My garden this morning (06.10.10)

Hi Anchorman,
I am of a similar mind. I am going to add more Lilies,Helenium, Achillea, Echinacea and white Anemones for next year. I have already taken out large clumps of Geraniums as they really do spread so quickly. I will add your idea for Penstemmons.

I have Achillea amnd both white and pink anenomes in other parts of the garden but I like your ideas for Echinacea and hellenium. Do you grow them from seed or buy them in?

Cosmos has served me very well this year, especially as there were lots of bare patches waiting to be re-planted after we pulled everything out last autumn. Have just removed two patches still in flower to make way for a Shrub Rose and a Hardy Gardenia. I also put in some plug plants of penstemon this year and they have grown from quite small plugs to full size plants over the Summer. I love the dark grape coloured ones and I am planning to mingle them with some cerise pink Achillea as the flowers suit each other perfectly. Need patience then to wait and see if I was right!

PS, forgot to tell you what a lovely border that is, got carried away there Anchorman!!

Yes I've bought a packet of Cosmos seed for the past 3 years and sown them in a seed tray but just don't seem to have found time to plant many of them up. I have made a mental note to do so next year because the few I have planted have been superb performers.

I have been wondering round our local country park gardens with tissues quietly taking seeds of the plants I like. If all else fails I will buy some plants!!!
I have bought quite a few lilies and a lovely white Echinacea, but it is the pink I would like. I have taken seeds from two different sources. One flower head from a dying flower has to be Ok.

Thief!

;0)

I snaffled a cutting or two on my visit to a local park recentl;y

I am now awaiting a call from Special Branch!

Ner Ner Ner Ner seed cops here, that is the way to do it, not illegal to take seeds even from wild flowers or so I believe, (no doubts someone will put me right if I am wrong) that is what I call using your initiative guys. Hope they all grow for you good luck with it.

Mmmm, must have a little trip round our local gardens, just to see how they grow obviously!

My husband said to tell you he is look out but if I am caught he will disown me.
Our local park leaves the bulbs they don't want after flowering in bags for the public to take, so they won't mind me having one seed head.

thats a very kind and sensible idea Linda, they should all do that.
Good idea to drag the hubby along though, have taken note.

Hi Anchorman, I have just bought a Helenium in Morrisons for £1.00. Good start for next year.

That's cheap! How big a pot is it in?

It is small (4 inch pot) but I will not put it out until the spring. I have a small Helenium autumnale already, but I will try and add a third over the weekend to give me a reasonable group.

Still good value. If I get the chance I'll call into Morrisons tomorrow and see if they have any.

Morrisons didn't have any Heleniums but they did have white Anemones at £1.79. A really healthy little plant with two flower buds. I'll try for more into the shopping basket on Monday!!!

If you want Heleniums I have a Bruno and a Moorheim beauty very similar one flowers slightly later than the other..actually quite a few Brunos..pm me I can send some.
Your garden is very tranquil Anchorman..lovely feeling of peace and quiet..