OMG, my MIL was right!

It IS a weed, and a noxious one to boot, according to Internet reports. Once it started blooming and I could see it was yellow, I narrowed it down to Carthamus lanatus, the saffron thistle, an invasive weed all over the world. It must have come in with the nyger. I think I'll leave it���������it's more of a problem in places like New Zealand and California���������and see if I get any finches nearer the house when the seed ripens.

















'Mardi Gras' looking fastastic this morning.














It's nothing personal. I'm just not in love with 'Laura Bush'. I think she's a terrible color. Pope John Paul II���������now there's a rose. Pure white, as you would expect, and with a heavenly scent (sorry). I'll post a picture next time I get a blossom.