As might be expected from my username, I bought 6 Pink Poodle Echinacea as soon as I possibly could last spring. They were mail order so I never saw blooms prior to receiving. There weren't many blooms last year and the plants were late to show this year, so I thought I had lost them. However, they are now in heavy bloom and I am thrilled with them. They are all the large dahlia-type flowers, on sturdy stems that don't require staking. I am having to water them when the temps are above 90 degrees or else the petals look a little withered, although they perk back up overnight without additional water (the plants are in full sun, obviously). I didn't realize that I had interplanted them with orange/yellow and plain yellow gaillardia, and I imagine that sounds rather awful, but it is actually quite striking and draws many compliments. I'm sorry others have had such a rough time with these plants, but I do love them.

I thought I posted the problem with these last year. If you buy one of these, make sure it has flowers on it already. These are not reproducing true when they propagate them. Many are just Double Decker plants. Others are single petals with no double blooms. One out of every 5 or so is the correct form. Terra Nova knows about this problem and hasn't issued a response to anyone I know who inquired about it. I personally sent them photos showing that they have a problem. They don't seem to care. I know someone who sells these and he had to stop selling them because only a few had the correct bloom form. Terra Nova really needs to step up and take responsibility for this problem.

Gorgeous. The last two pictures, may I ask a question? The yellow flowers, it is an orchid, yes ? What kind ? I saw one just like it at a local orchid show and it was stunning. What are those gorgeous pink fluffy flowers. I LOVE them, so joyous and exuberant to look at. Great pictures, thank you so much.

I have to admit that even though I'm not into Country music, I do love and admire George. When he is in concert in San Antonio it is almost impossible to get tickets. I tried to get 2 tickets online the last time he performed there and was at the site minutes before they went on sale and still wasn't fast enough. It sold out in a couple of minutes! A couple that I know from here were celebrating their anniversary, so they closed off both ends of the street by their house for a street dance and invited half the town. They hired George for the music. LOL Yes, that was quite a few years ago when he lived just 45 miles away. In fact he might have still been in college at the time. Everyone liked him, but no one knew what a star he would become!