Lisianthus

Lisianthus is one of my favorite flowers to use in arrangements.  I just love their longevity in the arrangements!

Botanical Name: Eustoma (yoo-stoh-ma)

The Common names of Lisianthus are Prairie Gentian, Texas bluebell, Tulip gentian, Bluebells and Lira de San Pedro.

The name Lisianthus comes from the Greek words lysis, meaning dissolution and anthos, meaning flower.

Lisianthus also symbolize appreciation.

They are kind of fussy to grow and I do lose a few each year, but I really love them!

Today is Fertilizer Fridays/Flaunt your Flower. Thanks to Tootsie Time. You can check out the others here.

Zinnias

ZINNIAs are extremely easy to grow. They stand stiffly erect on hairy stems which are from three inches to three feet high, depending upon the variety grown.  I think this adds a lot of dimension to the plant.

Zinnias are thought to represent friendship and thoughtfulness. However, different hues represent different feelings.

ZINNIA (MAGENTA) -	Lasting Affection
ZINNIA (MIXED) -	Thinking (or In Memory) of an Absent Friend
ZINNIA (SCARLET) -	Constancy
ZINNIA (WHITE) -	Goodness
ZINNIA (YELLOW) -	Daily Remembrance

The ones in these photos are about 8-10 inches tall and are orange, my favorite color!

Lavender Poppies

I have always had the pink double poppies reseed, but never this pretty double lavender ones.  It was a treat to see them come back!

Strawflowers

I just love the color strawflowers add to the garden!  Maybe one of my favorite annuals.

Cosmos

Cosmos flowers come in magenta, pink, purple, white, yellow, gold, orange, red, scarlet, and maroon. This year I planted "Sulphureus". These are the ones in the photo. I also planted "Bipinnatus", which are magenta, pink and rose colored.

Spanish priests grew cosmos in their mission gardens in Mexico. The evenly placed petals led them to christen the flower "Cosmos'. The name cosmos is from the Greek kosmos, meaning good order or harmony. The Greeks were impressed with the flower's symmetrical petals.

Today I am participation in my first Flaunt your Flowers Fridays. Check the others.

Falling in love with something old.

I never was a big fan of marigolds. I think it was because when I was a kid, they looked like dandelions. This is one plant I have changed my mind about.

Marigolds are easy to grow, withstand heat and tolerate dry conditions. You can cut them and have them look great in a vase for over a week.

The only thing I don't like about them is they smell. When using marigolds as cut flowers, remove the lower leaves it takes away some of the pungent sent.