Flowers (annual and perennial)

Cosmos Flower

Cosmos flower is an all-purpose cottage plant. Depending on the variety, they grow from 1 foot to 6 feet tall. They make particularly good cut flowers, filler plants among perennials, and use as a bedding plant for mass plantings.

They are easily grown from seed or planted indoors and planted after frost. This annual flower grows fast and have very little problems with insects or diseases. The only problem I have had is the taller varieties with their hollow stems break or topple over in a strong wind. I grow them close together so they support each other.

Red Seashell Cosmos

They originate in Mexico and brought over to Spain in the 1700s. They grew popular in England (thus the name cottage flower) and brought to America from Britain.  This late start in America is why cosmos was late in being cultivated here. The word “cosmos” is Greek for beautiful.

Flowers (annual and perennial), Herbs

Chamomile Plants

Chamomile plants are known for the relaxing tea in which the flower blossoms have seeped. As a flowering plant, they add beauty to any area they are growing. I grow some in a large pot and let the seeds germinate up the walk to the house. They self-seed in the oddest of areas, however, always add a perk of white and yellow wherever they are growing. The blossoms attract bees to your location.

Chamomile plants in a container

Take a snip the flowers off the plant and dry on cookie sheets or old window screens. Seep the dried blossom in tea eggs for a bedtime tea.

There are two types of this aster related family: Roman which is a low growing perennial and German which is the upright annual that is more of the sweet apple tasting brew is for teas.

I start the seeds indoors, plant in May, and it blooms in mid-June. Cut back after the first bloom to generate a second bloom.

In Germany, chamomile was used as a lawn before grass was common. The plant was considered a healing herb in early England and used in most of the British gardens.

Container gardening, Flowers (annual and perennial)

African Daisy or Cape Marigold

The African Daisy or Cape Marigold are commonly called by their fancy name “Osteospermum”. You commonly find these plants in the greenhouses coming mainly in yellow and purple but many colors in between. They make for great plants in containers. You must dead head these to keep them flowering all summer long.

African Daisy

This white one I grew from seed is a “wilder form” which should be hardier to wind and heat. The white bloom and shiny purple center are reminiscent of the true roots of this plant. The flower opens on sunny days and closes on cloudy days or at night. The newer varieties stay open more.

Whether grown in a container or ground, African Daisy needs a little water and some fertilizer and that is all. Too much water creates leggy, weak plants.

The plants where brought to Europe and America in the 19th century.