We do use DEET occasionally but I have no intention of routinely spraying little children with chemicals just to avoid spraying a small corner of my little yard. From Wikipedia As a precaution, manufacturers advise that DEET products should not be used under clothing or on damaged skin, and that preparations be washed off after they are no longer needed or between applications.[15] DEET can act as an irritant;[4] in rare cases, it may cause severe epidermal reactions.[15] In the DEET Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported 14 to 46 cases of potential DEET-associated seizures, including 4 deaths. The EPA states: "... it does appear that some cases are likely related to DEET toxicity," but observed that with 30% of the US population using DEET, the likely seizure rate is only about one per 100 million users.[16] The Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University states that "Everglades National Park employees having extensive DEET exposure were more likely to have insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function than were lesser exposed co-workers".[17] When used as directed, products containing between 10% to 30% DEET have been found by the American Academy of Pediatrics to be safe to use on children, as well as adults, but recommends that DEET not be used on infants less than two months old.[15] Citing human health reasons, Health Canada barred the sale of insect repellents for human use that contained more than 30% DEET in a 2002 re-evaluation. The agency recommended that DEET-based products be used on children between the ages of 2 and 12 only if the concentration of DEET is 10% or less and that repellents be applied no more than 3 times a day, children under 2 should not receive more than 1 application of repellent in a day and DEET-based products of any concentration should not be used on infants under 6 months.[18][19] DEET has been found to inhibit the activity of a central nervous system enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, in both insects and mammals.[20] This enzyme is involved in the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thus playing a role in the function of the neurons which control muscles. Because of this property, many insecticides are used to block acetylcholinesterase, which leads to an excessive accumulation of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, causing neuromuscular paralysis and death by asphyxiation.[21] DEET is commonly used in combination with insecticides and has the capacity to strengthen the toxicity of carbamates,[22] a class of insecticides known to block acetylcholinesterase. These findings bring evidence that, besides having known toxic effects on the olfactory system, DEET also acts on the brain of insects, and that its toxicity is strengthened in combination with other insecticides. In 2012, media reported that two Canadian sisters died after ingesting the chemical while in Thailand.[23] (It is reportedly used as a cocktail ingredient there in a drink called "4x100".)[23]

Mike if you are seeing seedlings in your garden, it could also be seeding in nearby gardens as the seeds can be transported by the wind, although your garden seems to be in a more urban setting so perhaps it doesn't have as many hospitable places to germinate in??? It does seem however that the seediness of some clematis seem to be dependent on location. Not a big surprise since even the vigorousness of any particular cultivar seems to vary from garden to garden. That is why I have said over and over again that experience is the best indicator of how any clematis will do in your own personal gardens.

A plant that was grown in a pot for that length of time has a root ball that is "pot bound" and if that plant is put in a garden the root ball needs to be "broken", pulled apart so the roots will reach out for moisture and nutrients. If this is not done the roots stay in the root ball and that is usually so dense that that root ball will repel water so the plant does not get the moisture it needs. Some ferns are host plants for "rusts" that are harmful to other plants but seldom is the "rust" harmful to the host plant, harmful to the point of killing the host plant.

I planted Cavendish, FHIA23, Orinoco, Dwarf Cavendish, and Ice Cream. All but the Ice Cream and Cavendish haven't made it. It gets too cold in the winter for them. The Ice Cream grows to approx 8' tall and then winter sets in and it shrivels up (really looks ugly!) and dies back to the ground. In late January or early Feb., it starts regrowing all over again. Just about the time it should fruit, winter sets in again and it shrivels, etc, etc. I could dig them up and bring them inside in a contianer at the set of winter but haven't yet. I might do this, this winter but I have enough "high maintenance" plants as it is. I just containered my 3 year old Key lime after the surprise 17 degree night we had about 6 weeks ago. If you are set in trying a banana plant, try the Ice Cream. It is one of the lowest cold tolerant bananas. By the way, I live in Henderson, near the Black Mountain golf course. I hope this helps you, John