Who ordered an arbor with everything?

There's a shortage of arbors and trellises around here. I dislike shopping for anything but plants, and so for a long while whenever I had another plant that likes to climb I put it next to this arbor.


On the left side of the trellis is Clematis' HF Young', Goldflame honeysuckle, the roses 'Alychmist', and 'Climbing Caldwell Pink'.

Pictures are from 2011 and 2012.

As if that wasn't enough, on the right side is 'Crepuscule', with Delia's Purple trying to horn her way into the act. I love the combination of Crepuscule and Delia's Purple, more so because they are a rare combination of warm colors in a sea of cool colors in the spring. I have read that there are two versions of Crepuscule; a beautiful monster that grows to gigantic proportions and a more demure, mannerly version. Lucky for me I seem to have the more demure version since I put it next to a small arbor.

Both the Goldflame Honeysuckle and Clematis 'HF Young' may be a
bit stunted by the competition, but I still like them where they are.

But alas, poor 'Alchymist'. This beautiful roses really needs its own place to shine, not struggling where it can only put out two to three blooms a year. I don't think this particular rose is a dud either, as it was put on a trellis against the back porch before the house was moved and was really taking off. Even if this one was a dud it'd be worth replacing. I planted 'Alchymist' beside the back door of our apartment when we lived in Chapel Hill years ago. I had to order it, after reading this description in the catalog of Roses of Yesterday and Today, written by a customer in nearby Pittsboro: "Every shade of peach in existence finds its way into the blossoms, which are beautifully formed at every stage... and such energy of growth! It is a masterpiece!" Who could not be swayed by such a recommendation? The customer who wrote those glowing words was right too. A thriving 'Alchymist' is a masterpiece.

If you want to see pictures of a well grown Alchymist, check out Dani's beautiful blog if you haven't already. She lives in Greece and takes wonderful photographs.

I also wanted to show you what sweet Flowerlady sent me!
Isn't it beautiful? Smells sweet too.

Thank you Flowerlady I love it!

A head bump update: much improved but still convalescing. It takes a while to fully recover from a head injury, even a mild one such as this. The accident happened on Feb. 1st and the worst of the headache and the upset stomach didn't resolve until 10 days later. Even today, after overdoing it, not feeling so hot. This week DH is giving hay and cleaning the stalls and paddock early in the morning, and then I take care of them during the day, including taking them on a couple 1- 1 1/2 mile walks. I say "during the day" because two horses make a lot of mess and I'm (currently) slow as molasses. Even at regular speed the horses being up here behind the house and Prince's rehab takes a big chunk out of the short winter days. I haven't even gotten any of the young woody plants/ transplants in pots out into the garden, a record. Usually that's done by January 1st.

And spring has started with its first nervous ripples. The passalong daffs that don't usually bloom until mid-March have started blooming already, and the scarlet flowers of the Red Maples are prominent in the woodline and scattered on the ground. Looking at the garden I'm wondering how I will ever manage to get it cleaned up in time for spring!