Fertilizer Fridays/Flaunt Your Flowers

Cleome

Phlox

Liatris-common names include gayfeather and blazing star.

Celosia or Cockscomb

Moluccella laevis - Common names are Bells of Ireland, Shellflower, or Molucca balm. 

Despite its common name “bells-of-Ireland,” the plant isn’t a native of Ireland. Rather, the name refers to the green color of the “bells,” or calyces. It hails from the Eastern Mediterranean region to Northwest India, Asia Minor and the Moluccas (Spice Islands), from which the genus name is derived. The species name “laevis” means “smooth,” possibly in reference to the true flowers.

I am planning on drying these and have been reading up on this.  From what I read, the foliage on bells-of-Ireland is prickly and can be irritating to the skin. Remove the leaves to avoid allergic reactions or rashes. Air-dry them by hanging them upside down and place them in a cool, dark, airy location. A wire can be inserted into the hollow stem to create the shape you want them to dry in.

I would love to hear if anyone has tryed this and if they have any advice on how to do this.

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

Father Hennepin State Park

This white doe has two fawns, one white and one brown.  It was really hard to photograph them, because as soon as we would spot one they were gone.  It was so much fun to watch them.  What beautiful animals!

We did get some rain on our trip, but the rainbow made up for it.

We did a lot of bike riding and walking and the trails there were wonderful.

The sky was filled with so many colors.  Sometimes we don't take the moment to enjoy them.  To see my photos of the park in the Fall click here.

You can check out Father Hennepin State Park's website here.

Lisianthus and Dahlias

Lisianthus is my second favorite annuals. I have a few different kinds this year.

Here are a couple dahlias that are new for me this year.  I am very happy with them so far.

Today is Bloomin' Tuesday! Please check out the others, thanks to Jean at MsGreen "thumb".

Mosaic Monday

Today is Mosaic Monday. Please check out the others here. Thanks to Mary at LittleRedHouse!

Fertilizer Fridays/Flaunt Your Flowers

This is what is blooming in my garden today. Celosia or Cockscomb are the first 3 photos.  I have several kinds this year.  I haven't started drying them yet, but I hope to this weekend.

White Coneflower.

I have several different kinds of pink and purple coneflower and I love them all.

Strawflowers.  Have I mentioned how I LOVE strawflowers.  I just can't get enough.  I actually took over 20 photos of them last night.  I do LOVE them!

Prairie Smoke bloomed again and now is going to seed for the second time.

Zinnias are just starting to bloom.

Liatris is unusual because the flowers bloom from the top down rather than the bottom up, as is common with most upright spiked flowers. This makes them a great cut flower, because as the old flowers at the top begin to look spent, they can just be snipped off and the stalk will continue putting out fresh blooms farther down the stem. They also make nice dried flowers.  I have both the white and purple blooming.

The cleome is just starting to bloom

Another tall phlox

Rose Mallow

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

Phlox - David

Phlox David was the first tall phlox I purchased. It is still one of my favorites. It has a wonderful fragrance, bright color, mildew resistance, and long season bloom.


The Perennial Plant Association has awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year 2002 to "Phlox David'.

Today I am joining Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, hosted by Carol of May Dreams Gardens, which is the 15th of each month. Please check out the others here.

Beauty in the Grass

I saw this beauty in the grass on the way home last night.  I had to turn around and see it again.  It stayed there for quite a while so I could get two photos of it. 

Today is outdoor Wednesday. Please check out the others here, thanks to Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.