Hi mzstitch, I posted a link to what I think, is a very good website. I started growing clematis 3 years ago, and I followed this advice, and my clems have done very well. I also have clay/alkaline soil, so I dug all of my holes 12-18 inches deep, and about 12" wide. I added a few inches of gravel to the bottom of the hole, and then the amendments suggested at the link on how to plant at a fence. I also put a piece of 2" pvc pipe with many holes drilled in it, the same length of the hole, so that I could get plenty of water to the roots, and I planted my clems about 4-6" deep. You probably have more rain than I do, so this may not be a concern for you. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Home of Clematis

Here's a planting guide from Brushwood nursery, one of my favorite sources for Clematis.

Here is a link that might be useful: Brushwood Nursery planting guide

Thank you Debra. I have bookmarked the site you gave me as I'm sure it will come in handy for other times than planting as well! Nhbabs, someone else suggested this site to me too, and I regret not ordering from there, as I actually ordered all the way from Conn. and it ,likely would have been smarter to order from Georgia. Great advice there as well, I think I'm ready to plant when they arrive. Much appreciated!