I've been a (mostly) perennial girl until this past summer, when I sprinkled cosmos seeds in the garden--in August! There were some 'Sensation Radiance' (the deep pink) and another 'mix', but I've lost the packet for that one.
Cosmos come in colors other than pink, and they come in various shapes. Have you heard of seashell cosmos? I had a packet of them somewhere--but none of my blooms are that variety, so I guess I must not have planted any!
In fact, I 'think' I may have sent them off to another garden blogger when I was participating in the Gardening-By-Letter project! Either that, or they're still in a basket of seed packets that I never had time to plant!
I've learned that I'll NEVER go without cosmos in my garden again! And, I won't wait until late summer to plant seeds! I'll start early in the spring, and at least once more (maybe twice) I'll sprinkle more seed packets. Mine didn't all come up so I'll be sure to put in enough to cover any losses that might occur.
Next year, I'll plan to look for a variety. I want to have them all summer long, into the fall, in all colors, shapes and sizes! What a treat it is to have these beauties still blooming in my garden in October!
Added Later:
Robin (Robin's Nesting Place) reminded me that cosmos freely self-seed and are hardy into some cooler zones (she's in zone 5), so I may be surprised to find them coming up without me re-seeding. I will, though--because I want to add some new varieties. Oh, and Catherine (A Gardener In Progress) reminded me that SHE was the lucky recipient of my seashell cosmos! Now, at least I know I'm not losing my mind!
Words and photos by Jan Huston DobleThanks For 2 Day.
your photos are so beautiful - I leave your page with a feeling of serenity!
ReplyDeleteYou should have cosmos aplenty next year if you let these go to seed. I have a zone 5 garden and they freely reseed for me. I also usually collect the seeds of my favorites. Right now I have a baggie full of the orange cosmos. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThe goldfinches also love the seeds!
I love Cosmos too! They are not only pretty in the garden, but they are very photogenic too. Your collages are so pretty. I'm the person you sent the Seashell Cosmos to, I'm saving them for next summer.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jan...cosmos are just too beautiful to overlook just because they are annuals. The other annual I wouldn't be without is zinnias. They add a punch of color and the hummers love them.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful!! I always admire these, but have never planted them myself. I've heard they self seed freely, so you only have to plant them once. Your violet coloured ones are lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you on the Cosmos, this year was also my first and most definitely will not be my last!
ReplyDeleteRecently I also posted about my love for Cosmos... I just need to get my hands on some of the other varieties, I've seen some wonderful white with pink edged Cosmos!
There are not
ReplyDeletemany available
self seeding flower
plants in Puerto Rico, it
is not customary.
However, in my garden
yellows, oranges, miniatures
and tall ones are the stars
of my front of the house
garden. Nice ones you
have got.
These flowers are so lovely and pink. What an appropriate colour for Breast Cancer awareness.
ReplyDeleteThese are just beautiful. I'm going to get some next spring.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, the images of the cosmos are simply stunning! I especially like them from the back. We only have the orange ones here, they are not as tall, but that might have to be rectified next year. Such a sweet and happy flower. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Hi Jan~~ I love your sidebar family photo. Has it always been here and have you changed your blog somehow? Maybe I'M the one going nuts. LOL
ReplyDeleteWho'd a thunk such an easy to grow plant could have so much going for it?
Jan you simply MUST look for the 'Double Click' variety next year. I believe Thompson & Morgan carries the seed but if I recall correctly I bought mine off the rack. The flowers are smaller but fluffy. Some were semi-double others fully double and some had the seashell appearance. Before I tried them I honestly wasn't sure whether I would like them but I was pleasantly surprised.
Your photos are beautiful.
I'm more of a perennial gal too and I've never grown Cleome. So I guess it's true that with gardening there's always more to learn.
Your photos are enough to make even the most doubting of gardeners want to plant these.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you having planted them for the first time last year. I planted seashells this year as well as the others and of course the orange ones from Tina. Cosomos all over my garden and I loved them. :) If you would like some of the orange ones-they grow to 4 or 5 ft. tall let me know and I will share with you.
Jan, I love your collages. Cosmos is easy, reliable, bright and cheerful - what else do we ned from anuals? Oh, it selfseeds! It's October, and it still blooming! Thanks for dedicating a post to this work horse in a garden!
ReplyDeleteCosmos in my garden are a must. I love them and they are probably my favorite annual. I sure do miss them this time of year. Your photos are gorgeous! -Jackie
ReplyDeleteTell me about it! I love cosmos flowers. The pictures are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, we get the yellow and the orange ones. I've been trying to get the pink and chocolate ones but didn't manage to.
Hello Jan,
ReplyDeleteI never get tired of Cosmos. They are so beautiful in their simplicity. Thank you for this post.
Couldn't live without them - gorgeous. When I was in Japan they were looking upon as weeds, they certainly know how to reproduce! Ours do it with runners rather than seed though - odd.
ReplyDeleteWell darn it I was thinking of Japanese Anemones there!! Yes still couldn't live without cosmos, had THEM at the lottie, the Anemones at home, duh! Have you tried the chocolate cosmos? Delicious, smelling drives me mad.
ReplyDeleteJan,
ReplyDeleteCosmos rock! And your photo collages are delightful to gaze upon.
Rosey
Very lovely collages Jan. You are an artist with the camera.
ReplyDeleteI need to get some pink Cosmos seeds!
Jan a wonderfullly colorful post. Loved all the cosmo shots. I was thinking this summer, that definitely I would just have tubs, and tubs of cosmos. Simple, easy to grow, and they don't want lots of water. The perfect annual.
ReplyDeleteJen
GORGEOUS photoss! I am a fellow cosmos lover.
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link and your cosmos are a fetching bunch.
ReplyDeleteI love the sweet simplicity of cosmos. I also love how they sway a little in the breeze.
ReplyDeleteYour photos capture that freshness perfectly!
Jan, thank so much for your lovely comment. And for your lovely blog. I've had orange cosmos the past month, but the 1st pink one this week. I'm partial to the pinks & blues too, though it's all lovely. I hope to get some seed to save of the pinks.
ReplyDeleteI like the cosmos very much. I grow the orange ones here though as the pink ones did not work out. I usually have to collect seeds to make sure it comes back but there are usually some self seeders. Can't beat these guys for long lasting color.
ReplyDelete