The tragically browned and snow-drifted arbor of my February 11 blog is magically transformed into a happy burst of color here. Are we having an early spring in Minnesota? Hardly. This shot was taken last summer. The foreground greenery is a clematis paniculata, working up a head of steam for its September bloom. Like all other vines, it has no intention of climbing up the arbor as it should, but is determined to twist itself all around the gate. Because it is such a vigorous grower, it can do this in the space of a short week while I am not paying attention. I tell myself that I wanted it to grow on the gate, but I secure some of the vines to the arbor in order to make myself feel that I am in charge, which, of course, I am not.

The deep pink beauty on the other side of the arbor, variety unknown by me--it was one of those end-of-the-season-unmarked purchases--chose to spread out in the opposite direction, toward the day lilies and miniature roses, leaving that side of the gate free for opening and closing. So, do I open it and close it? Of course not, because then Flag, my spaniel, would have to go around through the flowers instead of staying on the path under the arbor.

An arbor with a gate--lovely idea, but practical? Not so much. Looking at pictures of the summer garden during the depths of winter--a lovely idea and eminently practical if one wishes to maintain one's cheery attitude. Besides, I'm getting up that head of steam needed to propel me into springtime gardening. Looking at summer pictures every day stokes the fire that melts the snow.