Flowers in October

October is a transitional time in the garden. It’s prime time to plant spring bulbs and seeds, which means it’s time to say goodbye to another season of warm weather flowers. I had a late start, but they came stole my heart like they do every year. There are a surprising amount of flowers that love the Texas heat, although I feel this year was not too bad. We got decent rain and there were only a few torturous weeks. My favorite flower I grew are these tiny pink zinnias. They were labeled ‘zinderella, but they look more ‘little flower girl’ from Floret. They complemented every arrangement I made and were SO cute, like tiny pieces of art. So now begins the bed clean out and restarting fresh again. There is lots of work to be done, and I’m excited for cooler weather and all the upcoming holidays.

Gladiolus

I’ve always thought of gladiolus as a dated flower. Something you see in 80s stock photos in huge vases. After seeing some other friends grow them last year, I decided to give them a try. I planted them in mid June and two months later they easily came up and some have already started blooming. So far I love them! I got a mixed color variety to start and plan on keeping the colors I really love. My favorite part is how they bloom from the bottom and slowly make their way up. This one was my first bloom.

Mid July

I can’t believe it but it’s Mid July! It’s been an unusual year so far weather wise, but I’m spending my days in the garden, putting out fires and embracing mother nature as she comes. Here is a handful of plants growing in my garden right now. I’ve been mostly paying attention to my seed dahlias this spring and early summer, but now that they are happy and blooming, I’m focusing on my late summer and Autumn garden. I’m hoping for lots of marigolds, asters, zinnias, and amaranth. That’s if the grasshoppers and cucumber beetles don’t devour everything!

Gomphrena

Gomphrena

Celosia Pampas

Celosia Pampas

Marigold Phyllis

Marigold Phyllis

Always growing seeds for succession planting

Always growing seeds for succession planting

Baby marigolds. Yellow, orange, inca, vanilla cream varieties.

Baby marigolds. Yellow, orange, inca, vanilla cream varieties.

Basil, Amaranth, Hyacinth Bean vine.

Basil, Amaranth, Hyacinth Bean vine.