Friday 15 September 2017

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - An Annual Event

Every year I grow a handful of annuals to plug the gaps in my garden, and in September they strut their stuff as if there is no tomorrow. Which, in the event of an early autumn, is tragically the case. Perhaps I should elevate annuals beyond gap-plugging, but I love using them to lift a dull corner of the garden or to add a new dimension to permanent schemes so that each border is slightly different every year.
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes'
Cosmos is a stalwart of the garden gap. This year I stuck to Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes' with its remarkable unbroken single petal. It might be beautiful but I should have known better than to attempt to grow a plant with baking connotations. Needless to say 'Cupcakes' turned out like many of my culinary efforts: disappointing. For every light fluffy sponge, there were at least three flops failing to develop that gorgeous cupcake shape. 
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes'
I accept that I am no Mary Berry, but for once I am unable to blame my culinary inadequacies. Perhaps other seeds infiltrated the batch, or 'Cupcakes' isn't as stable as we would hope. Either way, I have some very ordinary looking Cosmos among the cakes. It's like getting turnip surprise when you’re looking forward to double chocolate gooey pud with cream and custard. I might be disappointed, but the bees like the flops. Then again, more cupcakes might have made us all happy. 
Persicaria orientalis
A year ago today I posted about my hope that Persicaria orientalis would do the decent thing and seed itself around*. The good news is that it has! The even better news is that it relocates well. I have dug up a number of plants and placed them where I want them and they have all thrived, although they are shorter than their parents, unlike one particular Nicotiana affinis. It has reached dizzying heights by comparison to its bedfellows and would give Nicotiana sylvestris a run for its money. 
Nicotiana reaching for the sky
Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch' has exceeded my expectations. This huge, glorious clump of shining orange blooms towers over the sunflowers that are hanging their heads in deference to its marvellousness. Who can blame them? Even the wind and rain won't stand in the way of tithonia's magnificent display.
Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch'

Zinnia elegans 'State Fair' has been brightening up a dull corner for weeks. Next year I plan to sow more. I had intended to add these beauties to the cutting garden, but got sidetracked on the walk there by some Zinnia-sized gaps in the border. 
Zinnia 'State Fair'

Cosmos was destined for the cutting garden too and fell into a gap in the border en route. Seeds were more successful in getting to the cutting garden. Marigolds and cornflowers are mingling together and look particularly loved-up.
I have cut very few cornflowers because they are so popular with bees, yet all of these annuals have been used at some time in flower arrangements this summer. They have made such a difference in the garden and indoors. I really should sow a greater variety of them in future. Which annuals do you use for plugging border gaps and flower arranging?

*http://thegardeningshoe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/twenty-first-century-gardeners.html

I am linking this post with Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, hosted by Carol at http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/
Why not pop over there and see what is blooming in gardens elsewhere in the world?

102 comments:

  1. I like the idea of flower garden gaps, and cosmos fits that gap in yours. I didn't know there are cupcake-shaped cosmos! I have just received red cosmos through courier this morning from a friend in the south of our country. Wonder of wonders, i don't see any cosmos color here in the north aside from yellow and orange. I will just plant it because i am now planting nectar plants at the front garden, i don't care much if they match with the next one, as long as the butterflies love them. And outside the garden at the nearby orchard i am planting the butterfly host plants. I am now getting some seeds and cutting. I am sidetracking my addiction from hoya to butterflies, hahaha!

    That photo of the bee with that wonderful color blue is stunning!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I am delighted that you are planting for butterflies!

      Delete
    2. AN AMAZING REMEDY FOR HSV1&2. It's so unbelievable how wonderful herbs can be. when I first saw a post that said that a man have a perfect cure for HSV1&2, I was like could this be real or some kind of joke but due to my frustration and needed to be cured I took the risk of contacting the herbal doctor on email and he gave me reasons to believe he is a real herbalist so I followed all his instructions and he sent me the herbs through UPS and gave me prescription which i rightfully followed. Now all my test results shows am HSV1&2 Negative after taking the herbs and i have done test on two several occasion in different hospitals which i needed to be sure before posting this and the results are all Negative and the symptoms of HSV is completely out of my body and my doctor confirm this with me as well. Dr Osato herbs is the solution to HSV1&2 and other viruses. You can contact him on email: osatoherbalcure@gmail.com or WhatsApp +2347051705853 to get the herbs from him. I will continue sharing this on every platform for people to see and also get cured from HSV1&2, HPV and HIV with Dr Osato herbs. Dr Osato website is osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com

      Delete
  2. Beautiful!
    Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree with your plan to sow more zinnias next year. I only had one variety but is an enormous succes. The colors are so beautiful and they flower forever. Nicotiana is also on my todo list. they are the best for gaps.Groetjes,
    Hetty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am falling more deeply in love with Zinnia. The flower buds are amazing!

      Delete
  4. I never got around to using annuals this year except for marigolds and portulaca and tithonia, but I agree with you that they are wonderful for plugging in those bare spots that inevitably occur. Yours are all just beautiful. I'm happy to see that you are using tithonia 'Torch'. It is a wonderful plant!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Torch' is an absolute winner. I will definitely be growing it again next year.

      Delete
  5. Having sown some cornflowers last September. I have had flowers for ages and at times they were just buzzing with bees,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are surprisingly long lasting and massively popular with bees.

      Delete
  6. We do the same thing with annuals. They add a little pop to places. Your corn flowers are a great blue! This year we used a lot of white vinca along the sunny edge of the tropical garden. It's the edge that faces the pool and looks fabulous right now, right at eye level when we swim.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your fillers are quite beautiful this time of year. I enjoy seeing all the furry little bumbles enjoying your flowers too. Happy GBBD.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like your use of annuals to fill in the gaps. The Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch' and Zinnias are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One day the garden might be full with no gaps... thank goodness for containers!

      Delete
  9. I never heard of cupcake cosmos and in the past two days I've heard three times about it. I'm thinking I need to add this to my garden next year. I love how it looks. Just beautiful. And planting gap filling plants is something I definitely need to plan better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a beauty, but I would recommend sowing plenty if this year is anything to go by. There weren't enough with that gorgeous cupcake shape!

      Delete
  10. So glad you are enjoying the Tithonia! It is one of the truly great annuals. Its only defect is it makes a terrible cut flower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's all thanks to your blog that I grow it, Jason!

      Delete
  11. I rely on annuals that reseed themselves every year to fill in the gaps, too. That is too bad that your Cosmos didn't do well. That is one flower I rely on! I use 'Picotee' and a couple older varieties, though, so I'm not sure how 'Cupcake' does. Zinnias, on the other hand, never grow well for me! It is too bad since there are so many pretty ones, like your 'State Fair'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will have to sow more cupcakes next year and pick out the good ones! Shame about Zinnia in your garden - it's always disappointing when a good garden plant doesn't like our situation.

      Delete
  12. I too have Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch' growing but did not photograph it for GBBD. Harvey and Irene knocked them all down, which, of course, does not matter at all to the butterflies. I think they will survive until frost so I will leave them laying down until then. They are great at reseeding.
    Jeannie @ GetMeToTheCountry.Blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't know it would reseed. I'll make sure I keep an eye out for seedlings!

      Delete
  13. I've seen so many Tilthonias on people's blogs this year - always with a bee on them :) I was growing cosmos as a cut flower but the stems were too short - I must make sure I grow the right ones next year. Alstromeiria in contrast is exceptionally good this year and lasts an ultra long time in the vase.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alstroemeria lasts forever! I had a very generous clump of it in my last garden, but forgot to bring a little with me. The ones I bought for my new garden are taking ages to get going and I am wondering if they don't like it here.

      Delete
  14. My garden is young, so I don't have enough of flowering perennials yet to fill my garden all season, so I have to rely on annuals :) I grow cosmoses, zinnias, cornflowers, sunflowers, marigolds, calendulas and every year I try something new. This year I planted statice - and I fell in love with those flowers. I had lavender and white colors. They're absolutely amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't grown statice for ages - it's a wonderful plant! I have added it onto my 2018 seed list. Thank you for reminding me about it!

      Delete
  15. So many interesting annuals can be grown from seed. One of my faves is Ricinus (Castor Bean).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a beautiful plant with astonishing foliage!

      Delete
  16. Hello Sarah, we only have annuals for pot display really, there aren't any out in the garden that I can think of. I have seen gaps and spaces in the borders but I would tend to fill those in with perennials. I'm not organised enough to manage growing annuals from seed each year, the ones that do survive are the ones that self-seed everywhere (namely weeds!).

    ReplyDelete
  17. Cosmos, tagettes patula and pot marigolds. Sweet peas and morning glory.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love cornflowers and cosmos! You remind me to definitely use these next year.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sarah, for a while I tried to cut back on the annuals, getting the impression that real gardeners don't grow them. Well it didn't last long they are just brilliant for filling in those spaces as you say.
    persicaria is my current favourite perennial, they flower forever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As you've discovered... real gardeners will grow anything!

      Delete
  20. Beautiful, I have never seen the Cup cake Cosmos before. So unique.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful annuals! Your Nicotiana is amazing! P. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure what got into that one, but I am enjoying seeing it in the border!

      Delete
  22. My garden gives me Californian poppies. Gazillions of them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are truly blessed! I love Californian poppies.

      Delete
  23. Thank for your very good article! i always enjoy & read the post you are sharing!

    หนังออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  24. Awesome blog, i always enjoy & read the post you are sharing.Thank for your very good article...!

    หนังออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  25. It is so wonderful to have a garden with he freshest things growing right outside your door.It is so wonderful to have a garden with he freshest things growing right outside your door.click here I wish I had the time to have one, but will not be able to this year. Maybe next year. Can’t wait to see how your corn does. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This article is unique and interesting. thanks for your share. I have been meaning to write something like this on my website and you have given me an idea. concrete walking shoes & shoes for back pain

    ReplyDelete
  27. INSTEAD OF GETTING A LOAN,, I GOT SOMETHING NEW
    Get $5,500 USD every day, for six months!

    See how it works
    Do you know you can hack into any ATM machine with a hacked ATM card??
    Make up you mind before applying, straight deal...

    Order for a blank ATM card now and get millions within a week!: contact us
    via email address::{universalblankcards11@gmail.com}

    We have specially programmed ATM cards that can be use to hack ATM
    machines, the ATM cards can be used to withdraw at the ATM or swipe, at
    stores and POS. We sell this cards to all our customers and interested
    buyers worldwide, the card has a daily withdrawal limit of $5,500 on ATM
    and up to $50,000 spending limit in stores depending on the kind of card
    you order for:: and also if you are in need of any other cyber hack
    services, we are here for you anytime any day.

    Here is our price lists for the ATM CARDS:

    Cards that withdraw $5,500 per day costs $200 USD
    Cards that withdraw $10,000 per day costs $850 USD
    Cards that withdraw $35,000 per day costs $2,200 USD
    Cards that withdraw $50,000 per day costs $5,500 USD
    Cards that withdraw $100,000 per day costs $8,500 USD

    make up your mind before applying, straight deal!!!

    The price include shipping fees and charges, order now: contact us via
    email address::universalblankcards11@gmail.com
    or view our site blankatmworldpress.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. So intriguing, I love it. If you don't mind discover increasingly like this.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I really like the color and appearance of Cosmos plant. It must be considered as Best Romantic Flowers as it's fragrance is petty good.

    ReplyDelete




  34. garden landscape design


    Gardening and landscaping - Garden design and landscaping, outdoor garden design and gardening. A range of projects in the field of Landscape design, ...



    https://chenwa.com.sg/products-services/

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for sharing this great tips! Its really very helpful Good job
    For more info Lawn Mowing Swan Hill

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hii
    This is priyanka thakre your page is nice thanks for sharing amazing ideas visit Mom Blog Names

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hey I m Parul Chourasiya
    This is very nice blog.
    Visit our blog too Mom Blog Names

    ReplyDelete
  38. oh god แฮนด์บอล that was amazing article แฮนด์บอล this was the of article of the yearแฮนด์บอล I never seen the article like this แฮนด์บอล I love to see the best article of the year like this I hope to contract with writter for bussiness

    ReplyDelete
  39. แฮนด์บอล I think it gonna be the best topic in this weekแฮนด์บอล I wonder how to made this article correctly แฮนด์บอล without mistake I need to contract with writer

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi
    I visited your blog you have shared amazing information, i really like the information provided by you, You have done a great work. I hope you will share some more information regarding Large Terracotta Planters. I appreciate your work.
    Thanks
    Have a Great Day

    ReplyDelete
  41. Nice Blog! Thanks for posting this blog, your information is knowledgeable
    Satori landscape provides landscape design services in Singapore.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Our staff makes sure you get best to perfect vape packaging and our experienced designers will let you have the perfect designs. You will be provided with a 3D image to grant your design and once you are fully contented

    ReplyDelete
  43. It didn't used to, the Specs are Nvidia 5500gt, 1gb RAM, so on, I know it's not the latest computer out there, it's mostly for playing very old games or surfing the internet. The computer automatically restarts at the beginning of a streaming video, it doesn't even try to run it. I ran the computer in safe mode with networking at was able to stream video but there was no sound. It used to be able to stream video..

    ReplyDelete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. It's Really good blog i Like the way how you explain it. I am grateful to read it. Thanks for sharing.custom vape cartridge packaging

    ReplyDelete
  46. NetSol Technologies provides software solutions for motolease, moto lease, asset finance software, auto finance software, auto leasing software, leasing software, software leasing company, top financial software companies, wfs wholesale, asset finance, omni pos, floorplan finance, car leasing software, NXT contract origination, and activation.

    ReplyDelete
  47. wooden hot tubs for sale

    WAJA sauna is specialist manufacturer of top quality sauna products. Products include sauna rooms, steam rooms, barrel saunas, wooden hot tubs, and all kinds of sauna accessories.

    ReplyDelete
  48. aroma motor pump price

    WAJA sauna is specialist manufacturer of top quality sauna products. Products include sauna rooms, steam rooms, barrel saunas, wooden hot tubs, and all kinds of sauna accessories.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Cand DESIGN STUDIO's approach is grounded in the search for contextually appropriate solutions. Special emphasis is given to the response to climate
    <a href="https://candcdesignstudio.com/landscape-design-company-in-dubai/>landscape design consultants in Dubai</a>

    ReplyDelete
  50. We Have an Exceptional Selection of Floral Gifts for Every Occasion. Send beautiful flower arrangements designed by us. For further information please click links... Online flower delivery singapore and Order flowers same day delivery

    ReplyDelete
  51. This is very good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such precious information. thanks Harb Garden

    ReplyDelete
  52. Some really great info, Gladiola I detected this. I’m not spaming. I’m just saying your website is AWSOME! Thank you so much! Please vist also my website.

    this link

    ReplyDelete
  53. AN AMAZING REMEDY FOR HSV1&2. It's so unbelievable how wonderful herbs can be. when I first saw a post that said that a man have a perfect cure for HSV1&2, I was like could this be real or some kind of joke but due to my frustration and needed to be cured I took the risk of contacting the herbal doctor on email and he gave me reasons to believe he is a real herbalist so I followed all his instructions and he sent me the herbs through UPS and gave me prescription which i rightfully followed. Now all my test results shows am HSV1&2 Negative after taking the herbs and i have done test on two several occasion in different hospitals which i needed to be sure before posting this and the results are all Negative and the symptoms of HSV is completely out of my body and my doctor confirm this with me as well. Dr Osato herbs is the solution to HSV1&2 and other viruses. You can contact him on email: osatoherbalcure@gmail.com or WhatsApp +2347051705853 to get the herbs from him. I will continue sharing this on every platform for people to see and also get cured from HSV1&2, HPV and HIV with Dr Osato herbs. Dr Osato website is osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Online shopping for Lawn Mower Parts & Accessories from a great selection at Garden Machine Parts, Lawn & Garden Store.

    Shop Garden Machine Parts Online

    Buy Lawn Mower Parts online

    Shop Lawn Mower Parts online

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hey, nice blog, I found many things that are very informative, I also found related to Garden Hand Tools. You can visit for information

    ReplyDelete
  56. You’ve got some interesting points in this article. I would have never considered any of these if I didn’t come across this. Thanks!. تصميم حدائق فلل بالرياض

    ReplyDelete
  57. Appreciating the hard work you put into your site and detailed information you offer. Heavy Duty Tarpaulin

    ReplyDelete
  58. landscape design

    Chen wa Landscape is a full-service, integrated Landscape Contractor. We home landscape design, install and maintain innovative, sustainable green spaces to bring serenity and comfort to your open spaces. Talk to us - 6565 8622 / 6316 3507

    to get more - https://chenwa.com.sg/

    ReplyDelete
  59. I had gone through your blog. Your Blog is very informative. Keep Sharing such information

    ReplyDelete
  60. Nice Blog.Keep sharing. Thanks for sharing.

    Best Astrologer in Malleshwaram Visit here to know your Future



    ReplyDelete
  61. With a fully adjustable tactical stock and forearm, best crossbow 2021 the Sniper can be set up to fit a shooter of just about any stature. The 185 lb. draw couples with a 13.5” power stroke to deliver some blistering speeds up to 370 fps.best crossbow under $500

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thank you for sharing a great article. Perfect Vape Packaging is critical in providing the correct service to the right customers.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Visit

    It's really nice blog good writing.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Awesome blog, i always enjoy & read the post you are sharing.Thank for your very good article...!

    SRI ANNAPOORNESHAWARI ASTROLOGY CENTER.Best Astrologer In san-francisco

    ReplyDelete
  65. This is a good article. Thanks for sharing

    SRIKRISHANA ASTROLOGY. Black Magic in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  66. CustomBoxesU is a USA based manufacture hub for the production of all sorts of Custom Boxes with Logo printed in modish style. Your products will no longer have to be wrapped in standard boring boxes. We have the volume to CBD Pre Roll Packaging in all sizes and styles according to clients' requirement and product specifications.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Choose a custom print design that custom pizza boxes reflects the quality and performance of your business. It lets your customers know what to expect when they open the box–a hot, fresh pie just out of the oven!

    ReplyDelete
  68. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  69. interesting post. Get the best packaging boxes for your products and brands like food packaging, cosmetic packaging, gift packaging, and other boxes with the best packaging material.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Garden Landscaping Salt Lake City

    Bytendorp Enterprises Landscaping strives to provide our valued clients in Salt Lake City with home and garden landscaping ideas to aid them in developing beautiful garden design landscaping.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thanks for sharing, nice post! Post really provice useful information!
    For sofa renovation contact thesofastore they gives best
    Best Sofa Repair Services in HSR Layout,Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  72. "Are you Searching for Leolist Yorkton? We have the best alternative of Leolist Yorkton here on https://yorkton.xgirl.ca/
    Visit yorkton.xgirl.ca today and find the best results related to Leolist Yorkton."Visit

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thank you for sharing this nice article.
    For web design & development service contact Multisoft digital technologies, They have
    Digital Marketing in Whitefield

    ReplyDelete
  74. Good article,Keep posting like this article,it helpful to us,thank you
    For web design & development service contact Multisoft digital technologies, They have
    Web Design Company in Udupi

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.