Despite a wet, windy, cold start to spring my Clematis armandii is smothered with flowers and their perfume, during warmer, sunny spells is a joy. I sometimes curse it because it is an untidy, rampant grower and needs a lot of attention to keep looking good - the old leathery leaves turn hard and brown and need to be dispensed with regularly to avoid the whole plant looking a mess. However everything is forgiven for a week or two in springtime. This photo shows the end of one plant that covers the whole of a pergola to the side of the house and has now travelled round the corner to greet you as you walk along the front terrace.