For my latest flower of the month I chose the Clematis. I purchased my first plant last summer. Not being much of a green thumb, I  just prayed I could keep it alive. Not only did it survive the summer, I was happy to see it come back this spring. This summer it seems to be doing extremely well (see pictures). Clematis flowers grow on a vine and blooms range in size from 1" - 7". They grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. I have noticed that my humming birds really like them as well. Available in purple, blue, pink, white and bi-color, clematis are becoming more popular in floral design. Clematises add that wild flower/garden feel while still providing a unique, elegant flower. Most clematises have Chinese or Japanese origins.

Common Name: Clematis
Botanical Name: Clematis (KLEma-tis)


The Western white clematis was called pepper vine by early travelers and pioneers of the American Old West. Taking a tip from Spanish colonials, seed and the acrid leaves were used as a pepper substitute. Unlike black pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections. 

Interesting Fact: Some clematis plants will change the color of their blooms though out the season.

Are you looking for that one a kind venue for your wedding or special event? Recently I received a phone call from a college of mine who is involved with the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega. She told me in the last few months there has been some exciting changes going on there. The Gerold Opera House has been renovated to accommodate weddings and I was invited me over for a tour! Now let me tell you, this building has been around since the early 1900's and is full of charm and character. The main room has 20ft ceilings, a theater balcony and a stage. Downstairs is a bride's dressing room and groom's pool lounge.  I can't say enough how impressed I was. This building seemed to go on and on. Click Here for more pictures of our designs at The Gerold Opera House.

If you are interested in seeing The Gerold Opera House or would like more information on booking your event, visit The Gerold | Weddings and Special Events .

Back in March I blogged about my plans for the yard this year. There has been lots of hard work and never enough time. Here is my gardening update for the year.

• Yard is cleaned up. My husband is mostly responsible for that. Thank you dear.
• My lilacs did good this year. I had many new transplants from a friend I put in last year. They all survived and I had the most blooms in all the years I have owned my home. Many of my friends had problems with their lilacs freezing.
• I planted some Lily of the Valley. They are all still alive. So far so good here.
• Planted my annual flowers. Decided to do all container gardening for these this year. Too many weeds to control in the flower beds and not enough time. Finally just planted them this last weekend. Even found some good deals on plants and a new whiskey barrel planter.
• Cleared half of the trail in through the woods. Need to get the weed trimmer out there to finish. I cheated and used a leaf blower instead of a rake for most of it. Now I just need to transplant some ferns and hostas along the trail.
  

Always a work in progress but I love seeing the improvements. Not everything works out like I planned but that's part of the fun. What type of gardening you have done recently? You can even send us pictures at [email protected].

So the other day, my husband, who by the way is a devoted fisherman, says to me,

"Would you ever use a spinner in a boutonniere?"

After I finished laughing at him and actually thought about what he said, I started to like the idea. For those of you who are unfamiliar with fishing, a spinner is a type of fishing lure, like the one shown on the left. I can honestly say that fishing lures are one item I have never been asked to use, but my husbands question makes me wonder if anyone would actually want a fishing lure(s) accenting their flowers. Of course I understand this idea is not for everyone, and even some grooms-to-be may have a difficult time convincing the bride-to-be or vise versa. But I could see this idea as a unique way to add your personal touch to your wedding flowers. It's really not that far of a stretch from all the other items used to add "bling" to flowers. Fishing lures come in so many colors you would most likely find one to coordinate. And if added to the boutonnieres the men would have a keepsake they may actually use! OK, so maybe my husband on to something?

So I am asking for your help, please take a second and vote in my poll. Let me know if you like the idea of fishing lures and flowers.