As you will soon see, I'm a canna fanatic. I'm in the process of collecting some of the more unusual varieties, with an emphasis on interesting foliage (although you'll see lots of gaudy color from inflorescence as well!). This bed is three months old, and is comprised of mostly transplants from other areas of the yard (told you there was almost NO budget!). Some of the things you're looking at are Ageratum, Florence Vaughn Canna, Copper Plant, Black & Blue Salvia (one of my newest favs), and Hollyhocks. Many things are still too obscure to discern from this photo (like the ever-funky Bat-faced Cuphea).
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Just to the right of the previously-pictured bed, Gold Star Esperanza and Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris) offset the red stems of India Prince Canna and its frilly foliage. This canna has grown from one rhizome (not even a bud yet when planted) in two months' time...now standing at over 5 feet!)
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This is my newest bed, installed less than six weeks ago. Again..many plants were plucked from elsewhere in my landscape to save bucks (and I still manage to break the bank!). I'm currently working on a mosaic birdbath in cobalt blues, greens and purples to rest behind the big rock on the left middle. Closeups of this bed to follow on the next few pages.
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