1) Liatris (spicata?) Butterflies use for nectar and birds can eat seeds on spent blooms. Groundhogs & deer love mine as much as I do so I don't often get to see blooms. Thanks for sharing yours...LOL. 2) Nepeta (one of groundcover types?) Attracts "good" bees looking for nectar. I have some 'Blue Carpet' new this year and I'm not impressed with them. Got leggy and browning like yours but they get cut back each year so next year's growth may be better. 3) ? Looks like something in the Rudbeckia family but I don't grow them because deer and other critters would eat them. I'm sure there are more experienced posters who can pinpoint exactly for you. Good plants to have!

possibly low nitrogen? what fertilizers have you used?

Try the Antiques Forum; this forum pertains to making pottery & ceramics. Best luck!

Looks like a red leaved amaranth.