Late Summer Daisies

Summer gardens wouldn't be complete without this form of Rudbeckia hirta, or commonly known as Gloriosa Daisies.

I must have sprinkled seeds two years ago around the boarder on the driveway, because a multitude of plants flowered this year.

This interesting biennial shows up with a variety of color patterns, emanating from the classic "black eye."

The petals are a bright yellow, but the centers can range in color from just a hint of brown, to orange, and

to just small spots.  The nature of these plants is more floppy than the other Rudbeckia, 

Rubeckia fulgida.

 The blossoms on this variety are smaller, and show up  with only the classic yellow petals with black eyes. The plant itself is sturdy and stiff, shorter and not so floppy.  It is a true perennial.  It spreads readily and can be easily transplanted.

Then there is this plant which is very tall, (around seven feet,) another perennial, and has yellow daisy like blossoms with a green center.  It is not the Jerusalem Artichoke, but it has a similar look.  If some one knows the name please e-mail me with the information.

The flowers are about the same size as the Rudbeckias.

These are the Shasta Daisies near the mailbox. These are another true perennial.

I learned something interesting about this plant.  When you  trim it in the Fall, stick the green stems into the soil.  Some of them will take root, just as the clippings from the Montauk Daisies do.  The Montauk Daisies are not out yet, their bloom time will come more in the fall.

 Just had to end with this, a picture of a basket of tomatoes and basil that my neighbors, Matt & Wendy presented me with.  They are very artful designers by trade, as you can see.