Terri, we seem to have the same treatments with companion plants, weed mat, and even the straw. I think I'd feel right at home in your garden.
As for the clematis, I grow the Pruning Groups 1 and 2 clematis with climbers and have Group 3's planted with the roses that I prune back heavily. Then, the clematis and rose treatments are similar for pruning and there is no inconsistency. Also, I tend to go with the shorter growing clematis for the rose bushes rather than the robust ones that might eat my roses! There are many clematis available now that top out between 4-6 feet and they are ideal for planting with the roses as mannerly companions.
