October Asters and My First Scabiosa

We still see people boating on the lake and we haven't had any snow that stayed on the ground yet. This is a bit later than the last few years. Of course, we've had several hard frosts and all the leaves are off the trees, but that doesn't stop the asters. There is not a bit of yellow or wilted foliage on these plants. The flowers are a bit small on this type, but there are many flowers on the rather large plant.

Aster dumosus "Alert"


I started Scabiosa caucasica "House's hybrids" from seed two years ago, but then transplanted the plants a few times this summer, slowing their progress. I was shocked to see a bloom out there today! I don't know when Scabiosa usually bloom, but I imagine this is late!

Almost Lilies

Pictured: A pleasing combination of the tiny pink flowers of Saponaria ocymoides (Rock Soapwort) and Aster alpinus 'Goliath' both started from seed last year. Both never flowered last year.

Pictured: Primula acaulis started from seed in 2005 and planted out this spring. Grown in part shade next to coral bells.

Here's a random smattering of plant shots from this week. It is the post-tulip, pre-lily period and somewhat lacking in pizazz. On the other hand, the dianthus and hardy purple rose are starting to bloom.

My Delphinium elatum "Summer Skies" will be blooming soon, but they are few in numbers this year as I chopped a few off at the base early in the spring and they haven't developed any significant buds. I had started them indoors and they were quickly growing out of my space, but next year they'll probably grow normally.

Pictured: Armeria pseudarmeria 'Joystick Lilac' (Thrift) started from seed 2 yrs ago. Some people will mistake it for chives, but unlike those unwieldy onions, these don't seed themselves all over creation and will perpetually stay tidy.