Thanks, Janice.

The picture's confusing, but that is only one phlox plant.
It's 'Twister' and it has a mutated branch, apparently back to the cultivar it was bred from.

The 'Twister' flower is mostly white but with pink ribbing (pinwheel).
The pink/red branch in that plant, I'm assuming, is a mutation.

'Peppermint Twist' (also pinwheel) has the reverse of Twister's colours and is also genetically unstable.

How fascinating, Charlie! You get 2 for 1 with this Phlox!

Agree, Janice.

Not sure yet whether a plant patent has been applied for, for 'Twister'.

Horticulture is clearly big business.

'Peppermint Twist' is patented.
I'd love to know whether these sorts of branch mutations affect patent rights.
Mutations presumably should not be included within the "normal variation" you should expect with any cultivar.

Charlie!

Very interesting to see where this plant leads...

Absolutely, Janice.

Today.

Today.

Beautiful garden,Charlie!!

Daylilies and Astilbe...so beautiful!!

What is that last Daylily? Love the color.

Thanks, Janice.

'Bela Lugosi'.

Thanks Charlie.
It's so nice to see your Zones' blooms, as ours are finishing soon.

Very pretty daylilies Charley I've been watching your blooms too. I've really enjoyed seeing your well planned and well tended gardens. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Susie.

Like Janice, I think it's always interesting to see what's happening in perennial gardens in other zones.
Sort of extends the season.

Some pictures from yesterday.
I'm not an early person, so have to take them late in the day.

Glorious gardens! Love the Globe thistle and wonderful design of your beds, Charlie!

Thanks, Janice.

Have several smaller globe thistle cultivars, but got that one (just the species?) years ago at the local horticultural society spring sale.
It's one of several perennials from that source that is certainly worth having.

Like height in the garden at this time of year and think this large old one has "presence?".
And it's quite self supporting too.

Always loved the Globe Thistles and they did well in my Boston garden. Fascinating plants!

Today.

Love your color combinations, Charlie!!

The colors are so vibrant! Is that a double Platycodon? Very nice indeed.

Thanks, Janice.

It is: 'Hakone Blue'.
Like the Hakone series for the reason you indicate.

Find balloon flowers hardy and long-lived.
Only problem (for me) is spent flowers that don't look attractive (especially on the dwarf ones).
I do, however, periodically deadhead the balloon flowers.

Below, one at Merlin's Hollow, the garden of David and Dierdre Tomlinson, here in Aurora, On.
It's 15 or more years old.
That's one balloon flower plant that I really wouldn't want to try to deadhead!

Nice clump of the single flowered balloon flower.
Your garden has such a nice flow to it. I just went back and sauntered through again, Charlie! How old is your garden?

You have a talent for combining colors and shapes, and making the most of your spaces.