We are now fully into spring. Young vines are twirling and curling themselves around any helpful post, tree or shrub. Clematis is a perennial that comes in many colors and shapes. I've been watching the progress of this white one. The small, yellowest flower is a new bloom, still unfurling its petals with the awkwardness of a half-opened umbrella. The bloom above it still shows the green streaks of youth. When the youngsters reach peak bloom, their petals will grow rounder and whiter, all the better to show off an explosion of stamens.