonishing, “Quick, quick, take a picture before the deer eat it!” He was kidding, but vermin abound in these parts and they typically  view my yard as their own personal salad bar. Considering the color of the sky, I’d be wise to re-spray with liquid fence.  Otherwise this rain is going to be a neon “Restaurant’s Open” sign to the neighborhood foragers. It’s either that or I need to take up bow and arrow hunting right quick! Yeah, I think I’ll stick to stinky spray gun. But note to self: Rotten egg smell is not an aphrodisiac; spray the flowers not your feet.Â
I should probably make that my new mantra, eh?
I can hear you muttering, “Spray the flowers… not your feet… spray the flowers… not your feet…” That’s too funny!
But seriously, how cool is it that you had blooms already! So pretty.
I’m so glad we painted the fence /arbor -the flowers really stand out in relief -in spite of a grey day.
____________________________________________
I’m really liking the color choice. I think the more that grows on the fence/arbor the better it’s going to look! ~w
IS there a spray? I didn’t know that, not that we have that problem in our development. That’s a beautiful flower! My stargazer is getting ready to bloom!!
____________________________________________
Yeah, Liquid Fence makes a whole line of chemical free products. ~W
Who could come up with this miraculous combination of color and form? Wonderful. I put this on my list to remind me next year that I would like a Nelly Moser on the garden fence next year…thanks.
____________________________________________
I don’t know how well they do in mild climates. But they’re just about indestructible here. Nelly Mosers are low maintenance and you don’t have to prune to get new growth.
I’d follow Vicki anywhere.
I found out too late in life that oysters are an aphrodisiac.
We lost a glorious climatis that covered our entire deck railing this year. My husband suspected winter kill, but I have other suspicions, based on catching a certain lad using it as a bathroom once.
My 18 year old will be attending Portland State U. in the fall, by the way.
T’is been lovely catching up with your beautiful photographs, precious family and heartfelt writing here, as always.
________________________________________
Oh no! We lost a fabulous clematis in our backyard due to the ice storm last year. It was probably 10 years or more. Very sad. Congrats to your student!! ~W
Rotten egg smell is not an aphrodisiac; spray the flowers not your feet.
I wish you had told me this sooner. It explains a lot.