A Greek word that means hedgehog, these long lasting flowers are more commonly known as coneflowers for the conical shaped seed head of the flowers. Our echinaceas are just starting their long blooming season and can be found in many gardens throughout the area. They are dependable and easy to care for – a good bang-for-your-buck if you are looking for a reliable perennial.
Our Echinacea is doing well here on the Cutoff. I learned last year to temper my eagerness at pulling weeds too early in the season. While I do have quite a growth of weeds, my patience at waiting until I was sure has awarded us fairly a full crop of Echinacea, which are just starting to perform and have been graciously posing for me and my camera.
These pictures, however, are all from the same photo. I started playing around with the image, cropping it in different spots, and thought you might like see them. Just don’t tell anyone that the photo was taken in the drive-through line of the local Mac Donald’s where I stopped for a cold drink the other day.
As I sat, my car in the queue waiting to pay, I noticed this bee enjoying her own happy meal and just couldn’t resist.
Joy in the simple things! π
We have gotten the house sold and most likely will be in crazy mode for awhile. It is only six weeks until closing, and we must be out of here within five days thereafter, so if I don’t comment for awhile . . . π
LikeLike
Indeed! π I’m a pretty simple gal.
That’s wonderful news and sounds like the house sold quickly, Karen. Congratulations and the best of wishes in your move and new home. I know and understand that “crazy mode”. Hang in there and start packing.
LikeLike
Hedgehog? π I love learning fascinating, new things here, Penny! Your images are just stunning. I would love to have an entire bed of echinacea one day… in all colors! Hope you are enjoying time in your garden this week. Tomorrow looks like a wonderful day of perfect weeding weather! β‘
LikeLike
I know. I was surprised to discover the meaning – and just had to share it. π
It is such a sturdy flower, especially for this area – and I can imagine an entire bed of them, Dawn. I thought I had lost mine this year, but, they are really starting to pop up and show off. I think you are right. It’s still humid today, though good for pulling some weeds, but, tomorrow will be much more pleasant. Thanks for stopping by. I hope your project is going well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did not know the meaning of echinacea!
Love your photo and the cropping differences. π I love photos of bees and flowers.
LikeLike
It’s fun to learn the meaning, isn’t it? I was surprised.
Thank you, L. Marie. The wonders of technology and landscaping at MacDonald’s. π
LikeLike
I had no idea of the meaning of the flower name and I love learning things like this! Thank you. Happy bee indeed and I like the crops; camera play is fun!
LikeLike
I didn’t know about these hedgehogs either, Sallie. It IS fun learning new things. You are very welcome.
Thank you. I was having fun with the cropping – inspired by you!
LikeLike
I’ve been dosing myself on echinacea for my winter cold, never knowing that it was hedgehog really! Thank you for teaching me something new Penny.
LikeLike
You are very welcome, Juliet. π It was something new to learn for me as well.
I hope that echinacea is helping you with your winter cold and that you are on the mend as quick as a wink.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was JUST looking at coneflower seeds online! I was bored and longing for Spring. I will rely on you to guide me through the how-to’s next year. I think they are so pretty. I had gazannia’s this year and they were so hearty and pretty.
LikeLike
How nice to see you again. π I love gazannias. Such happy flowers.
I know that longing for Spring – and with one snowstorm gone and another coming, my thoughts already are floating toward spring. π
LikeLiked by 1 person