Design

The Sochan ( Rudbeckia laciniata ) that we planted in one of the lower raised beds is flowering now.  Used by the Cherokee as a potherb, it's been a favored native perennial in gardens (and one of those that went to Europe, and has come back as named cultivars).  'Herbstsonne' (= fall sun) is a popular one, and there's apparently a double-flowered version called 'Hortensia.'  Ours is robust in spite of being planted in a shallow bed. And delightfully, one of the Spigelia marilandica (Indian pink) plants that we thought didn't overwinter has surprised us by late emergence and flowering, followed by a second late emerger. Usually it flowers in June, although sporadic flowering later isn't unusual.