What is it?

[jwholden]

At this time of the year a lot of clients mention that they would like to plant some mums because the flowers look pretty. There are many other plants that are better than mums, though I admit you should buy at least three a year for by the front door and treat them as an annual. It's a Fall thing.

Below are two shots from my garden of alternatives for Fall flower. I finally have some beds at the house and the opportunity to try some plants at and see how they do. Let's see who can guess what they are before I spill the beans.

First one

[jwholden]

Second one

[dan deutekom]

The second picture is Cimicifuga but although I recognize the first the name escapes me at the moment

[Stonehenge]

For #2, Delphinium or Bugbane. Still working on #1.

[Stonehenge]

Anemone for #1

[jwholden]

Gosh darn, I thought the hardscapers would take a while to get those. I'll have to find some tougher ones.

1) Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima' - Windflower - These spread like the wind and I suspect that's why they are called windflower. I suspect by this time next year they will look like a groundcover.

2) Cimicifuga simplex 'Brunette' - Bugbane or Fairy Candles (Puts a better spin on the name). I LOVE the dark foliage. I've got to use these more in shady spots.

[Stonehenge]

Well, you did a better job on me than you think. I used some software to help me..... :flowers:

[jwholden]

Horticopia?

[Stonehenge]

I'd rather not say, as I'm none too happy with some of the policies and technical flaws of this brand of software.

[jwholden]

I got one of the ones for trees and shrubs when I got my last computer, which came with Windows 95 as an OS. The theory was good but the code s----d and I could never get the thing to work. I wonder if the next versions of these programs have gotten better?

[Stonehenge]

The one that I use has a hard time working with printers, has a few terrible photographs of plant material, has some glaring omissions, and upgrades are sold at regular price.

I have a solution to this problem, but it would involve my starting another business, which I don't have any time for at the moment.

[Stonehenge]

There's a person I met elsewhere that has been putting together his own library of photos to use for his clients - I suggested he hook up with a programming company and jump into the fray, but he hasn't as yet.