The sky was gray since early morning and by early evening soft rain began to fall. At mid-afteroon the garden was a peaceful, serene setting for a leisurely walk.
Echinacea as well as lavender are opening in several places around the garden, just about the same time as last year. Perhaps Spring is slowing down from its frenzied earlier pace. Other observations: Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ will soon be blooming along the southern side path, a bit ahead of that planted in other areas. Liatris spicata is adding feathery softness to the northern border that has been dominated by sword-like iris leaves. Proving to be very weak-stemmed again this year, Achillea x ‘Appleblossom’ is falling over into a thick stand of Shasta Daisies. Many of the perennials attract bees, including Veronica spicata, Stachys byzantina, Nepeta and Penstemon. Verbena bonariensis looks strong and healthy this year and the American goldfinches are loving it.
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- Achillea x ‘Appleblossom’ (Yarrow), Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta Daisy), Geranium
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- Monarda didyma (scarlet beebalm), Chrysanthemum
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- Lavender, Bearded Iris
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- Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear)
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- Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’, Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
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- Veronica aspicata ‘Pink Goblin’ (Speedwell)
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- Gaura lindheimeri ‘Passionate Blush’ (Butterfly Gaura)
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- Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
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- Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ (Wormwood), Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower), Geman Bearded Iris
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- Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ (Gayfeather), Nepeta (Catmint)
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- Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ (Gayfeather)
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- Penstemon mexicali ‘Pike’s Peak Purple’ (Beardtongue)
pbmGarden 
Lovely! I think Verbena bonariensis is a must in every garden, simply for the wildlife. It’s interesting to see that your Monarda is only slightly taller than mine, yet all your other plants are way ahead… my salvia is only just shooting new leaves! Liatris is new to me. Does it flower? Or is it just grass-like?… Lovely for contrast anyway. Have a good gardening week! 🙂
Liatris spicata or blazing star will send up a tall spike of densely packed flowers. I’ll be sure to post a picture when it blooms. You’re right – that Monarda does seem short, but another group of it that gets more sun is already over 3 feet tall. Hope you also have a good time gardening this week.
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ has lovely foliage, so dark. I love the white Iris too, something I’m definately going to look for. Christina
Wish I knew the name of that iris but it was passed along from a friend of a friend…
Beautiful post – a lovely selection of plants.
Thank you so much!
Lovely garden you have. I’ll have to add Salvia “Black & Blue” in my garden.
Thank you so much! Hope you’ll enjoy the Black and Blue if you get some. I think they’re very striking and don’t need any care.