10/13/08

Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor) 'Heavenly Blue'

Morning Glory 'Heavenly Blue' takes much longer to bloom than most of the other varieties. While the others bloom from spring on, these usually don't start until October. Once they start, however, they are incomparable. The blooms are huge and on cloudy days stay open all day.

10/13/08

More Aster photos! They were just getting started the other day! Now they are really putting on a show! I can't stop photographing them!!!

10/09/08

Flame Acanuthus 'Pumpkin,' Salvia 'Wild Thing,' Tassel Flower

I love hot color combinations. This time of year Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) Salvia greggii and Tassel flower (Emilia javanica) are putting on their show. I call it a 'garden fiesta.'

10/08/08

Aster oblongifolius

Aster oblongifolius and Helianthus maximiliana 'Santa Fe'

Aster oblongifolius

In Texas, almost everyone I know, looks forward to autumn. The break from the heat is one reason. My favorite reason though is to finally see the buds and blooms from all the fall blooming plants. Aster oblongifolius and Helianthus maximiliana (Sunflower) are two autumn stars that are hard not to miss. What can be better than a purple and golden yellow color combination for fall! These two drought resistant plants were made for each other! As the Asters multiply I plan on extending them closer and closer to the Autumn Sunflowers for an even better display.

10/06/08

Amaranthus caudatus 'Dreadlocks'

I'm a sucker for new plant varieties. I discovered this new Amaranthus when I saw it in the computer window and just had to have it! I planted the seeds in the spring and have enjoyed the 'dreadlocks' all spring and summer and now, fall.

10/04/08

Zinnia 'Profusion mix'
Zinnia 'Profusion mix' and Salvia 'greggii'
Zinnia 'Profusion mix'


Zinnia 'Profusion mix'

I've tried to keep up with all the new Zinnia Profusion varieties. Through the years I've planted White, Cherry, Orange, and Fire. Last year I planted Apricot. I always save and plant a few of the seeds each year and let the rest go to seed naturally. They never fail to come up in all their glory. Profusion White are left in my moon garden and as of yet I haven't had a stray show up with the colors. I've seen already this year that there are new profusion varieties. I plan on trying them all! This Zinnia, unlike Zinnia 'elegans' is very resistant to powdery mildew. You may notice from the photos that they grow in my Salvia 'greggii' bed. I doubt I will ever not want these zinnias in my garden somewhere!

10/01/08

Sedum telephium 'Matrona' and 'Autumn Joy'

Sedum telephium 'Matrona' and 'Autumn Joy' with Cosmos sulphureus
Sedum telephium 'Matrona' and 'Autumn Joy' with Cosmos sulphureus etc.

Sedum telephium 'Matrona' and 'Autumn Joy' etc.

Some of the prettiest plants to bloom in the fall are Sedums. I grow 'Matrona' and 'Autumn Joy' in my mixed front perennial border. Some annuals also reseed every year such as Cosmos and Gomprena, which I don't mind at all. The Sedums in my garden have struggled this year, but they've finally perked up for a final show.