I'm in central Scotland BM. Nothing but clay in all the gardens I've had, and usually lots of rain but it's been very dry here during June and first bit of July which is rare. I always put lots of grit and good compost in when I plant a clematis to counteract the clay, a bit of F,B and B at planting time and tomato food once buds appear. This is a new garden though - virtually nothing here a year ago - and I've built raised beds down one side so all the plants are getting off to a good start. Where I've started new borders in grass, they've had plenty of manure over the winter, and compost when anything goes in. Those areas are shadier and have plants which are happy with some moisture.
Don't give up with your clematis - they're so lovely when they're growing well. If you improve the drainage and the surrounding soil I'm sure you'll see a difference. They'll grow well in big pots and containers, so if you're struggling, invest in a couple of statement pots to grow them in
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thank you fairygirl for all the advise and think what I shall do is as the areas around my clematis dies back, cut the foliage down and then dig in all you suggest and give good mulch and feed in the spring. Please keep your fingers crossed for me Your garden sounds lovely, have you any pics? Im just trying to upload ones I took today thank you again for the advice
Hi all, this is my garden as of today as you walk down it. Its about 80 ft long and maybe 12 to 14 ft wide. Think you can see I like the cottage garden look hope they come through ok
I put lots of pix on here last year when I was building a new fence etc. There might be a few on here further back BM. It's all work in progress I'm afraid.
If you're concerned about the ground, it might be worthwhile carefully lifting your clematis when they're dormant, so that you can get it into shape first and then replant.
Here's a couple of pix from a month or two ago
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Very kind The fences in that pic were of that 'bright orange' hue and had umpteen coats of paint to tone them down, so I did the trellis and raised beds black. Would really have liked to do the fence black and have the trellis mossy green but the trellis was orangey too so I reckoned it might not cover too well. The horrible gravel and slabs will go too.
Love yours too BM. The seating area looks lovely and peaceful. A winding path's a great way to break up a long narrow garden- always makes it look wider . Lots of scope for planting of all types too. Nice brick edging
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
I'm in central Scotland BM. Nothing but clay in all the gardens I've had, and usually lots of rain but it's been very dry here during June and first bit of July which is rare. I always put lots of grit and good compost in when I plant a clematis to counteract the clay, a bit of F,B and B at planting time and tomato food once buds appear. This is a new garden though - virtually nothing here a year ago - and I've built raised beds down one side so all the plants are getting off to a good start. Where I've started new borders in grass, they've had plenty of manure over the winter, and compost when anything goes in. Those areas are shadier and have plants which are happy with some moisture.
Don't give up with your clematis - they're so lovely when they're growing well. If you improve the drainage and the surrounding soil I'm sure you'll see a difference. They'll grow well in big pots and containers, so if you're struggling, invest in a couple of statement pots to grow them in
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thank you fairygirl for all the advise and think what I shall do is as the areas around my clematis dies back, cut the foliage down and then dig in all you suggest and give good mulch and feed in the spring. Please keep your fingers crossed for me
Your garden sounds lovely, have you any pics? Im just trying to upload ones I took today
thank you again for the advice
Hi all, this is my garden as of today as you walk down it. Its about 80 ft long and maybe 12 to 14 ft wide. Think you can see I like the cottage garden look
hope they come through ok
I put lots of pix on here last year when I was building a new fence etc. There might be a few on here further back BM. It's all work in progress I'm afraid.
If you're concerned about the ground, it might be worthwhile carefully lifting your clematis when they're dormant, so that you can get it into shape first and then replant.
Here's a couple of pix from a month or two ago
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Love your pics fairygirl, looks so neat compared to mine!
Is your woodwork black?
Your planting combinations are gorgeous, love em
Your garden is lovely BM - i love the cottagey look
.
Verdun - love that agastache/ echinacea combination - zingy
. How many summer skys did you plant together to get a clump that size?
David S - love your echinaceas (? Guessing thats what the pink pompom one is) too
keep the pics coming people -catching up on this thread is the best part of my evening
Very kind
The fences in that pic were of that 'bright orange' hue and had umpteen coats of paint to tone them down, so I did the trellis and raised beds black. Would really have liked to do the fence black and have the trellis mossy green but the trellis was orangey too so I reckoned it might not cover too well. 
The horrible gravel and slabs will go too.
Love yours too BM. The seating area looks lovely and peaceful. A winding path's a great way to break up a long narrow garden- always makes it look wider . Lots of scope for planting of all types too. Nice brick edging
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...