I have found that clematis are like roses and need 6 hours of sun a day. There are some clematis sold as being "good for shade" but I don't agree with that. As for the shade situation also try heuchera - the leaves come in lovely lime colors in addition to reds, orange and greens. Also consider hellebores.

Katie

Do not tell Josephine! She doesn't know that! Of course she is in full sun until the tree leafs out:
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And then she climbs the tree:

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kay