We’ve been experiencing cooler weather, but my garden doesn’t seem deterred. Zinnias (Z. elegans) are being mobbed by Monarch and Painted Lady butterflies as they fuel up for their southern migration. Many of the seasonal birds, including hummingbirds, have already left.

Using my Moroccan vase, I gathered up a bunch of mixed zinnias, small sunflowers (Helianthus annuus), and Gloriosa daisies (Rudbeckia hirta), (which you can see as the gold blob to the right of the vase above).

Mealycup Sage (Salvia farinacea) and wild Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) were added for vertical accents. After some recent rain and wind, several sunflower stalks broke under the weight of their heavily seeded heads (courtesy of those busy bees), so the best of them were put in a vase. I’m savoring every bloom in my garden while I can. With the Equinox arriving soon, the inevitable frost won’t be far behind.

I’m linking to Cathy’s In A Vase on Monday meme at Rambling in the Garden. Hop on over to see what gardeners all over are arranging this week.