If I had to name my top five favorite flowers, zinnias would be right in the mix. In case you’re wondering (and in no particular order): hydrangeas, zinnias, daisies, peonies, and probably dahlias, although I also really love irises in the spring. And my shrub roses.
Obviously it’s hard to pick favorites.
But zinnias? A forever favorite. This year, I actually carved out three areas in my garden that ended up being the perfect spots for the varieties I planted. They get plenty of sun but just a little protected from the west wind that comes barreling down our cul-de-sac on any given day.
I planted all the zinnas by seed, which is my typical mode of operation. Zinnia seeds really sprout up and grow fast and it’s incredibly economical too. This year, I ordered these varieties from Johnny’s Seeds: Linen, Queeny Formula Mix, and Jazzy Mix. I really love the mix of colors in each plant and how well they complement each other, too, as you can see from these photos.
The Linen variety produces the biggest blooms that are oatmeal in color with a pale pink or pale peach cast. As the blooms age, they display more pink and peach hues.
Queeny Formula Mix provide endless blooms in shades of rose, orange, peach, lemon, and lime.
And the Jazzy Mix is so fun! Smaller blooms in shades of burgundy red, red, yellow, and orange with cream, red, or yellow tips. This variety is compact but very prolific so far!
Random fact: I have always loved to plant varieties of plants with names that connect to something or someone at home. Case in point, the Jazzy Mix is for our son, Joe, who is a jazz pianist – as is a shrub rose called ‘Music’. When Joe was little, I planted T-Rex Sedum because, well … dinosaurs. I also have plenty of Joe Pye Weed. And I have a couple of Duke of Earl daylilies planted in memory of our pug, Earl.
The rest of the perennial gardens made it through a particularly hot and humid stretch of weather here in Minnesota. We’ve gotten a little bit of a reprieve this week — enough to turn off the AC in the house!
As I sign off tonight, I’m looking out onto a field of sunflowers from the back deck. The local FFA chapter created a “Sunflower Experience” for people to walk through, take photos, and simply enjoy. It’s so cool and it makes me smile multiple times a day. Who doesn’t love sunflowers?
Happy Gardening!
