Bloom Day, the day after

Went a little nuts with the camera yesterday in service to a gardener's bloom day and our upcoming vacation. I've arranged for cat care but feel all perennials will need to fend for themselves. Not really sure what will make it, but at least we've got pictures. I'm most concerned about the containers. What is it, pray for rain and pass the tubers? Something like that...

I was really happy we didn't miss the Canna bloom, although it almost looked a little cooler right before it actually bloomed. Loved the Bird of Paradise look. This, along with the elephant ear, is going to be overwintered in my first ever attempt at saving money and bulbs down in the cool, dark basement. Cross your fingers.

Veitch's blue globe thistle (echinops ritro) is doing well and good, just a wee bit floppy but a true blue in thistle and stem. I attempted some blue sea holly right next to these that never showed this year, but I may be surprised next season. I'm attracted to this plant's blue glow 'round about the shank of the evening (7-ish), but I don't admire the flies, gnats and other riffraff constantly hovering around its globes.



Other faves, slightly underexposed...

Strangely, I'm not much of a fan of phlox in groupings, but individually their interest is highlighted. I guess you have to get to know them...

I don't know what this is. I never realized this chicks and hen I fumbled into a corner on the rock pile/garden would flower. I feel confident in its tenacity, happy for its surprise. Semper vi.


This is the second monarch I've seen all summer, and it literally landed in my frame. All I've been seeing of late is loads of painted ladies and hope there's no Monsanto-type catastrophe affecting monarchs. Happy to see this one, love to see more. Maybe I shouldn't clear out all the coneflower...

Other blooms, botanical names to follow (later, really)...

Joe Pye weed
Liatris
Rose of Sharon
Sedums ( a little early?)
Bee balm
'Endless Summer' Hydrangea
Japanese anemone, just about
Goldenrod
Yarrows
Rudbeckia