Happy together.

I've been spending time looking at flower combinations that I liked in my garden this year. Some were intentional and some were unplanned but ended up looking really nice. I've been trying to put more thought into what I plant together and less plopping things into an open spot, but the accidental pairings often end up being my favorites. The unplanned ones usually came together by way of an annual or perennial that reseeded itself right next to another plant, almost as if it knew it would look perfect there. Other times it was just a lucky accident that something I planted nearby would end up looking even better with the new plant growing by it. When I put flowers together I try to think about when and how long they bloom, flower shapes and of course their colors. When nature puts them there those things don't come into play, it seems to be able to drop it into the perfect spot.

Dahlia 'Lucky Number' would have to be my favorite Dahlia in my garden. It seems to look good with anything near it and has been growing alongside Echinacea 'Magnus', pink Zinnias and other Dahlias. It has bloomed for months and the flowers last a long time.

Here it is with Cupid's Dart (Catananche) growing in front of it. Both of these have withstood a lot of sun and very little water this past summer.

Another of my very favorites this summer is the Variegated Wallflower (Erysimum). The way it ages from purple to a rusty pink color makes it age perfectly with the Echinaceas behind it. The pinks of the different Echinaceas age along with the Wallflowers and look so pretty together right now.

Nicotiana 'Sensation' (it seems like everything was called 'Sensation' this year) and Pink Flower Carpet Rose. Since Flower Carpet Roses have no sent, the fragrance of the Nicotiana makes up for it.

Salvia 'Black and Blue' with Aster 'Professor Kippenburg'. I love the pop of orange from the Cosmos 'Bright Lights' in the background.

Aster 'Professor Kippenburg' and Lantana.

Pink Penstemon, Lantana and Lamb's Ears (Stachys byztantina).

Many of these flower combinations have been in bloom for months, making me even happier that they are together.