October is usually one of those months here where you can take great photographs of the garden. The skies are usually clear since it is our driest month and the light is usually perfect for the garden blogger to take great shots of the last of the blooms. That’s not the case this year. Gray skies and rain have doused our fall blooms with multiple inches of rain. This morning we’ve already received over an inch with more coming. For Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day I put together the blooming pictures I’ve taken over the last two days and hopefully you will see something to enjoy!
Monarch Butterfly on Zinnia:We’ve been fortunate to enjoy the visits of the monarch butterflies lately. We must be one stop on their migratory route. This monarch seems quite busy tanking up for the journey!
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii):Everyone who has visited our garden this year has commented on this Butterfly Bush. It does have a nice color to it but unfortunately I don’t know the variety. I bought two of these two years ago for five dollars a piece and no label.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia):Our Russian sage is still producing blooms but has really slowed down. It’s hard to tell since when the flowers fade a purple husk is left behind to form the seeds. As a result there is always color until the absolute end. Even after the leaves and flowers fade Russian sage is pretty cool for winter interest because of the white colored stems that remain.
Yellow Lantana:
Pink Cosmos:
Pink Cosmos with ‘Powis Castle’ Artemisia:The pink cosmos and ‘Powis Castle’ Artemisia are accidental companions. The cosmos self-seeded nearby and a stem with a few flowers dropped close to the artemisia due to the rain. It’s a good accident I think.
Homestead Purple Verbena and Sweet Potato Vine:In the birdbath garden the ‘Homestead Purple’ Verbena and Sweet Potato vine have blended into an interesting combination of foliage and flowers.
Oak Leaf Hydrangea and Hosta:While neither the oak leaf hydrangea or the hostas are flowering I thought I would end this post with how they end their blooms ~ seeds! You can see part of the oak leaf hydrangeas seed head remaining where the dried up bloom remains. Hosta seeds are little black winged seeds that resemble the samaras of maple trees. You can collect hosta seeds and raise new hostas from them but they will not breed true to the mother plant.
That’s it for Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day in October. I wonder what will be left blooming in November?
Thank you for a most lovely 'walk' around your garden Dave, beautiful blooms and great work.
Tyra
It looks fabulous Dave. Through the sheets of rain the largest mature red maple in our neighborhood is turning the most wonderful colors. Will a photo of it get taken for your fall color project with the sun shining? Sigh. Anyway, thanks for that info about the russian sage. I didn't realize it wasn't the flowers that last so long, good to know. Ours doesn't do that well here, but maybe the rain will help it out. Who knows what effect this much rain at this time of year is going to have on the previously drought stressed things. Hope it's not too late to save some of the older trees hurt by the late freeze then drought of a couple years ago.
Frances
It's rainy here in North Florida too. Not like some of you have experienced though. Nice photos with great info Dave!! Hope you see the sun soon.
I missed this post as the rain post came up on my blogroll. I was wondering what you were talking about with the monarch. They are so awesome and sure love those zinnias. Nice capture.
Just lovely, Dave. And all so wildlife friendly. H.
What great photographs! I LOVE the one of the monarch. It's such a clear, vivid photo with great colors. Happy blooms day to ya.
When I was growing up, the Monarchs used to stop by our house on the way south. I remember dozens of them all around. Now, not a one, so I'm jealous that they're visiting your garden instead. This look good, if a bit soggy, in your garden today.
Dave, Beautiful sunny blooms! You must have gotten the photos in between the rain drops! Sigh, I emptied the rain guage…another 2 inches last night and this morning. Maybe we'll have snow this winter if the rains stick around! gail
Great blooms! I really like the soft touch of the pink cosmos with the silver.
Could the buddleia be 'Royal Red'? Does it grow pretty large (over 6')?
There is still one Monarch left here. I told her she was going to get caught up in the cold weather.
Cameron
Loved walking around with you Dave. Such lovely blooms yet.
I think I just purchased the "Homestead Purple" Verbena as mine looks just like your pic. I purchased it to replace a lt lavender one that died. Anyway I put it in the pot with the Purple Fountain Grass & Evolvolus 'Blue Daze". I think it looks good together. I should have put some dark potato vine with it to hang over. After thought.
I do want to take some of the verbena to root after it gets established. Think I could?
Beautiful combinations in your garden, Dave. You've captured them in a fabulous way. The Monarch is especially lovely! I saw one about a week ago and I'm pretty sure it was a very young one, perhaps emerged in our garden. I hope they've all gotten on their way, because they sure can't fly in the temperatures we've been having.
Pink Cosmos with 'Powis Castle' Artemisia:
oh! What a LOVELY combination. I will have to remember this one. I may have to order the pink cosmos, don't recall seeing any in the garden centers.