Think I've messed up ?

I would just go with that. It doesn't sound as if there is a large quantity of manure in there.

Have you got stakes or a frame. Which variety of clematis is it

Not sure why you you think clematis don't like manure Phoenix? All of mine get a load of horse manure dumped on them whenever I come across any nd they're fine. But I double checked on the RHS website and found this:

Clematis are tolerant of a range of soil types, but grow best in deep, fertile, moist but well^-^drained soil. On heavy or sandy soils, dig-in some organic matter, like leaf mould or well^-^rotted manure, before planting to improve soil structure.

I think you'll be fine with what you've done. Just make sure they're planted as deep as possible (feet in the cold, head in the sun).

Thank you both!

The site I've ordered them from (Taylors, a specialist grower) says in their planting guide that manure isn't a good idea!

greengreengrass We have trellis in place, and I'm planning to add the wire/netting stuff to it.

I've ordered Montana Spring Joy (not as rampant as some Montana varieties) and Olympia, which I'm regretting, as it's a lower growing one.

But they'll be perfect together Phoenix! Both late Spring flowering with one (Montana Spring Joy) climbing high and the other (Olympia) giving interest at a lower level. If you'd have had them both the same height, they'd have been fighting for support! No; you've chosen well, it'll be fine by next Spring, you'll see!

Ah, but, Chewbacca I have also ordered 2 climbing roses, bare root, to be delivered in November.

New Dawn, and Papi Delbard. I was planning to plant New Dawn and Olympia in the same planter, and Spring Joy and Papi Delbard in the other.

These plants will be the "background" (along with a honeysuckle) I will then have the excitement/stress of choosing other plants!

lovely, if there is room something trailing down as well maybe

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Worry not! All will be fine. You've provided a good starting point for them and it will take the bare root roses a little while to put down proper roots and start to settle in. By then, the clematis will be finding their way up the trellis and you'll have a better idea as to whether everything is planted where you'd like it. Nothing will come to any harm if you decide, within the first growing season, to move it elsewhere. Have faith Phoenix!

Thank you all for your advice, it's appreciated!

I'm feeling a bit that we won't see the full beauty of the planting.

Ah, but next year you will, phoenix and it will be worth the wait, and every year after will be even better, you'll see. ?

I wouldn't worry about it. Plants are amazingly adaptable. I constantly break the rules and get away with it. I can't visualise what a plant/container will look like so I plant it out then move the plants if they don't look right and the plants just get on with growing regardless.

Thank you all.

I'm hoping it will be looking good before summer 2004, as that is when we will probably have to move, unfortunately.

Errr are you going backwards Phoenix!

I wonder what they mean by 'manure'? You could call fertiliser in bags manure couldn't you and like Chewbacca I give mine a good amount of both (not at once) whenever I have it. They've grow fine big plants with lots of flowers..

Oh heavens, midgey wish I could! I meant 2024

ExD I think manure is manure, yes, you can buy it in bags from garden centres, or get it as farmyard or stable manure. I think as well as it's well rotted, it's fine.

Agree with vampire. Plants are like men - treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen - or so my mum used to say! Having said that, do keep the clematis roots cool. Your planters sound lovely. Couldn't you cut the taller plants down when moving day comes and take them with you?

Depends where we have to move to, NotTooOld

Intriguing, phoenix! Now I'm imagining all sorts of places you might (reluctantly) be moving to. Siberia? North Pole? The Gobi Desert?

I put large stones around the base of mine to help retain moisture and keep roots cool.

I did a bit of tidying up in the garden today and found dozens of snails tucked up between the clematis and the fence. Really big fat brown shelled things. Chucked them over the fence!

When I found a half-dead clematis on the cheap shelf in B&Q, I took it home and nursed it back to health by planting it in a mix of garden soil and lime. It responded brilliantly.

Chewbacca - they will find their way back to you!!!!

I may be wrong but I don't think manure is good on the roots of plants.