in shades of lilac and indigo (is that what you'd call the deep purple?) have burst into bloom in the front garden ~ side by side with Penstemon 'Husker Reds':
I was secretly hoping for some pink but how can a girl complain about color like this? The lilac shading is so subtle it borders on being white:
Alas, the lilacs aren't double (my personal preference) so the only seed that will be saved (and let to sow about) are these:
They remind me of another favorite ~ the cup and saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) which blooms here late in the summer.
Being the garden gurus you are, I'm sure you know that Canterbury Bells are in the Campanula family. How appropriate. A family of lookers for sure.
I haven't found any seedlings from last year, so, since they are biennials, I may not be enjoying them again (in my garden) for another two years. I hope that's not the case but on the off chance it is, I better get out there now as much as I can...
I love the cup and saucers - in fact I thought that was what your double was. I bought plant one year with them in bright pink, purple and white and it was so gorgeous. They never came back like were suppose to 2 years later. I'm trying seed AGAIN!!!!!
Yours are beautiful.
Posted by: RainGardener | June 18, 2010 at 10:41 AM
What pretty colors! I have pink Canterbury bells and would be glad to save some seeds for you. Some are singles and the newest are like cup and saucers.
Posted by: Catherine | June 18, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Those Canterbury Bells are gorgeous! I need to plant a proper garden one day.
Posted by: Kala | June 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM
The very dark and light purple colours of canterbury bells look good together. The doubles are extra showy, and the light shining through the dark purple petal looks great.
Posted by: Northern Shade | June 19, 2010 at 09:30 AM
Wonderful colours -- perfectly beautiful!
Posted by: Nancy Bond | June 19, 2010 at 11:40 AM
That first photo is simply amazing. You've done such a good job with your companion plantings. I'm so impressed.~~Dee
Posted by: Dee/reddirtramblings | June 19, 2010 at 04:02 PM
You could always cheat and buy a couple of Canterbury Bells next year! You will also find that over the years as the plants self seed they will gradually revert back to their native form so if you want double forms etc you will need to get new seeds from time to time
Posted by: Helen | June 20, 2010 at 05:41 AM
They are so very beautiful Kathleen.
Posted by: tina | June 20, 2010 at 08:59 AM
They are just lovely. Are they standing up so straight on their own or did you have to stake them?
I have never seen a double like yours, even in photos.
Marnie
Posted by: marnie | June 21, 2010 at 11:17 AM
I've never grown Canterbury Bells but after seeing yours I think I need to give them a try. :)
Posted by: Racquel | June 24, 2010 at 06:27 AM