They drape over walls and into pathways softening hard surfaces and rectangular beds and borders while drawing the eye of the viewer downward to where they often live.
Their small leaves and bright stems mingle with other perennials like broad-leaved hostas, providing change in texture and form.
They cover the unsightly bare legs of heat stressed shrubs like roses and nandinas.
With their tiny blossoms, they charm as they wind through taller perennials.
They provide a backdrop of infinitesimal beauty.
How often though do you think about them? Consider the lilies you may, but what about the “little ones?” They are working hard to garner your attention.
Perhaps as a Pisces I adore teeny flowers, even those of "weeds." I have very small containers to house these little treasures and I take the greatest delight in their presence in my home. Yours are particularly lovely. Thank you for sharing them with us. 🙂
Hi Kathryn, hmm, I'm not a Pisces, but instead a Virgo. However, I love the little ones too. They are favorites of mine. No, thank you.~~Dee
Well, I am very focused on my small-flowered plants, with all the containers I have. I depend on them absolutely, though at this point, I doubt any are as lovely as yours.
Eliz, somehow I doubt that. I’ve seen photos of your garden, and I’m looking forward to 2010 when I can see it in person at the Spring Fling.~~Dee
The crown jewels of the whole lot. Big things in small packages. The last two are my favorites. All just beautiful!
Dee, Glad to know you bought the Brazilian Nightshade at Bustani. I have bought several plants from them. I got their newsletter today in the mail with the dates they are open this fall. I will have to ask if they will have this plant again next spring.
Kclily
I saw that too Kclily. I hope to get by there on Friday, but I don't know if I will or not. I just want to see the gardens if nothing else.~~Dee
Wonderful post, Dee! They are all pretty, but I love the apricot zinnias!
Me too, Robin. I planted them a couple of seasons ago, and now they self sow.~~Dee
Dee, What a great post and sweet reminder to consider the little flowers and the hard job they do in our gardens! …and I must get the Brazilian Nightshade~~it's beautiful. gail
Hi Gail, I got it from Bustani Plant Farm, and it's the only place I've seen it. It's a tropical so it won't overwinter.~~Dee
I wish I had more little ones in the garden right now to capture your eye and have a little more color. Lovely little ones here.
Lisa, I bet your garden is beautiful anyway.~~Dee
Beautiful photographs, and wonderful flowers. Thank you for sharing not only the beauty, but all of the names too – I love to find new things to maybe try in my own garden.
Oh, you're welcome Leslie. I love new things. In fact, I think I love them too much. 🙂 ~~Dee
I love little bloomers, they really make you stop and smile! Great post:)
Thank you so much Carla.~~Dee
I love the photos. Where did you find the blue potato vine? It is so beautiful.
Hi Phillip, I found it and most of my other unusual plants from http://www.bustaniplantfarm.com. Tell Steve Owens I sent you. He's a good friend and a great gardener. 🙂 ~~Dee
I agree with Nancy about the tiny flowers. I grew Tiny Mice last year and just loved the display it put on.
Jennifer, it's been a super performer here too. It has outperformed my other bat-faced cuphea, but I still need to ask the people at Proven Winners if it is indeed a different cultivar. Thanks again for stopping by.~~Dee
Thanks MMD. I like how they sprawl, but you like a neater appearance in your pretty garden than I do.~~Dee
I think I need more "little ones." They are so charming
Planting zinnias at the base of roses is a great idea. I've been wondering what to plant at the base of a climbing rose and a gangly hybrid tea and all I could think of were succulents. Thanks!
Hi Sarah, thanks for stopping by. I try to cover the roses' knees with something. Otherwise, the garden looks a bit sparse.~~Dee
sometimes the littlest blossoms are the most intricately beautiful of flowers, you just have to slow down and really look. Forget about slowing down to smell the roses… stop to look at the little blessings that lie almost hidden near our feet.
Oh, Nancy, that was beautifully said.~~Dee