Question
I live in PA and have a very had time growing plants in my front garden.  It does not get sun until late in the afternoon.  My Clematis grows great, but I have one question: am I suppose to clip all the dead vines in the late fall?  I would also like to know if you have any suggestions on what to plant that love shade and clay soil.

Answer
Hi Sandi,
Thanx for your question.  Pruning clematis depends upon which kind you have.  I am posting a site you can review that shows you how to prune the three different types of clematis.  

http://clematisnursery.com/Pruning.aspx

As far as shade-loving plants for clay soil?  I would amend the soil with well-composted cow manure and partially composted leaves and pine needles.  Ferns, columbines, comfrey, wood poppy, crested iris, hosta, lungwort, astilbe, bleeding hearts, Solomon's seal, lily-of-the-valley are just a few of the shade-loving plants that would do well in your garden.  When you go to a well-established nursery, they should have an entire section devoted to shade gardening.  If this is not enough ideas, let me know and I'll see what else I can find you.  I hope this helps.
Tom