As I’ve mentioned before, the Jackmanii clematis growing on the south wall of my house is one of the few plants we inherited from my home’s former owner. From speaking with her, it was clear that, years and years ago, she was quite the gardener. By the time she was ready to sell the house, she was well into her 80s, and all but two small flower beds had been turned back into lawn.

The clematis clambers up a trellis below the bathroom window. At this time of year, when it is in full, luxurious, oh-so-purple bloom, I never fail to think of the lady that planted it, and murmur a word of thanks.