What's in bloom: Annuals on Parade

Well, hello, friends....long week here. Still getting back into the school routine....and had a friend and colleague pass away this week.

Nothing like some flowers to brighten up your day a little if you need it.

I must say that my annuals are just full of themselves now that it is the beginning of September and they have had a few months to get their you-know-what together. Any of you bloggers out there feel like posting about one thing leads to many other posts?? You may see some posts coming soon that have been inspired by what you see today. : )

First up....petunias! I think petunias are very user-friendly....especially the new varieties. Luckily, with so many varieties coming out, you can't get tired of them and they haven't fallen into that "unfashionable" category that some annuals do. These petunias were bought for $1 off the clearance rack at a box store. Gorgeous!

As well bought at the box store, these vincas were begging for a good home. I love the glossy green leaves and the persistent blooms. I have no variety name for these...but they have blossomed here at my home.....pun intended.

I was SUPER excited about the purchase of this mandevilla plant. Most of the places that I see mandevilla vine sold--it is way overpriced. I found mine at a local garden nursery, marked down 40%....my kind of pricing. I think many people buy these and let them die out at the end of the growing season. I'm planning to overwinter mine inside and let it do its thing again next spring!! My variety is 'Bridal Cascade.' It has been going nonstop all summer.

Sunflowers...I'm kind of obsessed with them! So pretty and such a down-to-earth and easygoing flower. (I kind of think they would represent me if I had to pick one flower to do so) These I had planted last summer and they reseeded themselves. I think the coloration is just beautiful. I love to cut them and put them in the house....luckily, the sunflowers don't mind and just continue to bloom. They have given me a new appreciation for reseeding plants.

Zinnias...my favorite flower. I will post about these in the next few weeks!

Citronella-scented geraniums...I picked this up at the local farmers' market from a gentleman who propagates his own annual, herb and perennial cuttings and sells them for fun.

Here...a really deep maroon/pink petunia, from farmer market garden guy.

Marigolds from the box store, on clearance in June. Pretty color.....marigolds tend to get a bad rap from those who would consider themselves "serious gardeners."

(My apologies....I seem to have some formatting problems I cannot fix.)

Last, sweet alyssum. This is the species below....I love the persistent bloom. Also, my grandmother planted alyssum.  I like to plant a few "family" plants.

Hope you have had a great week and are looking forward to the holiday weekend!

Linking to...

Flaunt Your Flowers at Tootsie Time