SHOPPING AND VIEWING
Clematis In the Portland area, explore the world of clematis; these blooming, scrambling vines make perfect companions for climbing roses and evergreen shrubs. The Rogerson Clematis Collection at Luscher Farm in West Linn has nearly 600 species and hybrids in its demonstration garden (125 Rosemont Rd.). In Scappoose, at Joy Creek Nursery's 4-acre demonstration garden, see 140 varieties that rarely overlap with the Rogerson collection, and browse more than 200 on sale at the nursery. On April 27, the two join forces for the Clematis Celebration at Joy Creek (free; 20300 N.W. Watson Rd.; 503/543-7474). Catch a clematis lecture at 1 p.m. Related story: Sweet and easy clematis

New plant source Great Garden Plants; 877/447-4769, sells a well-chosen variety of perennials and shrubs. Though the company is based in Michigan, the co-owner most actively involved in its plant selection lives and gardens in Portland, where regional garden style influences his choices.

PLANTING
Annuals Plant when danger of frost is past. Before setting seedlings out in the open garden, harden them off for a few days under a tree or on a sheltered patio. Choices for sun include cosmos, geraniums, Madagascar periwinkles ('Nirvana Cascade Shell Pink' looked great in our trials last year), marigolds, petunias, and zinnias. For light shade, try fibrous begonias, coleus, impatiens, and violas.

Perennials Two elegant new perennials this year are Heuchera 'Cinnabar Silver' and H. 'Rave On'.

Summer bulbs Callas, cannas, dahlias, and gladiolus are among the summer bulbs (which include corms, rhizomes, and tubers) that can go in now. We like the new 'Changing Colors' dahlia, with purple, lavender, and white flowers; it's from Dutch Gardens; 888/821-0448. All need full sun; callas and cannas benefit from abundant water. Related story: The right bulbs

Tropicals After danger of frost is past, plant angel's trumpets, hardy bananas, honey bushes, star jasmine, sweet potato vines, and taro. One of our new favorites for full shade is a variety of Brazilian fireworks (Porphyrocoma pohliana) called 'Maracas'. For sun, try 'Firecracker Red' bougainvillea with red-orange flower bracts (grow it in a container and bring it inside during winter). Order the bougainvillea from Logee's Greenhouses; 888/330-8038.

MAINTENANCE
Fertilize Early this month, give lawns a feeding, following label directions on your fertilizer bag. For ornamentals, apply controlled-release organic fertilizer at planting time, or apply a liquid or granular fertilizer two weeks after planting. Related story: Fertilizing and nutrients

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