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 - Morning Glory : Crimson Rambler (Ipomoea purpurea)

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

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 2015 - Dwarf Sunflower Sunny Smile (Helianthus gracilentus)

LifeCycle: Annual 

Uses: Beds, Container 

Sun: Full Sun 

Height: 14-16  inches

Spread: 6-8  inches

Sowing Method: Direct Sow/Indoor Sow 

Bloom Duration: 5 weeks

These Dwarf Sunflowers are going to be a must-have every year, they are amazing plants to grow for the Spring./Summer. This highly anticipated bloom was fast and easy to grow and interesting to see as it progressed to the flowering stage. The difference a larger container makes really shows when you compare the sunflower in the small coffee container with the one grown in the other square container. One thing I noticed was that it attracted a bunch of bees and other weird insects which was an issue during watering since I wasn't taking my chances and getting stung watering. This was one thirsty plant by the way, I watered it twice daily about half a liter at one point. Its past the end of its bloom duration now and I plan on harvesting its seeds for next year. 

Common Flower Gems - Classification #10 Low False Bindweed (Calystegia spithamaea)

I found this low growing white and funnel shaped flower in the Jersey Area near my job. At first I thought it was just some field bindweed but upon closer inspection I noticed it was growing straight up from the ground without any twisting vines but a low erect stalk. A pretty interesting find and a common flower gem indeed. 

Bloom 2015 - Common Zinnia: Canary Yellow Zinnia (Zinnia Elegans)

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Acidic

Water: Moderately

Height: 6-10 Inches

Spread: 12-14 Inches

Bloom Duration: 12 Weeks

7/19/15\

Really enjoyed this vivid yellow variation of the Canary Yellow Zinnia. I still don't understand why the petals aren't double flowered and round like the picture on the seed packaging. The same thing occurred last year and I thought it was a fluke the first time around but it happened again this year. Blooms still look great though and I'm OK with the results. 

7/1/15

7/3/15

7/3/15

7/14/15

7/19/15

7/21/15

7/21/15

7/21/15

7/23/15

Common Flower Gems - Classification # 9- Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

Low growing perennial, Creeping Buttercup

Haven't really seen too many of these creeping buttercup flowers in my area. Usually has 5 petals but can have up to 10. Sure its classified as a weed (its extremely toxic to grazing animals and is an aggressive grower) but when it comes to weed its survival of the fittest.