Evenie, Clematis viticella is the best clematis hybrid for heat and humidity. It is wiltproof. This is my favorite, Venosa Violacea (I have two). There are more pics on my blog. I think I have about 15 clematis vines, most of them doing very well though young. Clematis texensis is the other foolproof hybrid for our climate. Each of these hybrids have many varieties. Check out Brushwood Nursery's website. Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation..

Good morning! So fun to share my projects here, you gals all make me feel so good. Let me answer a couple of questions. These blocks are just various lengths cut from an old 2x4 board. The 2x4's work well because they stand easily and you can do a different design on the back--so two sets from one like these are. You could use any size wood really. 4x4 blocks can be decorated on all sides and flipped. (Nice with photos on each side.) You can also just decorate a length of wood instead of blocks. I use DH's "chop saw" so it is fast and easy to cut them. Then I take the electric sander to them because they are usually pretty rough. A quick coat of acrylic paint and let it dry. Then just cut pieces of scrapbook paper and Mod Podge it to the face of the block. Let me just add that I "could" just decorate them by painting--but using the papers is fun, easy, and faster. I've been cutting letters with my Cricut--but you can buy sheets of letters in all sizes and colors, stencil letters on, etc. Some of the things I added were dimensional "stickers" that I bought for the summer theme. A whole sheet of them on sale at Michael's for $1.49. I also use small silk flowers or layered ones cut from cardstock, ribbons or strips of contrasting paper, leaves cut out of cardstock, buttons, rick rack, etc. That's the fun part and a great way to use up scraps of things since it only takes small pieces. The Mod Podge is great, goes on cloudy but dries clear and fast! Later I will try cutting some vinyl letters, but it is more pricey, so doing the paper letters is good while I'm learning. You can also use thin boards for signs to hang on the wall, and I've seen some "stacked" blocks and boards that are so cute too. Lots of this stuff being created on some of the blogs I've found on the Cricut message boards. And Grandma Bonnie on the Crafts forum here on GW does the vinyl designs for walls and even cars! Once I invest in some vinyl, I'll be able to adhere words and designs to plates, jars, the refrigerator, etc. Really any flat clean surface! (The vinyl can be damp wiped and easily removed--the Mod Podged paper would be difficult to remove.) It does take "time", mostly because I try this and then try that before I decide what to glue where! But it is one of the easiest crafts I've done and just so many possibilities! I've seen some words or names on the glass in a frame and would like to try that too. I've been collecting and saving ideas for things to make, Karen has sent me some good links to blogs and things that she has run across during her nighttime "surfing". (thanks Karen, love it!) OA, the painted sign can certainly be painted on both sides. I often do that if I plan to use it where only one side can be seen. Doesn't work so well if you plan to display it on an easel on the table for instance, so keep that in mind. Hope I've explained things well--if not, just ask--or email me if you'd like. I get so much inspiration and encouragement from all of you, would love to give some of that back as well. Luvs

I can tell you it is gorgeous in person! I have it ready and waiting to go into the new house. It is going over the breakfast table. I got it on sale and with free shipping. :-) Sign up for PB emails to get notices of sales and free shipping.

Hi Red, If you started your seeds in late February, they should be about 8 inches tall and a little leggy by now. I usually wait until the night temperatures stay above 40F before putting them out. They can handle a night that goes down close to freezing but don't let them stay outside if you know its going to freeze. If you have a garage or a shed, you can give them some cover for one night, then move them outside again. I just noticed that the temperatures in my area are gong to be above 40 at night for the next week, so I plan on moving them out today. Just make sure that you place them in a shady spot out of direct sunlight (under a tree) the first few nights and the temps are above 40F. Also be careful they don't get rained on too hard. I put them under a lean to and cover them with a tarp if it is going to rain. You can tell they are getting too much sun if the tops of the leaves bleach out. Just keep them moist and let them enjoy the outdoors. If the plants are so tall they and falling over, I give them a hair cut. It won't hurt them to be cut back to 8 inches tall. I will let them harden off a least two weeks before planting. They can stay in the seed pots for some time until you are ready to plant. Right after I plant and application of Preen will hold down the weeds. Good luck with your seedlings! Mike