Harvest Season and Joe Pye

The Joe Pye Weed loves all the rain we've had this year and looks tall and lush (below). The bees love it (above).

After my mild neglect and the critters' voracious appetites, my vegetable harvest will be smaller than usual this year. That's okay. I know now that next year I've got to protect every stage--from seed to fruit. I did before, of course, but I'd get lazy and skip a day. Or three. With such an influx of wildlife, I know I have to be vigilant next spring. At least nothing seems to eat Joe Pye Weed plants. (Did I just jinx them?)

The Power of Coleus

As a gardener living with shade, I love coleus. The plants might not flower, but the foliage adds color, whether it's bold or subtle. This one is tall, like a column, but it branches out, looking full and healthy. It looks great on my front porch with the hibiscus, red banana, and lavender. I'd recommend this variety, but I lost the tag. (I searched and searched! I bet a squirrel stole it...) The name "fire" or "orange" may have been in it. While the stems are violet, the leaves are a bold bronze with a tinge of green. This may be my new favorite coleus.