Feast and frost

The Montana clematis was a feature of our garden and a factor in our choosing to buy the house. It had grown half way along our eastern boundary fence. Last summer’s 40 degree heat stressed it. Last winter’s extreme cold killed it. We only found out late in the spring. Prior to that we had hoped it might surprise us. Sadly it didn’t. Today was another summery sunny day from dawn to dusk. On our walk this evening we noticed many flowers, shrubs and trees wilting in the early summer heat.