I’ve been missing for a few weeks as, to be frank, I had very little to show without constant repetition. The main show now is the Eutrochium maculatum Atropurpureum Group which, despite my earlier fears, when there were hardly any butterflies to be seen, has done its job. This year the buddleias were covered in Peacock Butterflies and then there was a gap even though Joe Pye was in flower. Now there are plenty of mainly Red Admirals to be seen, when the sun comes out. I am assuming it is to do with the hot dry summer, but I have not seen so many different species of bees as I have this year either. Another new visitor attracted to an old honeysuckle is the Hummingbird Hawk Moth. It is easy to spot as it jinks about, but much harder to photograph!
Eutrochium maculatum Atropurpureum Group or Eupatorium maculatum ‘Atropurpureum’ or Eupatorium maculatum Atropurpureum Group or Eupatorium purpureum ‘Atropurpureum’ or Eupatorium fistulosum ‘Atropurpureum’ or Eupatorium purpureum var. atropurpureum according to the RHS, or just plain old Joe Pye Weed, between two Phyllostachys aureas.
Flutterbies. People ask “why do you have such a large plant in so small a garden?” What you see is why. I even have another one in the even smaller front garden. I’m happy to think my garden has become a butterfly oasis in the wilderness surrounding me.
I can never make my mind up about Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’. I just think the leaf colour could be brighter. I don’t think its sprawling habit is for everyone, but it does have an AGM.
This plant of Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ suffered very badly from the drought, all the flower spikes, bar this one, drooped never to recover. you can see the brown crinkled leaves to the right of the photo. Also known as Cimicifuga ramosa ‘Brunette’. I look at Actaea rubra and wonder how they can be related.
What’s left of my begonias. The other, more exposed, baskets were finally decimated by the torrential rain and wind that we had last Saturday. This one is in a very dark spot, lacking nutrients, and is definitely running out of steam. I grow these every year from plugs as I get little in the way of sun on this side of the house. Begonia Illumination ‘Apricot Shades’.
Sedum spectabilis ‘Autumn Joy’ or Hylotelephium telephium ‘Autumn Joy’. From Sedum to Hylotelephium please make it stop!
This meme is hosted by Jim Stevens who is to be found with all the details and links to plenty of other blogs to enjoy at Garden Ruminations.
A Plantsman's World 
Actaea is truly an amazing flower, especially with the pretty red foliage you have. Otherwise, the Eupatorium bloom is really pretty right now.
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I was so disappointed to lose all the other flower spikes. I had a beautiful large specimen in my last garden and was looking forward to more of the same.
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Between one thing and another I’ve missed a few weeks here and there as well, so don’t feel bad about it. At this time of the year we all have to resort to repetition, sometimes just a different angle on the subject can produce something interesting.
The Joe Pye Weed (easier to type!) is gorgeous and I love the photo you’ve produced with the grey wall behind and the yellow-green of the two Phyllostachys aureas on either side. Top marks for your Flutterby bushes!
Beautiful colours in the begonias, and you’ve given me an idea too. I have a deep canopy/ open porch across the front of my house and I think begonias in a hanging basket might be perfect for there. The front gets full sun, but under the canopy is shaded. I must investigate. Enjoy your weekend!
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Thank you. In my experience begonias and impatiens are the only two “bedding” plants that can tolerate deep shade. I have tried fuchsias, which are possibles, but without success. Since the impatiens were devastated by downy mildew I haven’t tried any of the resistant strains, although I may do next year.
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I had sunpatiens compact in containers a couple of years ago and they performed well for months in my shady courtyard (doesn’t get any sun on the steps) so do try them.
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Thank you, for the tip.
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It certainly looks like your garden is a butterfly oasis. Joe Pye Weed looks a show. Great to see some Small Tortoiseshell flutterbies – I’ve not seen many this summer – although as you mention, lots of Red Admirals of late.
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I have been lucky to have had so many different species visit this year.
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Your Joe Pye weed is much nicer than my wild flower (Eupatorium cannabinum) though it does usually attract butterflies especially Red Admirals, but not so many this year. I was delighted to spot a Hummingbird Hawk Moth in the garden the other evening whizzing around the verbena. But no camera to hand. As you say, hard to capture anyway.
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I find the Hummingbird Hawk Moth fascinating. Anyone seeing me trying to get a picture of it would probably doubt my sanity.
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The Actaea in my garden has suffered really badly with the drought this summer. It’s still alive but the flowers all shrivelled. Next year….
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It was affected so quickly, one day it was fine, the next day shrivelled. As you say, there’s always next year.
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