Ama-Z-ing Zinnias!

Any plant which has blooms in shades of pinks/purples/blues is usually a favorite of mine.

My zinnia's earlier this summer were of the 'pink' variety.

I really enjoyed them, and had some in pots on my deck.

I've never been much for oranges and yellows (which is kind of painful right now, as many autumn colors tend to be in those shades). But despite my usual dislike of orange, this has really gotten my attention:

I had sprinkled some seeds in the garden, not knowing what shade they would be. What a surprise to see, and I actually like the colors of the bloom! Next to it are a few more small plants with buds and I'm excited to find out what color they will be!

From now on, in addition to cosmos, (see my last post), I'm adding zinnia's to the annuals I will definitely plant more of next year!  How appropriate that these bright orange blooms are thriving in my garden in October! Maybe I will go out and get some pumpkins now.  Perhaps I've been wrong about orange all this time!

--Today I am thankful for the unexpected orange zinnia which brightened my spirits;-)



Words and photos by Jan Huston DobleThanks For 2 Day.

Can't Get Enough Cosmos!

Who can resist cosmos? Planted from seed, these are the first cosmos I've ever grown! It seems that everyone with a garden has included cosmos--an annual--to give movement, color and whimsey to their gardens.

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.