Early June’s colorful blooms fill Coppertop gardens. Some of my favorites are the varieties of clematis. A healthy, bushy specimen grows in the perennial beds next to the grapevine arch. Its flowers are over 6″ wide.

Climbing up either side of another arch beneath the viburnum, two spectacular varieties of clematis put on a show.

A perennial that was new to me last year and has faithfully returned is this Thalictrum aquilegifolium, or meadow rue. Its delicate, grayish green foliage brings columbine to mind, which is reflected in its Latin name. Mixed with delphinium, yarrow, geum, and foxgloves, I remember the couple plants provided  cottony blooms well into the summer.