2016-7-12 - Bush Daisy and Zinnias update

The bush daisy has taken hold after the transplant. It took some time to recover but now has new growth. The two plants in the back are as big now as the originals in the hanging baskets were. That means that the four smaller divisions in front are "free" plants. Two of the smaller ones have begun making fresh buds and I'm expecting a show of flowers in the next week or two. The two larger plants in back are behind in bud set and may take longer.

The Zinnias are a bit more temperamental in the heavy clay and some plants are doing better than others. I keep them dead-headed and water when I think they might need it. Yesterday six skippers were all over the blossoms. I'm hoping to find some butterflies there also.

The sedum from Karen has grown unusually fast and has already set bud. I see others in the neighborhood doing the same thing but I'm not accustomed to such early progress. What I'm used to from this particular sedum is bud set over August and no open blossoms till September. I think part of the early bloom is the location. It's not getting enough sun. That also accounts for the lankiness of the plant. I'm used to a more compact habit and this one is becoming downright airy.

The pinks were a mass of blossoms but are now finishing. I'm also keeping them dead-headed to encourage new growth.