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CLEMATIS
Rumor has it that clematis vine is difficult to grow. Given the right location and a little know-how clematis is a relatively easy vine to grow which will reward you with a beautiful splash of color when in bloom. Clematis is grown in many parts of the world and comes in a rainbow of colors and unusual shapes and sizes.

Culture
Since they like cool, moist roots and their heads in the sun, plant them in full sun or filtered shade in a rich organic, well-drained soil with a ph around 7.0. Dig a hole that is 18″ deep and 18″ wide. It should be large enough to set the crown 2-2 1/2 inches deeper than its original container. This will help promote good root development and a stockier plant. Add organic material or compost to enrich the soil. Clematis can be planted with shallow rooted companion plants (annuals & perennials) so that they can shade/mulch the roots during the hot summer months. Water deeply and regularly during the growing season especially in hot weather to maintain moist roots. Clematis are heavy feeders, fertilize in early spring when buds are 2 inches long then every 4-6 weeks with a rose food except when flowering. Be sure to provide some kind of support for the vines to grow and climb on.

Pruning
It is important to prune Clematis to keep it in bloom. Different types of Clematis have different pruning times. If your clematis flowers before end of June, it blooms on old wood (last year’s growth) don’t prune in the spring, cut out only dead stems to the highest new leaf axils, just above a pair of swollen fuzzy buds. Prune early bloomers after flowering. Remove dead flowers and cut the length of the stems to force new growth. For late bloomers, those that bloom on new wood (current year’s growth) prune in early spring before new growth starts and cut vines 6-12 inches above the ground to encourage vigorous new growth and continuous flowering throughout the season.

All new plants should be pruned hard to 12-18″ the first spring after planting to establish good base growth.
When you plant a Clematis be sure to note what variety it is so that you’ll know when to prune it.

Sources: Chicagoland Gardening Mag.

I have an avocado plant that we started from a seed (pit).  It is now one year old and not doing so well. What are its requirements – soil, water, light, etc. for optimal performance??

Avocado makes a nice houseplant and a great project to try with the kids. Plant in well drained potting soil and water when the top 1 inch feels dry. It does best in partial shade/ low light and will tolerate temps of 55-65F for a few months. Excessive heat, dry air and excess fertilizer can cause leaf drop and marginal browning of leaves. Feed in the spring and place it outside in the shade for the summer, it will stimulate new growth. Once the stem reaches 12″ cut it back by half to control the size and shape. It will not flower or bear fruit indoors as the commercial fruit bearing avocados are vegetatively reproduced. Hardy in zone 9-11