The prairie planting covers the small central area between the tropical bed and the cottage garden area. It houses our collection of 12 varieties of rudbeckia and includes stipa gigantea, the currently very trendy verbena bonariensis and the magnificent perennial sunflower, Helianthus Salicifolius.

Rudbeckias

The rudbeckias are:

Shorter varieties:

R. Goldsturm, R. Speciosa, R. Subtomentosa, R. Sullivantii, R. Deamii, R. Mollis, R. Triloba 

Tall varieties

R. Laciniata, R. Golden Glow, R. Herbstsonne, R. Juligold, and R. Californica

R Ampla and R. Goldquelle don't seem to like growing in our garden (slug problems I suspect) but have been fostered out to Dawn's mum's garden where they are doing very well.

Rudbeckia Goldsturm

Echinaceas

Our collection of echinaceas comes from a mixed collection of seed I was given a few years ago, the seedlings raisede from these and a number of plants we have bought separately. We will be extending the bed next year as more of our lobelias migrate into the pond area. Echinaceas have the reputation of being harder to overwinter than rudbeckias. I think this is down to slugs again and find that removing all dead leaves from the base of the plant in autumn and using beer traps helps a lot.

The echinaceas in 2004. They have not done so well this year due to contamination of the water from the dishwasher. The problem is now solved and we hope for a better show in 2006

Echinacea Purpurea

Echinacea Razzamataz