First Bloom for 2011!!

Leawood Gardener, I checked at indeed I have Salmon Star. Another NOID identified. thanks so much

beauty rose is outstanding

jmorth, what is that huge thing behind Beauty Rose? A sunflower?

Yes, mstella a 10 footer, multi-flowering behemoth. Originally from Burpee about 6 years ago, variety was 'Kong'.

Jack, your yard is beyond gorgeous! Oh, I want mine to look like this. Those sunflowers are amazing. And you dont' have to dig them up, do you? I have to plant new each year so would never get to that height. And they are so sturdy. I have to stake mine or tie them to a fence. Didn't plant any this year. What about weeds, or is the flower growth so lush and full that they don't stand a chance.

Thanks. The weeds I have to deal with are usually self-seeded from various wildflowers and self-seeding annuals (examples include New England Aster, Goldenrod, tall American Bellflower, Downy Skullcap, fall Clematis, coneflowers, sunflowers nicotiana, blackberry lily, morning glories, tomatoes, and Rudbeckia. The worst weed is henbit.)

I would welcome any of those 'weds." It is possible that I have some volunteers from the New England Asters I dug up last year. I planted two kinds, but the New England, while they produce huge plants, had teeny tiny flowers that barely opened (if at all) before freezeup. Not enough return on the ground they used so I pulled them all up. I have Purple Dome and Crimson Brocade (novi-belgii) now and they bloom much earlier and last a long time. Also lots of campanula; understand that it can be considered invasive down there. Not too much luck with the bellflowers. Had a couple but they only lasted two years.

Once the sunflowers start to top out I usually stake as many as possible. Summer storms have potential to lay them flat.

I really like the yello daylilies!!! I want some more of them they really shine!