This is the first time that I have contributed to this meme hosted by Jim Stephens of Garden Ruminations and I have, without doubt, started at the wrong time of the year so it could well be the first and last until next season depending on what I can find. My current garden is literally postage-stamp size compared with my previous one so I think I may struggle.
One of my favourite trouble free hardy geraniums certainly worthy of all its accolades.
I grow several verbascums and let them seed around, the garden is tiny but acts as an oasis for butterflies, bees and other insects and my verbascums, although regarded as “weedy” by some are a great attraction. This is the last remaining flower-spike on the plant.
Two for the price of one, some late flowers on the sage which is actually growing out of a crack between paving stones, and ‘Hot Lips’ one of my favourite ornamental sages, so reliable, grows from ground level every year. Both are bee magnates.
I love the colour of this robust hardy geranium, flowers all season but down to the last few now.
I can’t wait to see how these young plants turn out. I cold sow all my hardy perennials but this year’s appalling weather definitely retarded the development of quite a few of my spring sowings. Talking of which, we had an air frost on Thursday night , one month earlier than last year.
Another two for one, Joe Pye Weed. This big striking American plant is too coarse for many people’s taste, but I love it. I had it in my last garden where it was far less prominent and have two in my present one. The plant dominates half of the front garden at this time of the year, but is covered with butterflies and other insects in my “oasis”. Plenty of Red Admirals and also Peacocks have been almost resident. The geneticists have been at it again and poor old Joe Pye has become Eutrochium maculatum.
I might just mange a six next week with a bit of luck.
A Plantsman's World 
I love the color of the Geranium “Wargrave Pink’ — a color I do not recall seeing in my area garden centers. I’m also a great fan of Joe Pye Weed. I took a digging from my mother’s garden almost a decade ago and it is now flourishing in my garden. It’s a little on the frumpy side right now, but the bees are still clamoring over it. Great post and lovely photos! ~ Cindie
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Thank you Cindie, I have grown Joe Pye for years but it is only now, having two large specimens rather dominating my small garden, that I have come to fully appreciate just how many bees, butterflies and other insects they attract.
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I saw some of these hellebores a few weeks ago and thought the foliage was very pretty. I hope yours grows more so you can enjoy it! What color are you expecting? Pale yellow?
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I suppose I am expecting a very pale green, but if it tends towards yellow that would be even better.
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All your plants look great…I especially enjoyed your Salvia varieties. Though it sounds like the garden is small and the season is winding down, the plants are happy and healthy. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Beth @ PlantPostings.com
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