made downright irresistible by rock bottom prices (now I know how "Black Friday" shoppers feel ~ I'm just as euphoric about greenhouse sales!!!) With incredible prices like 4" pots for $2.00 and anything smaller, $1.00 ~ how can the offerings not be checked out? Of course, I did more than check ~ I came home with a gorgeous new pink Dahlia 'Karma Thalia:'
Seen again, nearly translucent in the morning sun, next to another new acquisition ~ Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) 'Ice Ballet:'
'Ice Ballet' was purchased as a replacement for my orange variety (Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly weed) which, unfortunately, did not return this season. Although I had never seen Monarchs on it, I knew I "needed" another. Maybe they will like the white variety better??
There were several more purchases (you knew there had to be more, didn't you?!) which will be planted and featured in future posts. But now there are also new blooms in the garden that I thought you'd enjoy viewing as well. Like Oriental Lily 'Dizzy:'
Three bulbs were planted last fall but only one grew. I can't say I am surprised. I have been really short of bed space and cramming things a bit too tightly. I hope I have the energy for a bed makeover this fall ~ so many plants could use dividing and that would create a bit more much needed space (to once again cram full!!).
For the second year in a row, an Amaryllis has decided to bloom while summering outdoors. Last year it was 'Red Lion,' this year the bud belongs to Cybister Amaryllis 'Night Star:'
There must be something to the fresh air and fertilizer that stimulates blooms out of season? or maybe it happens when they don't bloom during "season" which 'Night Star' did not?
The bees continue to give Veronicastrum virginiana a work-out:
Good thing it's more than happy to oblige.
Lastly, look what showed up in my window well today ~ a bull snake:
He doesn't look very big here ~ I had guessed 3 to 4 feet until we tried to remove him ~ when he uncoiled he was more like 5 or 6 feet! In case you're wondering what happened to him upon removal, he was set free to eat more garden pests (hopefully the furry variety). Too bad I can't train him to leave the toads alone...
What a pretty Dahlia! I haven't found any good deals around here yet, but believe me I'm looking :) That Lily is so pretty and looks like it smells delicious.
We don't get snakes around here, which is fine with me. I grew up very close to where I live now and there used to be all sorts of garter snakes, but guess all the building they've done chased them out.
Posted by: Catherine | July 25, 2010 at 09:41 PM
Great shots. I really like the image of the oriental lily. That is one I'd love to grow in my garden.
Posted by: Kala | July 26, 2010 at 12:05 AM
Great finds Kathleen, which prices like that who could blame you! ;) No plant shopping here, it's just too hot to even look. :( Ewww...that snake is a big one, that would freak me out!
Posted by: Racquel | July 26, 2010 at 05:54 AM
Eeeewww, snakes are something I simply cannot tolerate!!!
I haven't had time to visit many end of season plant sales. Did get two coreopsis for $1, pleased with those. Like you, my garden is way over crowded. Need to move so much stuff and not looking forward to it.
Is the swamp milkweed for your pond? My Dad had one a few years ago, lovely blooms.
Marnie
Posted by: marnie | July 26, 2010 at 08:12 AM
I'm still broke from the spring truckloads of plants I hauled in here. So much for sales - hehehe.
That Lily is gorgeous - the snake not so much. But good that they eat pests. But I got chills when you spoke of removing him. EEeeeewwwwwwwww
Posted by: RainGardener | July 26, 2010 at 08:48 AM
I am so envious about not being able to buy plants at that sale....but maybe that is a good thing for my pocketbook ;-)
Cool snake, I can only imagine how many pests he will take care of in the garden :-)
Posted by: Noelle / azplantlady | July 26, 2010 at 05:57 PM
It sounds like you got some great plant deals. I'm always eyeing up new sections of the yard for new garden beds, but it doesn't take long as I usually expand in small sections.
Your pink lily is pretty, and would coordinate with so many plants. I inherited some bright orange ones that I've never been able to find the right place for.
That snake has some beautiful markings. He must be finding a lot of food in your garden to get to that size.
Posted by: Northern Shade | July 27, 2010 at 09:11 AM
Isn't the veronicastrum scrumptious! I saw a small garter snake in the garden~They eat worms, I would love a king snake to move in and take out those chipmunks! gail
Posted by: Gail | July 27, 2010 at 10:35 AM