If you all are like me, you have so much tucked into your garden beds it's often difficult to see everything. That seems particularly true now, in prime growing season. A few perennials are trying to carve out more territory for themselves, overshadowing & infringing upon their less aggressive companions. I moved a few of the former aside yesterday afternoon and made some wonderful discoveries. First, the Verbascum 'Pink Petticoats' is blooming and I never knew it:
What a shame it would have been to miss it. It's no secret Verbascums like full sun but this one is definitely not getting its share. Sandwiched between 'Filipendula Venusta' and Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum'), it doesn't stand a chance. A move is in order. In the back yard, a pleasant surprise, my hybrid tea 'Peace' is blooming. It appeared to be growing beneath the graft earlier this spring but I left it anyway.
Now I'm glad. Although, I can't speak for its happiness since it hardly gets any sunlight with a Viburnum on one side and Black Elderberry on the other. I may have to do a little trimming. I cut this bud and brought it inside to float in a bowl. The fragrance is heavenly. I even had my daughter picking it up and sniffing it throughout the evening. Now I have something blue to show you. An Allium that I can't identify was underneath the Joe Pye Weed too:
My photo doesn't do it justice. It really is pretty. Only about a foot high. I'm going to have to do some research (or go back thru my tags) and see if I can find a name for it. This has been fun, hasn't it? But wait, I saved the best for last. A little game, with the same hide & seek principles. Along the lines of "Where's Waldo" or "I spy" or something. Ready????? Here goes. Can you find what's hidden in the photo below:
Don't give up too easily. It's more than some garden soil with a sprinkling of poppy & zinnia seedlings. Look closely between the pink blur on the left & the zinnia seedlings on the right. Let me help:
Now you see, right?!!! Very good Mr. Toad. No wonder you are getting fat in my garden. Now if you go back & look at that first picture, you'll find him right away. This has been his favorite hangout (with the pond coming in a close second) for the last week. Thanks for playing along ~ wasn't that fun?!
Fun indeed! What a camouflager he is!
Posted by: Victoria | June 18, 2009 at 09:59 AM
I see it now! What fun!
I can't believe you have filapendula! Have you posted on it? I just added the rubra here and would love to see other's experiences with it.
Posted by: tina | June 18, 2009 at 11:42 AM
He's a clever fellow hiding so well and keeping cool, too! Love the pretty blue allium, hope you figure out his id! Inquiring minds 'need' to know so it can go on their list! gail
Posted by: Gail | June 18, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I can testify, toads are difficult to see. I almost stepped on one the other day.
I love verbascum too but it is so short lived. I managed to keep one going for three years but that's a record here. I don't know if it's my heavy soil or just the nature of verbascum. Mine was Southern Charm just a little lighter colored than yours.
Marnie
Posted by: Marnie | June 18, 2009 at 01:51 PM
That blue Allium is gorgeous and so delicate looking. Everything I see seems to be delicate today! Hmmmmmm
I can't find the toad. I might see him but not sure. Must be these tired old eyes. I can't see close with my contacts and usually have to put reading glasses on over them but this year they put a near in one eye and a far in one eye and your brain adjusts to that and you can see close and far away. But I'm starting to notice close getting harder to see. LOL But it was a challenge trying to find him.
Posted by: RainGardener | June 18, 2009 at 01:56 PM
That toad sure has good camouflage. Even when you said where to look it still took me awhile.
Gorgeous rose! I've been doing a bit of that moving too. I found an Astillbe trying to bloom under two hostas. Glad those flowers, like your verbascum don't give up too easily.
Posted by: Catherine/gardenerprogress | June 18, 2009 at 02:43 PM
Kathleen I love your toad girl ! Can I borrow him for here to eat some nasty bugs in my garden ? LOL
Your pictures are always gorgeous : )
Posted by: Joy | June 19, 2009 at 05:58 AM
Toads are good fun.
Posted by: janet | June 19, 2009 at 06:57 AM
LOL...love that last picture! Your flower pics are stunning, Kim
Posted by: inadveretent farmer | June 19, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Looks like you found some hidden treasures in the garden. That toad did a great job of cameoflaging himself in the dirt huh? ;)
Posted by: Racquel | June 19, 2009 at 07:13 PM
How fun!! And yes, our vantage point in the first photo would have been yours as you stood in your garden. Great looking little toadie! :-)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | June 21, 2009 at 09:59 PM