About a year ago someone was rhapsodizing to me about an early spring blooming hardy vine with fragrant yellow flowers. I had no clue what plant they were talking about but quickly suggested that if they brought me some cuttings I would try to root them and divide the spoils.

At some point we identified the plant as winter jasmine. As far as the Latin is concerned, I found several offerings. Geisemium sempervirons seems to be the most accepted name.

I managed to root four plants. Two were returned and two stayed with me. The cuttings had a few flowers and I have been observing their growth. From maybe six inches in the spring they are now approaching three feet.

It is a candidate for sun or light shade. Planting away from the harshest winter winds also seems wise. They seem vigorous but not overpowering. The leaves are small enough that it has an airy appearance. Thanks to whoever introduced me to this plant.

On the other extreme is another full sun vine I have discovered. This one is for the patient gardener and needs enough space to go 15 to 20 feet. Now I'm talking about the hardy kiwi or Actinidia kolomikta.

It is grown for its white and pink and green foliage. Patience is required as the mature foliage shows more color than the juvenile foliage. This vine also gets a small green edible berry in late September if you have both a male and female plant. Unfortunately, I have never seen offerings identified by sex. I have not seen the fruit.

Another vigorous vine is chocolate vine or Akebia quinata. This one is vigorous, too, and is grown for its vanilla-scented dark maroon flowers. The foliage adds interest throughout the season.

The literature suggests that it is best when heavily pruned as a vine or is very effective on a difficult bank. Since I never get all my pruning done, now I am eying a nasty, steep bank for this one. Dutchman's pipe, Aristolochia littorallis is another vigorous but not overly aggressive vine with very large leaves. It has an interesting flower that is maroon marbled with white. I'll bet you can guess how it is shaped.

There, that brings my count of perennial vines described in the last two weeks to at least seven and I haven't even mentioned hydrangea vine which has been a wimp in my garden to date, the false hydrangea vines which I think are better, and clematis which I love but seem a bit more demanding culturally than anything discussed in this and the last column.