Celosia

Celosia is a colorful annual that has feathery plumes instead of the usual flower petals. Depending on the species it will grow from 6 to 36 inches tall and may be yellow, white, orange, red, purple, or light pink. It does best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. In the picture above Celosia is shown with hens and chicks and is used as a boarder along the driveway.

Old fashion celosia is not difficult to start form seed in the garden. However the newer hybrids are best started from transplants as they are fussy about moisture and temperature. In either case make sure not to set out the transplants or seed the garden before the soil has warmed sufficiently about 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. Give transplants plenty of room to branch and be sure to water properly. If celosia is too cold or too dry they will not bloom well once they mature. If you want the plant to become “full” pinch the center bloom which will encourage many smaller plumes.

Be sure to visit your local garden center and ask for celosia. It is a reliable source of long lasting, heat tolerant, color from summer to fall!

Snapdragon

When fall begins many gardeners head to the local garden center to purchase pansies and violas for their fall/winter bedding plants. Many overlook the lovely Snapdragon or "Snap" as some prefer to call
this cool weather flowering plant. In the south the Snapdragon will bloom right along with the pansies you have planted in your garden and will add some height for interest. When spring comes the Snaps will continue a little longer than the pansies.
Snaps are classified by how tall they grow. They can be as low as 6 inches or less or as tall as 3 feet. The blooms can be  double, bell-shaped or azalea-shaped and are white, yellow, purple, pink , lavender or red. The shades of color may be vivid or pastel.
As said Snaps like cool weather. They enjoy night temps of 40 degrees and day temp of 70 degrees. They like full sun but will tolerate a little shade. In the winter they need regular watering. Once they are hardened off they can withstand periods of sub-freezing weather. So it is important to get your transplants out in mid-October in the south to give them a chance to  get established before the very cool weather comes.
If growing the tall snaps a few helpful hints to keep them blooming: when the first spike of flowers fade cut it off at the base of the spike to prevent it from going to seed. This act will also encourage the plant to grow more spikes. These secondary spikes will be smaller but continue to produce flowers. Continue to pinch off old blooms because  if the plant goes to seed it will stop producing flowers.
Snaps are annuals but may self seed in your garden if conditions are right.  So when shopping for colorful fall bedding plants don't forget to pick up some Snapdragons and give them a try.

Vinca (Periwinkle)

Fall garden Vinca Periwinkle

I would like to begin with a clarification of this plant's name. It is well know as Vinca but in actuality it is Madagascar Periwinkle or Periwinkle. Its scientific name is Catharunthus roseus. It originated on the island of Madagascar and that is why it is sometimes referred to by the name of Madagascar Periwinkle.
Its common mane of "vinca" can be confused with the perennial vines vinca major and vinca minor which will be explored under a new blog.
I must say that although I seem to be tired of this plant it does not tire of being wonderful in the garden as a colorful boarder. It prefers full sun but does fine with at least three hours of sunlight. It is moderately drought tolerant and is not the first choice of rabbits and deer. No dead heading is necessary. It can be grown almost anywhere in the US as there are so many cultivators available. Any well-drained soil is fine. It doesn't like to be too wet so regular watering is fine but lightly. Height is 6 - 24 inches and spread is generally equal to the height. BTW it may self seed and show up in next years garden but it remains an annual.
I must confess as my vegetables and other plants give way to the fall process it is very nice to look out my kitchen window and see these white Vinca (Periwinkle) winking at me, almost saying "See, we are worth it!"

Zinnia, Star White

Zinnia angustifolia,'White Star'

It is mid October and my garden is looking thin but this little Zinnia continues to shine! I don't believe I ever planted this particular Zinnia before but once again I am in love! It starts to bloom in late spring and has continuous blooms until frost. Butterflies and bees enjoy this plant also. It is drought tolerant, heat tolerant and mildew resistant. It grows between 8 to 14 inches tall and is spreading in form. It is a gentle, graceful plant with star shaped flowers. This Zinnia likes full sun, well draining soil and light water. I also have Star Gold which I planted in a container with a white Mum. This annual is a little keeper for me!

Pansy (Viola)

Pansy - an annual liking the sun and cool weather. The pansy may suffer from a very cold day but should bounce back when the sun shines. I left my pansies until July last year. Yes they became a bit leggy but I loved the blue in my garden. I just planted my first pansies of the new season last week, Sept 5,2011 and they are doing very well.