If you have been following this blog you already know I have a passion for Clematis .
( if you missed them see under categories) they are planted at the base of almost all the viburnums in the garden. So, no surprise today when I came across new growth on Clematis Catherine Clanwilliam ( photographed above in May) and saw…
FLOWER BUDS!!..
I am so looking forward to this re bloom. Which brings me to my post today.
Several weeks ago I received an e-mail through the ‘contact me’ page on this blog. Cheryl Purdin requested seeds of Clematis Catherine Clanwilliam. Her plan was to have the gardener start the seeds so her employer, who just celebrated her 87th birthday, could see the plant bloom again. It was to be a surprise. Her employer is Her Ladyship Catherine, Countess of Clanwilliam for whom Barry Fretwell named said plant.
The Countess seen above in a photo from 2008, “is a very keen gardener who has made interesting and delightful gardens both in Northern Ireland and in the county of Wiltshire in South Western England.” -Attributed to Barry Fretwell.
Since it would take several years for the plant to bloom if started from seed; my friend Graham, in the UK, helped me locate a mail order nursery in Germany & year old plants were ordered.
So the countess & the clematis named for her were reunited once more.
Recreating Eden Landscape Blog 
A wonderful story indeed. I love this clematis! It’s colours are so vivid. Do they remain so throughout the summer?
I love the story & the happy ending! Also love the photo of the Countess on her little cart pulled by her little pony – priceless!
What a great story, I am glad that they were be reunited.
Cool story. My neighbor has some clemantis. I guess I should look into adding these to my yard.
Dear Sandra, A wonderful story indeed. And, how fascinating that you should mention Barry Fretwell, from whom so many of my own clematis have come. He is now retired but his nursery, Peveril Plants was truly a treasure trove of delights for the Clematis lover. He is a prodigious Clematis hybridiser and so many of the Clematis which are favourites in our gardens owe their very existence to him. Subject of a future posting I think!
What a fascinating story and how wonderful you could share that delightful photograph.
Sandra a wonderful story to share with your readers. I adore my clematis!!
Lovely story of the clematis being reunited with the Countess of Clanwilliam, delighted to see her looking so well with her pony and trap! She was my first employer and trained me to cook many many years ago. My time at Montalto was a very happy time!