My goldenrods are budding now. Kinda strange. I would hesitate before cutting buds back because the plant has already expended the energy necessary to prepare flowers and depending on the plant, it may not be able to generate enough energy to make another attempt by fall.

Rouge21, you will love your Allium 'Millenium'. It is a beautiful, very low maintenance and extremely easy to please garden plant. And yes, the flowers do not form seed but produce huge amounts of nectar that bees and butterflies will flock to. I am also a bit Allium obsessed and I have discovered that like the smaller rhizomatous types and smaller bulbous types best of all. When in growth mode, the large globe alliums from Holland have the tendency to steamroll and suffocate many of my more delicate perennials so I have been removing them. Allium cristophii is my favorite of the larger bulb types. The foliage is somewhat narrow and relatively well-behaved, and it is reliably perennial for me. It produces hundreds of grass-like seedlings every spring, but none of them seem to return the second year. I wish it would spread all over. I love it! I also love the drumstick alliums. This plant returns each year from the bulbs, but does not appear to set seed in my garden. I also wish it would spread all over. The very narrow, grassy foliage mixes very well in a perennial border and barely takes up any space. A new bulbous type for me this year is Allium obliquum. The plants are gorgeous and relatively compact, looking like a very elegant and tidy garlic. The twisting flower stems are striking and delightful. I would grow it for the flower buds alone, and I haven't even seen the flowers yet, lol! And it is very easy to start from seed!

I realize it's very common, but Allium tuberosum (garlic chives) is really a very nice plant. Bloom times varies, but mine generally starts sometime in late August and continues into September. This is a photo from last year, but mine is currently still in bloom although a bit past its prime. I've heard some people complain a lot about its prolific self-sowing tendencies, but I've never had a problem with that because I chop it down before the seeds disperse. As the seeds start to mature, the flower color kind of changes from white to a greenish-white which I really like. Now that I think of it, this plant often continues to bloom well into October because it continues to produce a few more flower stems after the initial flush of blooms matures. Of course, the white flowers look good with everything. Kevin This post was edited by aachenelf on Tue, Sep 24, 13 at 7:40

Tiffy why did you say Ugh about the Japanese Tree Peony I just love them They take some time to become splendid. Patience. Love the listing of things in bloom just now Liked the comment keep dirt under your fingernails. I know it is not much to be admired among most of my women friends, but I myself, don't mind it at all. Mostly not at all. I have several Hydrangea looking so good and roses with quite a lot of bloom Tropicals as well that sure do catch your eye, such as Brugmansia, Datura and Canna Lilies. Some Chrysanthemums are just opening. Lots of sedums make for a great show. Yes that Russian sage looks good now I am just working on a new large front garden bed. eight feet by sixty It will be sunny all day and I am not planing to water it much So good to have the name of some of these plants listed.