Firework flowers

Lots of things are flowering or about to flower now - Nicotiana 'Lime Green' and borage (from Higgledy), Panicum 'Frosted Explosion' and spring-sown cornflowers (from Sarah Raven's), zinnias, jasmine, sweet peas, roses and phlox. The panicum above and below looks like fireworks or fairies, depending on whether you prefer fairytales or Guy Fawkes' Night.

Sweet peas and roses fill rooms and gardens with scent in the day, but nicotiana and jasmine release their scent at night. Early in the morning, you can smell all of them.

I caved in and cut some panicum and nicotiana, but I'm holding out a bit longer for the beautiful blue borage, phlox and Jude the Obscure roses (which I thought would never flower this year!). 

I love the lime green of the nicotiana - it's the perfect partner for bright zinnias and sweet peas.