Coreopsis Full Moon

I purchased a single plant of Coreopsis "Full Moon" in late 2008. The next spring, I divided it into 12 new plants. In late 2009, I divided several of those plants into new plants. I imagine I have nearly 3 dozen healthy, blooming plants right now scattered through the yard. Even with no supplemental water, only rain, they're doing well.

In the rose garden



Near the mailbox



In the perennial bed



I'm taking notes this summer. I'm going to do some editing this fall. Plants that wilt constantly, flop excessively, or just can't take the heat and/or humidity of our summers are dead to me. Some literally, others figuratively until I pull them out this fall. The shastas are done. They've never been one of my favorites. They need too much water, too much cleanup, they flop all over the place, and are just unsightly this time of year. I haven't bothered to deadhead them at all. The goldfinches are doing a great job of that. If I keep them, I'll move them to an out of the way spot like the gully. They can just sprawl til their heart's content.

Great performers include all the varieties of Coreopsis, Echinacea, Veronica, a few salvias, and cosmos. I wonder how many kinds of plants it actually takes to create a cottage garden? The white swan echinacea will be divided and moved to various parts of the yard next spring. I'm really happy with this plant. I'll use it where I wanted the white shasta daisies.



Follow-up: The swallowtail larvae have made themselves at home.



Starting about 1pm, we've got a 40-60% chance of rain in the forecast. I've been watering a little, here and there. I can't possibly keep up with all that needs water. Some things have passed on from this world. Others seem to be on their last limbs. The Japanese Beetles aren't even thriving in this heat. If the rains don't arrive today, I'll spend most of my evening trying to keep the remaining shrubs alive. Even the privet is giving up and shedding leaves. I didn't want to have to do this, but it's time...the rain dance.