Some of my flowers have only just got going, like this Dahlia "Bishop of Llandaff", for instance. This is its first bloom:
![Images of September Images of September](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/172/1728676/images-of-september-L-fKYkrK.jpeg)
Similarly, the Lobelia Cardinalis is only just beginning to take off. With its dark purple stems and brilliant scarlet flowers, its color scheme is very similar to that Dahlia!
![Images of September Images of September](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/172/1728676/images-of-september-L-gOzSCI.jpeg)
My Rudbeckia "Goldsturm", normally at its best in early September, has not been very impressive this year, but this is because I lifted it last Autumn and divided it into several smaller plants. These have been getting established and building up their strength this year (only 3 have flowered), and next year I expect I'll have a much better display.
![Images of September Images of September](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/172/1728676/images-of-september-L-WIkfov.jpeg)
The white Achillea (aka Yarrow) has done well though, putting up several tall flower-stems. They contrast very nicely with the dark leaves of the nearby Purple Sage.
![Images of September Images of September](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/172/1728676/images-of-september-L-Xba_Co.jpeg)
The "Sunspot" Dwarf Sunflowers are all finished now. The biggest one grew to about half a meter tall. I have cut off the flower-head, and I aim to dry it. If the seeds look any good I'll keep a few for sowing next year; otherwise they'll be bird food.
![Images of September Images of September](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/172/1728676/images-of-september-L-rAvCLb.jpeg)
A Sunflower of a different sort has made an appearance in the garden this week. It's a glass sunflower-shaped bird bath.
![Images of September Images of September](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/172/1728676/images-of-september-L-MNqRr1.jpeg)
Jane won this thing in a competition. I have to say that's it's not something we would have chosen to buy! I don't know whether any birds will find it attractive (I think maybe its brightness could put them off), and I have visions of a succession of disappointed bees accidentally falling into the water!