If you watch the seedheads, they will turn brown and you will know that the seeds are ripening when the Goldfinches cling to the heads and start picking off seeds. They eat them in tidy little rows. I try to harvest some of the seedheads before the finches get them all, and store them in the garage. Then I tape up a bunch of them to one of the bird-feeding poles for the Finches to eat during the winter (they love 'em). Despite the finches eating most of the seed, the Echinacea still self-sows abundantly in the gardens, too much even.

I went out this morning and they are standing straight up. I don't know why last night they were like that. Sorry for the false alarm. I had this plant for about a month and it never looked like that. Maybe all the rain we had made them go to sleep. Look at that bottom bud, she's touching her toes. LOL

Cameron, I have deers coming in my gardens all the time. On occasion the yearlings or fawns may snip a bud to try them but discover there's better pickings and leave them alone for Phlox Paniculata or Campanulas. The adult deers never eat the Echs. I tried something this year to deter them after a young gentleman suggested it at our garden meeting in winter. He said that 'Bounce' fabric softener kept them away. I took some sheets and cut into small ribbons and tied them to the stems of the Phlox close to the tips. As they grew I would move the ribbons up, replacing them if the scent had gone. Did about three stems per plant. Since doing this in late June the deers have not gone after the Phlox. They have gone after the Hostas so I know they are still here (they come at night). The Phlox are about to bloom which will be a true test. I've tried Tree Guard, Irish Soap, a garlic spray, etc. If this works, I just have to figure out how to inconspicuously place Bounce on Hostas. :O) Sorry Echinaceamaniac for stealing a bit of your post... Your flowers are truly beautiful! I can see why everyone likes the last one the best. Gorgeous! You'll do well winter sowing your seeds. I have so many from winter sowing last year I had to create another holding bed to plant them in. (I wait to see what they look like before placing them in the gardens.) Looking good!

I like Summer Sky. Maybe I just like the name : ) But also, have not seen that one out and about and believe me I am out and about looking for granite...The second one reminds me so much of the Giallo ornamentals that are everywhere but they are pretty and that is probably why, versatile, too. The third one reminds me of the Kashmirs such as the white and gold Kashmirs that are relatively common as well. But it really depends on which one looks the best with all that you have in your kitchen. It's really too bad they won't let you bring a piece home but I am running into that as well. The granite yards say they don't knock corners anymore because then they can't sell the slabs to other companies at full price they have to be perfect. With suppliers always trading around with each other at the yards I guess this is why this new policy. Now that the economy is down the rules have changed. You could probably sell anything a few years ago but not so much now. I went to a yard today and the place was all locked up and abandoned, eerie. Anyway, Summer Sky for my vote.