Francois Juranville’s new do

There was no cutting involved, just re-styling with a grabber from an 8-foot ladder. And though I scared myself a few times, this time I didn't fall off. I think the same people who shouldn't handle sharp knives also shouldn't climb tall ladders.

Francois’ old 'do' was definitely dreamy, and all the ladies loved it.

But I really think his canes need to be horizontal in order to add side-shoots for lots of blooming.

There was also the matter of all the shade he made for all the sun-loving plants in this bed.

Look what I found!!

Clematis 'Ville de Lyon' is twelve feet up in the tree!! She was only planted this spring! Never figured she'd go up there.

Francois was laying around everywhere.

Peek-a-boo! 'Mary Rose' would rather not play hide and seek. So now that you've seen the before, I know you're wondering about the after.

Voila! The upswept look.

All of those long, long canes now go to the left and to the right and as far up as I could reach.

His canes must have been fifteen feet long or more.

Fortunately for me he doesn't have a lot of prickles - just enough to catch in the tree.

Some canes were laid across the arbor. A few of the more strategic canes were tied in place - insurance against the wind.

Now you can see the baby clematis, and hopefully, the daylilies and the rose will start doing a little better.

Ah, there's Mary.

The bench now has a view, and the chimes can be seen.

In some not too distant spring these trees will be decorated with fat, pink 'Francois Juranville' blooms. Stay tuned.