six on Saturday, 4 October 2025

Although moving toward sunset, it is still Saturday in Alabama. Unfortunately, there are still drought conditions in Alabama as well. For weeks, I did not have six things blooming in any given week or even a combination of six interesting plants and noteworthy garden projects going at one time. But today I found six flowering plants, albeit a little puny as they say in the South or a little drought-tinged. For more vibrant blooms and guidelines for taking part in this weekly Saturday garden show, visit Jim Stephens’ Garden Ruminations, the hub of our sharing.

1 & 2. These two plants I was rather anxious about this year. Japanese anemone, or wind flower, bloomed later than usual and more sparsely. But the flowers that did develop are as delicate as ever. The Lantana on the right suffered transplant in late spring as a new French drain was installed in front of these windows. It is now growing well in pots, though.

3 & 4. The Azalea on the left below (Rhododendron indicum) is in its second bloom this year–after a disappointedly spotty spring show. The little Chrysanthemum pictured next is at least seven years old. And, it is little, supporting merely a few twig-like stems. Still it perseveres and produces a few flowers every fall, even if it does have to fight through falling leaves. It is not a pretty plant ten months out of the year, but it deserves its place in this dry garden plot.

5 & 6. Two native plants round out the six for this week. Both have freely appeared in the garden, the first, White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) more plentiful than the second, Bottle Gentian. Notice the long-legged spider hiding in the White Snakeroot. Both are welcomed late summer or fall bloomers.

I hope to be back again next week. At least I should be able to show everyone hostas chewed off by hungry deer. Although, I suspect many of you could do the same.