In the front garden: Gaillardia.
This gaillardia is a self sown offspring of my 'Oranges and Lemons' gaillardia.
The flowers appear red and yellow and continue blooming even without dead heading although definitely at a reduced rate.
The Self Sowing Garden:
White Snakeroot - a true wildflower that happens to thrive all around us. It's billowy white flowers blend nicely with others. I'll be pulling these plants soon after the blooms have faded to prevent them form taking over the garden. In this photo it mixes well with the celosia - which is also quickly taking over!
Another photo from the self sowing garden reveals some salvia, zinnia, and cosmos that decided it wasn't going to bloom this year. While these aren't necessarily native they sure perform like the natives - almost no care required.
In the Wild Garden (my term for the untamed areas around the yard)
Solidago or Goldenrod (no sneezing required). The truth behind the old myth that goldenrod causes hay fever is much more known today than it was a few years ago. Goldenrod is insect pollinated which means unless an insect climbs into your nostrils and delivers the pollen directly to your sinuses you aren't likely to sneeze because of goldenrod. Although the insect itself might cause more of the nasal irritation than the pollen. ;)
Perennial mist flower can be found just outside the vegetable garden. It popped up last year and I liked it so I left it!
Salvia coccinea is blooming in several places. This one is pink in color but red has also appeared from the same packet of seed. I made sure to collect some of the red earlier in the summer. I'll collect some of the pink soon as well.
The Garden Shed Garden:
Outside of my garden shed (that is still waiting for painting) is a large Salvia farinacea. A very cool blue salvia that I grew from seed then propagated from a cutting and planted here. I'll take some cuttings soon to ensure it ends up again in my 2011 garden.
If we stand back just a little you will see much more of the snakeroot. It's an attractive plant this time of year but really doesn't do much the rest of the growing season. Like most white flowers it seems to work better with other colorful plantings nearby. Although there is something to be said for an all white display!
Go visit Gail for more Wildflower Wednesday!