The Miracle of Spring

I bought a hardy and vigorous clematis last summer and planted it in a spot that wasn't getting alot of water at the time. I watered it when I could and hoped for the best. Of course I couldn't have planted it at a worse time, it being the height of summer heat. But sometimes......I just can't help myself. By fall it was a small collection of dried up brown sticks. I thought "well, what did you expect???". But by some miracle, known only to the quiet and steady work of the plant goddesses, this silly plant is bravely sending up a spring shoot. Somehow it's small collection of roots managed to endure the summer drought and soldier through a long, cold winter. Here it is! Happy, and smiling, and ready to live.