Bloom 2015 - Blue Bachelors Button/Cornflower (Centaurea Montana)

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Ornamental, Borders, Cut Flowers

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Neutral-Alkaline

Water: Lightly

Spread: 10-12 Inches

Bloom Duration: 8 Weeks

Height: 30 Inches

This vibrant blue really broke up the fiery color theme I had with my golden Marigolds, yellow Zinnia, and Crimson Rambler. 

Photo of some wild mixed white and purple cornflowers I came across

I saw a wild mixed white and pink cornflower variation while strolling through my local park the other day. Leaf shape does looks a bit different compared to the one I'm growing so it might a different plant altogether. Very similar characteristics so I'll call it a bachelor's button find. 

Bloom 2015 - Pansy (Viola tricolor)

Life Cycle: Annual 

Uses: Beds, Container 

Sun: Full Sun, Part Sun 

Height: 6  inches

Spread: 8-10  inches

Sowing Method: Indoor Sow 

Bloom Duration: 12  weeks

These pansies were really a break from all the yellow/orange colors from my sunflower, zinnia, and marigolds. These small flowers reminded me of my impatiens which I have the urge to grow again. I noticed theres a black Pansy variety and I think I'll try growing some of those soon.

Bloom 2014 - Morning Glory: Grandpa Otts Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

8/27/14

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Slightly Acidic or Alkaline

Water: Moderately

Spread: 10 - 12 Inches

Bloom Duration: 12 Weeks

Height: 10 - 13 Feet

My most anticipated bloom of the season, my Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory has emerged! It is a beautiful shade of purple and was a welcome sight this morning. There are several buds all over the vine including one that looks ready to bloom by tomorrow. The flower that bloomed is already wilting and getting ready to fall off - ready to be replaced by another bloom tomorrow. I think I'm going to try and collect the seeds for next year.

8/27/14
This lovely purple variety of Morning Flower took about two months to bloom and is the September birth flower ( along with Asters)

8/27/14
This was a pretty low maintenance plant although some pruning was required while growing it indoors.

8/27/14
I can't get enough of this purple shade and I really like it. I might also try a Heavenly blue variety next year or Blue Star morning glory which is a beautiful light blue color.

8/27/14
This is the total height of my Morning Glory plant. 

8/25/14
Bud beginning to take shape 

8/22/14
The bud is a first sign of a bloom so I'm always very excited to see this!

Common Flower Gems - Classification # 7 - Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

This scraggly-looking plant is a sure sign of Spring

I spotted this Chicory flower species all over my neighborhood including parking lots, lawns, roadsides, and park areas. This is a personal favorite of mine because it resembles a Dandelion but has a variety of colors and shades as opposed to only yellow. Its also completely edible and is used as a coffee substitute. Blue shades are the most common but there are also white, purple, and pink varieties. I've yet to encounter one but I will be sure to be on the look out.

I found a rare pink/purplish version but this is as close as I could get...thanks fence.

Here are some images of White and Blue Chicory. (Proxy Image)

Common Flower Gems - Classification # 3 Bull Thistle (Spear Thistle)

The Bull Thistle or Spear Thistle wildflower gets its name from its prickly flower parts. Birds and insects love it because of its delicious nectar. 

I spotted this one in an vacant lot near in my neighborhood and this is the first time I've ever seen this flower. It is an attention grabber and classified as a invasive weed in some areas. It is widespread and grows everywhere from the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Scotland. 

Apparently its been watered daily with coffee as you can see by the cups. In all seriousness, hold onto your trash and don't litter.

Bloom 2014 - Impatiens (Jewelweed, Touch-me-not, Snapweed)

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Beds, Containers

Sun: Full Shade, Part Sun

Soil: Neutral to slightly acidic

Water: Lightly to moderately

Spread: 12-14 Inches

Bloom Duration: 14 Weeks

Height: 10-14 Inches

8/26/2014
These impatiens have been in bloom for over a month now lasting a week before falling off and the leaves have grown quite large and are a deep forest green. 

8/11/2014
The green foliage growth on my Impatiens has increased dramatically and there's a new bloom almost daily.

7/23/2014
The Burpee seeds I bought were a mixed variety and came in pink and purple as you see and also white. Wish there was a way to tell which color is which before you plant the seed.

7/21/2014
I usually remove the wilting flowers at this point and wait for the budding ones to take its place.

7/18/2014

7/17/2014
My first blooms of the season, pink Impatiens.

 These flowered yesterday and today the second flower bud also bloomed. These seem to grow pretty well crowded - I planted 3 inside a small pot and they just keep getting bigger. I found these easy to grow, hard to over-water, and find that they make a great indoor plant. The foliage shape is quite lovely and covers a lot of ground so the leaves on this plant seem to be a decoration in itself. But I'll get the pruning scissors ready just in case. 

Non-Bloomers 2013 (Proxy Images)

These seeds I bought never made it to bloom but I'll try again soon!