October 15, 2011

GBBD: rekindled love

I’m looking the other way. I could show you the bare branches, the leaf piles, and the shriveling plants. But it’s Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day! So I’m focusing on the bright flowers still blooming in my garden. Although it was a windy day, which made the photography a bit more challenging, the light was right to capture the season’s last outdoor blooms.


We haven’t had a hard freeze yet, so we’re in that delicate transition time when colorful annuals bloom next to autumn Pumpkin and Cornstalk decorations.



Zinnias on the sunny west side of the house keep producing their bright, knock-out flower heads.


Sedum is has ripened to a deep wine, but it’s still just as lovely as it was in pale pink.


Bleeding heart hangs on to its last blooms, even as its leaves wither and drop.


But the flower I’m truly celebrating is Cosmos—as reliable as it has been all summer. I haven’t planted Cosmos for a few years. I don’t know why, because I’ve fallen in love with it all over again.


What’s more enchanting than a small vase of cascading Cosmos? This bouquet has lasted for more than a week, and it's brighter than the day I picked it. I’m pretty sure I’ll be planting Cosmos again next season.

(Thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens for hosting Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!)

22 comments:

  1. Lovely photos especially the softness of your pastel cosmos flowers. I love how you described your sedum - I think mine must look like claret just now though I didn't include it in GBBD this month as it seems to feature all through the summer with me. Nice to blog hop and find new blogs to visit again in the future.

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  2. Looks like you still have lots of colourful flowers! I love cosmos, they're so reliable.

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  3. My cosmos have been amazing this year too, and like you I will definitely be growing it again next year. Lovely zinnias.

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  4. It is getting harder to find the flowers this October than last year. We have had the winds, rains and cool weather making the way for snow. When the flowers are more illusive, it is easier to appreciate them a bit more, knowing their time is short. I love the cosmos and they always aim to please, even late in the year.

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  5. Your cosmos are beautiful! I've been seeing cosmos all over the blogosphere - and can you believe I've never had them in my garden?! I must remedy that. They look adorable!

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  6. If it weren't for my cosmos, I would have fewer flowers to view. I am amazed at how they have survived 2 frosts, cool, wet, windy weather. Your flowers are beautiful!!

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  7. Your October blooms are lovely! I especially like the bleeding heart...so poignant! Happy GBBD!

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  8. Wish I had planted some cosmos this year. yours are great..

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  9. Altough fall has already come, your garden is still enchanting.
    Have a nice week, Beth.

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  10. @Rosie: Thanks! I'm heading over to your blog now! I agree, it's fun to find new bloggers to follow!

    @Lyn: Yes, I've always liked Cosmos, but I can't figure out why I didn't plant them for a couple of years. It's a mystery. Maybe this blog will help me keep track of these mistakes. ;-)

    @Janet: Both Cosmos and Zinnias are no-brainers for me now. They're both such great cut flowers, too.

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  11. @Donna: I think we had more freezes/frosts by this time last year, so the blooms are lasting longer here. Still in denial about the next season. ;-)

    @Holley: Oh yes, you really must try them! They would look splendid next to your amazing Roses!

    @Donna: Yes, I agree, they really extend the growing season. And they seem to thrive in the cool weather, although they looked great in the high heat of the summer, too!

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  12. @Sage: Thanks! The Bleeding Heart plant doesn't look so great, but the flowers are just as incredible as always. It will be sad when they finally succumb to a hard freeze.

    @Greggo: There's always next year! I guess we all need something to look forward to--especially during the long winter months.

    @Dona: Thank you! You would think it looks ratty if I showed you all the Oak leaves that need to be raked. But that will have to wait for another post. :)

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  13. sounds like we all love your cosmos! i've never had much luck with it for some reason, but it is very pretty.

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  14. I'm looking "the other way", too, but with so many colorful blooms untouched by the frost it's hard to think the garden season is almost over. I totally agree on the cosmos--they're such great bloomers!

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  15. You are so right about cosmos and where were they in my garden this year? Next year they will be there for sure. Lovely bloom day. Enjoy.

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  16. Lovely cosmos bouquet! My cosmos just sat there all summer (hot, very hot, and dry), but finally bloomed when our weather cooled off a bit. And I like zinnias; can't think why I didn't plant any!
    Thanks for the photos.
    Lea

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  17. @Daricia: I don't think I appreciated it as much in past years as I did this year. Not sure why. It's simple but lovely.

    @Rose: The frost/freeze is on its way this week. Time for spooky shriveled-up plants and Halloween!

    @Layanee: I can't even remember what possessed me to ignore Cosmos for a few years, or why I grabbed them for planting this year. Must remember to plant them next year!

    @Lea: Yeah, the Cosmos seem to like the cooler weather. But they were reliable all summer. :)

    @Scott: Thanks! One of those plants that I must appreciate more. So reliable!

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  18. Yes, this was a good year for cosmos. Some years, mine have gotten tall and lanky, and didn't bloom until almost time for frost.

    We've had a couple nights below 30, and many plants are finished. I just checked my cosmos plants, and some of the blooms are shriveled, while others are trying to stay happy looking.

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  19. I just love your cosmos. I don't know why I haven't got them in my garden. That will be my next thing to buy! Thanks for your post.

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  20. @Sue: We had a freeze the other night. But some annuals are still hanging on--I can't believe it!

    @Barbie: Yes, I highly recommend them. They might start to look leggy, but if you cut them and put them in a mason jar or a vase, you'll be pleased!

    @Christine: Thank you! They are beauties!

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