Progress at last

I planted this clematis montana over four months ago to cover the woodshed.
For such a vigorous plant progress has been very slow partly I thought because the hens took to trashing it. Now safely behind wire it is beginning to grow. However I have just learnt via Garneners question time that while protecting the base of climbers is advisable (and absolutely imperative here due to mice) clay drainage pipes are better than plastic because the plastic heats up more and slows down growth..all is now explained. I am now on the hunt for clay drainage pipes.