Cleanup day becomes week!

My garden helper for most of the week was my grumpy cocker spaniel Bentley (pic) who was often not content to be at the bench by himself. Fortunately he doesn't mind lounging on burlap, so I set him up by me while I deadheaded and generally cleaned out the front left bed.

Echinacea purpurea

There is lots to do around the garden any time of the year, but at the end of Summer as it starts to transition to Fall, well, things can start to look a little ratty. The shaggy Agapanthus starts to loose its color, Alstroemerias flop, and corn marigolds turn crisp...this list goes on and on! While many plants are finishing their summer show right now many others are gearing up - be sure to check out some of the Agastaches, Salvias and Aster that are all Fall bloomers.

One picture shows our grouping of three Echinacea in the brights bed on the way to the dog area, they should flower throughout the Fall.

The Linaria purpurea (pic) by the bench is even giving a second go of it, and with a little cutting back, may continue to flower. That plant has been an unexpected winner for us at the garden - I highly recommend it for a partial shade spot in your backyard.

Linaria purpurea