Book Review
Gardening with Clematis
Design and Cultivation
A Review
ISBN: 0-88192-644-2
Author: Linda Beutler
Publisher: Timber Press
It took reading only one page in this book and I was hooked. My own love for clematis was the hook, but Linda Beutler’s writing reeled me in. This is not an encyclopedic walk through a genus. Linda weaves her clematis stories throughout the book as much as she twines clematis through her garden. Not merely relegated to the trellis anymore, Linda ushers the reader into new ways of growing a genus that contains a multitude of vines to dwarf perennials. The book covers everything from clematis climbing through shrubs and trees to intermingling with ground covers. Even creative examples of harmonious blending of color and texture are found sprinkled throughout: “Clematis integrifolia ‘Hakuree’ makes an excellent shorter companion to such an elegant flower as Iris siberica ‘White Swirl’, but the clematis will stay in bloom much longer than the iris. This cultivar is useful where you want a shortish plant with white flowers that won’t be glaring. Its brand of white is diffuse and gentle. It also makes a soft textural contrast with small herbaceous treasures such as…”
This book is overflowing with stunning examples of clematis growing in a variety of settings in the garden. Included are cultivars that do well in container culture. You will find tips on cultivating, pruning, and caring for them inside the pages, yet it is not just another clematis book. Linda’s obsession and love for this plant shines throughout the pages. An excellent book for anyone’s garden library, it should definitely be in the bookcases of those who love the genus.
Debbie Teashon
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton