Cosmos are beginning to produce a lot of flowers so I think you will be seeing a lot of them in my vases over the next few months, I will need to find some different ways of using them to maintain my interest and pleasure in them.
It is interesting that the Cosmos flowering are the new ones I sowed this year, the plants that are from the seeds dropped last year are much taller have thicker stems but are not producing flowers yet.
Sorry about the flash photography but time is short today so no time to take the flowers outside, plus it is windy again so probably wouldn’t be any better outside.
I picked some Alstroemeria last week which are still looking perfect in their vase.
Any guesses as to the filler white flower in this vase.
With thanks to Cathy for hosting this popular meme.
Your cosmos are in such rich colours, I have sown some but the germination rate is poor. Alstromerias are one of my favourites, we had an abundance of them for my daughter’s wedding which had a fairy woodland theme – delightful flowers. I must try and grow some. I don’t remember seeing any at Chelsea.
They have become rather ubiquitous florist flowers but I like them and they do last for ages as a cut flower I would like to grow more.
Don’t recognize your filler but the alstroemerias are nice. The cosmos is a rich, vibrant mix. You’ll find many ways to include it in vases I would think. Mine didn’t return from last year that I’ve noticed. Maybe I can still plant some seeds. Have a good week.
I also don’t recognize the filler….but oh those cosmos already. Mine will not flower until mid summer. I also love Alstroemeria and should try to grow it again in my new cutting bed, once I build it. I have Anthirrinum ready to plant in pots this week.
Lovely vases Christina!
I bought this Alstroemeria as an ‘in flower’ plant a couple of years ago; I’m a little surprised it survives the winter! I would like to grow a lot more.
Vibrant and alive. Wonderful.
The Cosmos are such happy flowers. The more the better!
Yes they are, but the stems are often a bit short to mix successfully with other flowers
I have never successfully grown a cosmos, so I do enjoy yours!
Have you tried sowing directly into the soil.
Yes and transplants. I don’t know if it is the bugs or animals that finish them off. Oh well.
I’m lucky in that there are few slugs and snails in this garden, they seem to have a predator in the garden that stops them doing much harm.
Adorable pinks from your cosmos & snapdragons. Is the filler a slightly droopy stitchwort (stellaria)? (Sure I’m wrong – but dying to know anyway!)
No, not stitchwort, but something equally unexpected, think salad crop gone to seed!
Oh dear – I’m out this evening and I won’t be able to concentrate now, for trying to think what it is – cultivated rocket?
Very close, Cathy
I’m sure someone else has guessed by now – but radish?
Yes, well done. I just happened to notice they were flowering and were airy and white.
Even though I was expecting cosmos your first photo took me by surprise with the darker shade of pink – and I wasn’t then surprised to see that antirrhinum in there too! it will be a long while before we get tired of seeing them in your vases, Christina 😉 Here I too have a few cosmos blooms, like yours on short stems but it is still early and I am sure later stems will be longer. I have bought a rectangular vase like yours at a car boot today which I am pleased to now have at my disposal for future vases. Thanks for sharing today
I’ll list the Cosmos I’ve grown this year in a future post. They are lovely. It remind to be seen what colours the self seeders will be.
A lovely and almost cottagey (if that is a word) display. I remember Cosmos from my childhood because I thought they were like trees.
Why like trees? I think cottagey is a word even if Apple don’t like it!
Cosmos 50 years ago (gasp) hadn’t been bred to smaller sizes and were 4 or 5 feet tall and had 1/2 inch stems – they towered over my head and I would chase the cats through the Cosmos pretending they were tigers and we were in a jungle.
Mine were as tall last year so I do understand what you mean!
You’ve got a handsome crop of cosmos already, Christina. I started some from plugs in February but they fried in the heat we had early in the year and I haven’t tried replacing them. The filler makes me think of bolting lettuce or broccoli but I can’t pinpoint it.
You’re close with your ideas for the mystery filler. I’ll reveal what it was tomorrow.
Christina glad I have grown many Cosmos. The first vase is wonderful with its colorful strong but not heavy. They fit perfectly as subtle as a flower Dalia white and delicate Jazmines with its heady perfume, with more wild flowers but no prettier as the Cosmos and Anthirrinum. A divine whole. The second jarron the Alstroemeria is magnificent and last week. Amazing. The very nice and together with the Anthirrinum form a very beautiful set. Thank you very much for its beautiful vases: gladden the heart. Greetings from Margarita.
Looks like summer! 🙂 I wonder if the white flower is rocket/rucola? Love the deep pink cosmos and antirrhinum, and the Alstroemeria is lovely!
Rocket/rucola is larger but you’re not far away from what the plant is.
absolutely amazing that your cosmos are out already, good for you! lovely arrangement 🙂
Hai già i cosmos? Anche le altroemerie sono belle da recidere: le hai seminate?
No li ho comprato da te in paio di anni fa.
Ah! non mi ricordavo!
Sorry I cannot anxwer your question but I can say your cosmos are splendid!
I love the dark rich colours of these Cosmos, Doris. But all the colours are lovely.
Couldn’t agree more!
I love the colors of your cosmos! I think I have never found a more reliable self-seeder than cosmos or one that attracts more pollinators. Yours make a beautiful bouquet!
You’re right about their ability to self seed, there are some in almost every bed; some from seed dropped directly others from seed in the compost!
Interesting to read that the newbies are first past the finishing post with their flowers Christina. The self seeders sound more sturdy. I wonder which will give best value. My cosmos still have a way to go to get to that stage. No joy with the lysimachia seeds I’m afraid. I found an empty packet. I don’t remember sowing them all but must have done. The germination rate is on the low side to date. Hope that you’re able to track some down.
I have some seed left, when I have a space available I’m going to try some seeds directly into the ground, I have a feeling they will be much sturdier plants. I hope that by picking these early flowers with as long a stem as possible the plants will grow on to be as sturdy as the others.
I think your filler is rocket, mine are just germinating, a long way from flowers! The cosmos is beautiful, such rich colours.
Wrong, it’s radish but it does look very similar.
Catching up is fun to do.