Update on native plants, back deck, and veggies

With our heat, the geraniums and petunias are flourishing on the back deck (above). We've seen all kinds of bees, at least one hummingbird, and a sphinx moth. They also take a lot of water. I'm using the rain barrels to avoid city water (expensive and not as good for plants), but I have to tip them to get the last drips out. Rain is predicted for the weekend, and I hope it makes it here. 

Next to the deck (above) I've planted zinnias from saved seed and marigolds (no blossoms yet).

I love the bright color of the zinnias (above).

Above is a mini pepper that I bought from the greenhouse. They ripen earlier, so this is the second.

Above is the rudbeckia I grew from seed last year. Two of the plants have blooms. 

Can you see the bee on the anise hyssop (above)? They love this plant.

I planted this white coneflower last year, it survived, and it thrives. It was such an awful, icy winter, so this will be a good future plant choice. I'll leave you with a native coneflower (below). I'd say planting for bees is a success.