The City Gardener: Clematis, queen of the garden
My friend Sharyn is a passionate gardener who lives, and gardens, in the Rouge Valley. By her own admission, Sharyn is a clematis queen – she has some twelve different varieties in her wonderful cottage-style garden. She planted her first one, a sturdy little 'Jackmanii', by the front porch fourteen years ago, and it's still growing strong, topping out today at close to 16 feet. Altogether, her collection makes a spectacular display from early June almost till fall.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Clematis (feel free to pronounce it Clem-AH-tis, or CLEM-ah-tis, since both are correct) is an old-fashioned favourite that appears in literature going back as far as ancient Greece, where it was associated with the god Apollo. (The word 'clematis,' somewhat unimaginatively, comes from the ancient Greek word for vine.) But the form we know today was probably introduced to Victorian gardens in the mid-nineteenth century, and has been a much-loved (and much-hybridized) garden staple ever since.
Article content
What Sharyn loves about them is that they are extremely easy to grow, almost indestructible once established, and if they like where you put them, will thrive for years, even centuries: abandoned farmhouses sometimes still have clematis vines blooming by their front doors.
Article content
The plant comes in a huge variety of colours, from white, pink, red, and blue to light and dark purple – and different sizes and shapes, including bell, star-shaped, multiple, evergreen forms, large or tiny blossoms, and even cone-shaped or tubular varieties. Some are richly fragrant, feature two or even three colours on a single blossom, and can be striped, spotted, or have contrasting throats. Sharyn's collection includes 'The President,' 'Nelly Moser,' 'Icy Montana,' and of course the granddaddy of them all, 'Jackmanii.'
Article content
Article content
The full clematis family comprises twelve different groups, each with different habits and methods of care. But most popular are the spring bloomers (Group 1), repeat bloomers (Group 2), and summer/fall bloomers (Group 3). It's important to know which group your clematis falls into, as each has unique annual pruning requirements – and these can vary considerably.
Article content
The care tag that comes with the plant will tell you all of that, along with planting and growing tips; read it carefully and hang on to it for future reference, especially if, like Sharyn, you grow more than one variety. (She tends to stick to one favourite group to avoid confusion; almost all of hers are Group 1 or 2.)
Article content
Clematis prefer rich, well-drained soil, and plenty of water throughout the growing season, but don't let them get soggy. Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the plant arrived in and settle it in carefully, adding soil at the sides as needed but being careful not to add more soil on top; they hate being planted too deep. Water regularly and add compost or fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
05-06-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Finding the right touch
With their latest original stage production, opening tonight at Prairie Theatre Exchange, Sick + Twisted is inviting audiences not just to look and to listen, but to feel. Before each performance of Neither Here Nor There, up to eight guests will have the opportunity to be led onto the Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage for a 'touch tour,' allowing low-vision, blind and sighted audience members alike to experience the set and gain an understanding of the production's non-traditional geography. Playing on a traverse stage, also known as a corridor or alley, the company's adaptation of the legend of the blind seer Tiresias places audiences on either side of the action, says director Debbie Patterson. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Tyler Sneeby (left) and Vivi Dabee star in Neither Here Nor There. With the stage bisected by a sheer curtain, the audience can only see half of the show clearly, the other blurred by the barricade. The staging and the touch tour play into the trailblazing company's commitment to disability esthetics, using lived experience with disability as an opportunity for exploration and discovery rather than a barrier to experience, says Patterson. 'When you can't walk across the room, every other way becomes available to you,' she says. One of the production's three blind actors describes their experience with vision loss as one of 'limitless possibility.' 'We embrace the barriers we face as potent catalysts for discovery and innovation, so the esthetic choices in this production have been arrived at through this process, giving us this utterly new approach to making theatre. No one else is making theatre like this,' says Patterson. By decentring vision as a prerequisite for participation, the company was able to emphasize theatre as a complete sensory experience, with a script that expresses every action with a corresponding audio cue, designed by Dasha Plett, who was just nominated for a Toronto theatre award — a Dora — for her work in Buddies in Bad Times' production of Roberto Zucco. 'All the props are mimed, but the sound effects are hyperrealistic,' Patterson says. Created and performed by a team of blind and transgender artists, Neither Here Nor There had its start during the pandemic when Patterson sought to create a work developed by members of both communities. 'One participant wrote a song about how being blind felt like being neither here nor there, and that idea of being in an in-between really resonated with some of the trans artists,' Patterson says. The show's cast includes Lara Rae as the production's hostess, a cross between a Greek chorus and a standup comic who periodically comments on the action. Tyler Sneesby, a.k.a. DJ Hunnicutt, plays Zeus. Plett and Gislina Patterson (We Quit Theatre) also appear, as do Vivi Dabee as Tiresias and Vivian Cheung as the character's modern counterpart, Ti. Making their stage debut is m patchwork monoceros, who also designed the set. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS The stage is split by a sheer curtain so the audience can only see half of the show clearly. 'My character is a person who has vision, who can see the future, who understands trends, but because she knows so much, she keeps herself small, experiencing a type of loneliness no one else can understand,' says Cheung, a blind actor, triathlete, author, graphic novelist, accessible yoga instructor and Dora-nominated theatre creator from Toronto performing in Winnipeg for the first time. 'Oftentimes, when a person lives with a physical disability, they have to explain themselves repeatedly until they're heard, and that gets very fatiguing. I can't stress enough that we need more listening in this world, more quiet participation and quiet leadership.' Weekday Evenings Today's must-read stories and a roundup of the day's headlines, delivered every evening. That's what Cheung says she found working with Sick + Twisted, which implemented her insights into the way the production took shape. The script calls for Ti to make a stir-fry in her home kitchen, but when the actor pointed out that if she were holding a cellphone while doing it, it would end up in the wok, the team quickly decided with Cheung to mime all of the cooking actions instead. 'Now our sound designer Dasha is choreographing the sound to support my cooking. It's become a duet in cooking between miming and movement, with the stage manager timing the sizzling and the sounds of vegetables going into the wok,' says Cheung 'It's a collaboration in every sense of the word.' Ben WaldmanReporter Ben Waldman is a National Newspaper Award-nominated reporter on the Arts & Life desk at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ben completed three internships with the Free Press while earning his degree at Ryerson University's (now Toronto Metropolitan University's) School of Journalism before joining the newsroom full-time in 2019. Read more about Ben. Every piece of reporting Ben produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Style Blueprint
04-06-2025
- Style Blueprint
Memphis's Newest Old Hotel: A First Look Inside Hotel Pontotoc
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Oh, if the walls of Hotel Pontotoc could talk … Located between South Main and Front Street, the historic hotel has been a Downtown Memphis staple for more than a century, living multiple lives as a bordello, a Turkish bathhouse, a dive bar, a private residence, and a recording studio. After years of neglect and a meticulous recent restoration by local developers, the hotel will come full circle when it reopens this summer as a European-style boutique hotel, offering guests a combination of modern luxury and vintage charm. 'The fact that it has survived nearly untouched for 119 years is amazing,' says General Manager Norbert Mede. 'It's like a fly caught in amber — it never got repurposed or lost its character like so many other properties.' Take a closer look at the storied past of Hotel Pontotoc, and get a sneak peek at its newest iteration! Pin A Historic Gem Built in 1906 near Central Station, Hotel Pontotoc originally catered to railway and riverboat travelers. With 18 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the small hotel was known for its lavish Turkish baths. By the 1920s, it had morphed into a popular bordello with a reputation for luxury and discretion. In 1929, Greek businessman Dionysos (Dan) Touliatos bought the property, turning it into a family hotel, where he resided with his wife and children. Pin Under his ownership, the hotel became a social hub for members of the Greek community and hosted many lively parties. It also drew actors and vaudeville performers from the nearby Orpheum Theatre. One of Hotel Pontotoc's most illustrious guests was Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, who lived in the hotel in the 1930s while commissioned to work on Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Park Gardens — a handmade cavern made of rock quartz crystal and semiprecious stones. Pin In 1958, George Sr., the eldest son of the Touliatos family, founded Front Street Theatre, which put on professional theatrical productions and attracted notable actors. While these stars may not have stayed at Hotel Pontotoc, the hotel was intertwined in the city's cultural development. There is even a rumor that Elvis visited the hotel, though there's no evidence to prove it. The Touliatos sold Hotel Pontotoc after business declined in the late 1960s, and it enjoyed a brief stint as a nightclub in 1979 before it was purchased by local preservationists Leigh and Terry Davis in the early 1980s. They renovated the building, converting the basement into a recording studio and hosting memorable parties. In 2022, partners Tony Kuhn and Joseph Lewis — Memphians with a heart for historic downtown properties — acquired the building, which had fallen into disrepair. They embarked on a multimillion-dollar project to restore Hotel Pontotoc to its former glory. Pin Pin A Second Act Despite the hotel's deterioration in recent years, 'the bones of it were in great condition,' Norbert says. 'The renovation is a wink and a nod to its past but with modern upgrades and amenities.' The hotel's footprint is the same, with a bar on the lower basement level and guest rooms on the top two floors. But the original 17 rooms have been downsized to 10, including one grand suite, three regular suites, one ADA suite, and three studio-style rooms. Pin Each room has a different theme, but they all pay tribute to the past with their restored wood floors, exposed plaster walls, transom windows, and repurposed doors featuring original room numbers and antique knobs. Bathrooms contain vintage sink fixtures and high-tank toilets with pull chains for a nostalgic touch. Pin While the hotel is full of contemporary comforts, its vibe is intimate, and its design 'is like a timeline of its history,' Norbert says. The aesthetic is brimming with mid-century modern furnishings, rich wall coverings in deep blues and greens, and relics from its early life, which are showcased. 'We found a red ammunition bomb that we are going to suspend from the ceiling, and an old organ that we cleaned up to put in our lobby,' Norbert shares. Developers also revamped the hotel's entrance, repairing its signature awnings and restoring its iconic sign, a mainstay since it opened. Pin Drinks at The Dame Adding to the hotel's allure is The Dame, an upscale cocktail lounge and wine bar on the ground floor. The bar will serve a curated selection of premium bourbon, whiskey, tequila, and wine, along with small plates and local beers on tap. The menu will pay homage to the space's previous incarnation as a recording studio. 'We will have three tiers of wines: top 40 hits (recognizable wines), B sides (less recognizable wines), and lost tracks (wines that are unique or off the beaten path),' Norbert explains. Pin If you're craving a bit of nature, head to the hotel's landscaped garden, which can accommodate up to 75 people. It also makes an excellent spot for weddings and other special events. With that in mind, Norbert hopes to see Hotel Pontotoc return to its roots — as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. Events in the works include live music on Friday nights, plus themed nights like Whiskey Club Sundays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, and more. 'We want our guests to feel like this is a home away from home,' says Norbert, 'and not just those outside of Memphis, but also Memphians who come downtown for a show, a concert, or a Grizzlies game.' Pin Plan Your Stay Located just minutes from Beale Street, the Orpheum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Civil Rights Museum (among other Memphis hot spots), Hotel Pontotoc is open for booking at Nightly rates range from $250 to $650, with a 15% off promotion for those who book a two-night stay before August 1. Guests check in online and will receive an access code to the building, along with a complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Pin Pin ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our FREE daily emails. About the Author Emily McMackin Emily McMackin Dye is an Alabama native and Tennessee transplant, who recently moved to Memphis from Nashville. A freelance writer, she enjoys exploring history, culture, and the lifestyle scene surrounding her new home in The Bluff City.
Winnipeg Free Press
04-06-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Dalnavert shines during Doors Open Winnipeg
West End I really enjoyed touring Dalnavert House during Doors Open Winnipeg. There were many interesting and historic locales welcoming visitors during Heritage Winnipeg's annual weekend event (held May 24 and 25) but Dalnavert House didn't disappoint. The museum, which includes an attached visitor centre, is nestled downtown at 61 Carlton St. The grounds are verdant and the garden is blooming. The gothic-looking Victorian mansion was built for Hugh John MacDonald, the son of Sir John A Macdonald, and his family in 1895. (At that time many well-to-do Winnipeggers lived just south of Broadway.) Volunteers in period costume imparted interesting facts and anecdotes about life in the house from the moment my group stepped onto the faithfully restored veranda. Photo by Anne Hawe The coal stove in the kitchen at Dalnavert is one reminder of how different life was more than a century ago. Hugh John was a notable Manitoban. A lawyer and politician, he was premier of the province for a very short time before becoming Winnipeg's magistrate. Although he took a hard line against strikers during the Winnipeg general strike in 1919, he was also known to let women and children sleep in the basement instead of being sent to Vaughan Street jail for stealing. History is complicated and the museum doesn't sugarcoat it. The jewel-toned carpet and wallpaper, the narrow hallways, and the beautifully appointed rooms on the first floor were atmospheric. The icebox and the cumbersome coal-burning stove in the kitchen illuminated how hard the cook and the maid would have worked to put food on the table — all with only half a day off, on Sundays. The white doorknobs in the kitchen? They were there to ensure the help washed their hands in case typhoid, influenza or Spanish flu lurked. After Hugh John died in 1929, his wife, Agnes, couldn't afford the upkeep. The house sat empty before being converted into a rooming house. The Manitoba Historical Society bought it from a developer then spent several years painstakingly renovating it before opening it as a museum in 1974. The doors closed in 2013 but the newly formed Friends of Dalnavert Museum non-profit re-opened it in 2015. The vibrant and community-minded organization brings history to life at the museum. lists Victorian themed workshops and events coming up this month. There is everything from a flower pressing workshop to watercolour painting in the garden while sipping mimosas to a foodie tour featuring Victorian snacks. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. Perennially popular tours listed include Dalnavert on Drugs which explores Victorian drug culture, and Behind the Ropes which offers a closer look at Dalnavert's many rooms. Only the visitors centre and the first floor are accessible so there is a virtual tour of the house on the site. And admission is always free on the second Saturday of every month with family-friendly activities included. Anne HaweWest End community correspondent Anne Hawe is a community correspondent for the West End. She can be reached at annie_hawe@ Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
