We have germination!

In my garden I have a long drift of purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) that run along the driveway above the retaining wall. Last year I planted some white ones for variety and would like to add more this fall or next spring. I decided to try an experiment in sowing. I don't know if this is a good or bad time to try growing some from seed, but I decided I don't have much to lose, other than the price of a packet of seed.

So on July 16th, I sowed some Echinacea purpurea 'Amado' seeds. The plan is to have some small plants to plant out in early to mid October. Hopefully they can get somewhat established before the winter sets in and they make it through the winter.

And today we have germination! Actually it's only one seed, from what I can tell...but I have to say seeing that one seed coming to life made me smile. There's just something about starting plants from seeds that I find immensely rewarding and magical in its own way.

Garden has been transformed for Halloween.

Goodbye Rose. Hello Clematis.

Took out Iceberg climbing rose today.  Never did well for me.  Don't think it got enough sun.  So I planted a Sweet Autumn Clematis in its place.  The Clematis blooms in late summer through early fall and has vanilla scented white flowers (all of my favorite things).

Late Summer Garden

Go Ask Alice

Found a White Rabbit garden statue.  Love it.

Runaway Lilac

I planted a Beauty of Moscow Lilac a few years ago in front of the porch for 2 reasons. One...I love them...the scent is quintessential springtime.  Two...to act a privacy screen. Well I basically let it go and now it's a tangled mess. Too tall, branches crossing this way and that, all growth on the top, bare in the middle, only a few blooms every spring.  So next spring probably going to have to do some drastic pruning...which I just hate thinking about doing.  But in the long run I will end up with a better looking shrub and hopefully lots more blooms.  This is what it looks like now.

ERYNGIUM

Planted some Sea Holly today or more specifically Eryngium zabelii - Big Blue.
Description from Bluestone Perennials:A larger Sea Holly with arresting electric blue flowers that will reach 4" across. Eryngium Big Blue has intense blue color that extends down the stems and holds well when dried. Green spiky foliage.

I had planted some Eryngium before but it only lasted a year. Eryngium likes good drainage, so before planting I put about an inch or so of pea gravel in the bottom of the hole, and mixed it with a little soil.  Hoping this will help it along.

I love Eryngium.  It is so unusual looking and the color can be beat.