Welcome to Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day for September 2016.
Here in my USDA Hardiness Zone 6a garden in central Indiana, the garden is on the verge of something big, a grand finale when the asters and goldenrod will burst into bloom and pollinators from miles around will flock to the flowers for their last bits of nectar and pollen before the final curtain falls and…
Well, we won’t mention what comes after that. We’ll focus on what’s blooming right now.
First up, the diminutive boltonia, Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank’ is blooming in August Dreams Garden border.
Behind it, or in front of it, depending on where you are standing, the rare goldenrod, Solidago shortii ‘Solar Cascade’ is just starting to bloom.
The pollinators will figure out quickly that these little flowers are open and they’ll be all over them grabbing that heavy, sticky pollen which isn’t causing anyone to have hay fever, I promise.
Down the way, under the copse of serviceberries, Colchicum blooms have appeared to add a little bright spot in an otherwise dull area.
Nearby, false sunflowers, Heliopsis helianthoides, are still blooming.
I swore I was going to pull them up as they came up last spring because they’ll self sow themselves everywhere, but then they kept blooming, and I got busy so there they bloom, still, undaunted by the grape vines that threaten to smother them out.
Just on the other side of the grape arbor is the vegetable garden. There are not too many vegetables left to pick but there are still plenty of zinnias blooming.
This has been the best year ever for zinnias. I don’t know what will stop them, other than a good hard freeze.
What else is blooming? A few roses, some hostas, marigolds, purple hyacinth bean, liriope, hardy begonias, tall sedum, mums, and toadlilies, to name a few blooms. There are probably more flowers to name, but most are them are leftovers of past months, reminders of the summer that is nearly past.
A lot of people think the end of summer is the end of flowers. We know it isn’t the end, and we can hardly wait for the big finale this fall when the asters bloom in all shades of lavender and purple.
The first blooms are just starting to peak out to see if it is time.
It is.
What’s blooming in your garden on this lovely September day? We’d love to have you join in for Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day and show us.
It’s easy to participate. Just post about what’s blooming in your garden on your blog, then come back here and leave a comment to tell us what we have to look forward to seeing, and a link in Mr. Linky to make it easy for us to get there.
And always remember…
“We can have flowers nearly every month of the year.” ~ Elizabeth Lawrence.
Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening says
All your September blooms are wonderful Carol. I especially love the Colchicum and Zinnias with their beautiful bold colors. You're right…blooms don't have to end when summer does…and your gardens prove it!
Beth @ PlantPostings says
Oh yes, the pollinators go crazy for the Goldenrod, don't they? They're also loving the Blue Mistflower here. Thanks for hosting, Carol!
Unknown says
Lovely images of autumn flowers from your garden, Carol. Every year, I get cross with myself for having failed to plant Colchicum. Next year will be different! Thank you for hosting. Wishing you a wonderful weekend…. nearly there!
VP says
We're enjoying a spectacular start to Autumn here in the UK, Carol. It's been wonderful to be out in the garden for Blooms Day 🙂
Lisa at Greenbow says
It does seem that summer is winding down. I love the soledago time. When the days are shorter, blooms seem more vivid and there is bustling activity of insects getting their winter quarters prepared.
rusty duck says
Mixed feelings about September here too. But then I look out of the window and see all the bees, butterflies and blooms. It can't be bad can it. Thanks for hosting Carol.
Pauline says
September is a wonderful time of year, still plenty to look forward to. I forgot to look for my Colchicums, must go and see if they are flowering here yet. Thanks for hosting once more.
Alana says
I, too, have mixed feelings about fall, even as my asters start to bloom. You reminded me about Colchicum, which I keep wanting to grow, and never get around to.
Denise says
I hurt my hip digging up some of those heliopsis and moving them to a new location. From now on I will just rip them out, lol. Thanks for hosting.
Unknown says
Love the September flowers – I think this is the best time in our gardens!
Covegirl says
Love your flowers! i have my hydrangea blooming, lavender, butterfly bush and clematis. The goldenrod is about to bloom, also. Thanks for hosting.
Tina says
You have lots of lovely blooms after your rain. The Colchicum flowers stand out for me, as well as your gorgeous goldenrod! Thanks for hosting GBBD!
Commonweeder says
September is definitely not the end of flowers. I'm happy to be in a slightly warmer climate. Roses in September!
outlawgardener says
Gardens are certainly on the verge of the carnival of autumn blooms and foliage. Most of my blooms are carry-overs from previous months but there are a few new ones for September. Your colchicum are a lovely vibrant reminder of the lavender of asters to come. Happy GBBD and thanks, once again, for hosting the floral fiesta!
Nic says
I love the colchicums! I wish I could get lots of them established here without breaking the bank…
danger garden says
Love that Zinnia shot, with the two very different flower forms.
Anonymous says
Thanks for hosting – everyone seems to be singing the praises of zinnias this year!
Kris Peterson says
I've yet to discover an aster that'll grow well in my SoCal garden so I hope you'll share photos of yours when they burst into bloom. Thanks for hosting, Carol!
Rose says
This really has been a great year for zinnias. Although I'm looking forward to fall, I don't want to see this summer of zinnias end!
Evan Bean says
I love fall. The late flowers, the foliage colors, and most definitely the cool, crisp air. Most of my blooms this month are repeats, but hopefully with from new angles as I'm combining my GBBD post with Foliage Follow-up this month. I've also got a few fall specialties blooming.
Linnae says
Happy Bloom Day! Those zinnias are so bright and cheerful, aren't they? We've definitely got fall weather here now, so I'm happy for whatever splash of color I can get! (Though soon we'll have pretty-colored leaves to look at, too.)
Susie på Stjärnarve... says
In spite we have been forbidden to hose our garden since April 1st, we still have a lot of nice things flowering here on our large garden at the island Gotland in the middle of the Baltic Sea in Sweden. And the weather are still very nice with lots of sun and around 22-24 degrees C (I think its around 75 F )so we can dine & wine outside. Nice!!!
Susie
Anna K says
Those Zinnias are fantastic – look almost like Dahlias! And, every time I see Colchicums, I'm convinced I need some. They are so lovely!
Stefanie says
Happy GBBD and thank you for hosting, Carol! Seeing your photo of the Colchicum has me even more excited to plant the bulbs I was gifted this season. Those zinnias are beautiful. Nice photo of the two, different blooms.
http://whatsitgarden.blogspot.com says
I check every morning for my first Boltonia bloom …I think tomorrow will be the day !
Kathy says
Goldenrod and asters are both in peak bloom here out in our field. Sometimes the goldenrod starts in August for us. I am glad you have some colchicums blooming. You are right: September is most certainly not the end of bloom season.
John says
Carol,
I've been checking regularly for Colchicum and have yet to see anything peaking through. I'm jealous of that vibrant color. Still waiting for serious rainfall.
Pat says
You reminded me of how much I've missed over the years, mostly with your zinnias. September is a wonderful time of the year.
Layanee says
I love the cooler temperatures of September and so does Gibbs. Enjoy this day!
Amy@SmallSunnyGarden says
Love those colchicums <3 There certainly are flowers for all seasons, or nearly! Here, I am watching the garden wake up for the most beautiful times of year: https://smallsunnygarden.blogspot.com/2016/09/in-bloom-in-september.html
Anonymous says
Carol, This seems to be the point in the season when my colder climate garden, after being behind yours all summer, suddenly zooms ahead. The goldenrods are past their peak here and several different varieties of wild aster are blooming. Every time I see your colchicums, I think I should plant some. -Jean
Unknown says
Wonderful post!
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Pauline says
I love your Zinnia's and will definitely sow them next year. In my garden there are still asters, anemones and lots of dahlias.