The Shasta Daisies are all aflutter. Shastas (Chrysanthemum maximum) are dependable performers. Come full summer, they burst open with enthusiasm. I love this semi-double version I received in a border planting mixture. I moved a bit of it from our townhouse in Pontiac to this place. In January. Did I mention I love this flower?
Unfortunately, they are universally loved. Both the japanese beetles and the earwigs move in quickly, often before the flower is fully open. I evicted and stomped three earwigs this evening after taking this image. Nasty bugs!
The last poppy is fading in the stone border. This is a loose planting between my driveway and my neighbor's. Here you see the poppy in the foreground, flanked by an unknown daylily variety (possibly 'happy returns.') Behind are Coreopsis grandifolia (tickseed) and Adenophora (ladybells.) The yellow to the far left is a variety of sedum.
This hot number is Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower.) I have a couple of pairs of Ruby throated hummingbirds that vie for the territory of my two feeders. To lessen the pressure, I've planted several of the flowers that they are known to favor. I love the drama of this plant's dark stems and burgundy tipped foliage.
Did you buy your ladybells or did they just "show up"? I have something very similar to ladybells that just showed up in my garden one year. It's an ineradicable weed called Campanula rapunculoides. It looks almost the same as ladybells, as a matter of fact, I haven't yet figured out how to tell the difference, except that invasive is never mentioned in the same breath as ladybells.
Posted by: Kathy | July 14, 2003 at 07:33 AM
I've claimed Ladybells from a few sources, all trades with other gardeners. The Adenophora will spread a bit, as it will reseed energetically, but a bit of timely attention seems to keep it in bounds.
Many of the Campanula are terrific spreaders, running from the root and traveling deep. I've patch of cherry bells that is rarin' to take over the world. They haven't yet stepped out of bounds, but when they do, I will be in your situation.
Posted by: jenn | July 15, 2003 at 11:51 AM