Stunning Salvias at Hershey Gardens

The annual beds of Hershey Gardens were

in their glory at the beginning of October.
We had a beautiful, blustery day to
wind our way through the still colorful gardens.
The blooming grasses added their dynamic dimension, 
but they'll have to wait for another post.

For now I'll focus on annuals, and
give Salvias first billing
as the major stars of the show for me.

Salvia 'Mystic Spires Blue' was in gorgeous bloom. 

Hardy to zone 7, it's grown as an annual here in zone 6.

Hot pink Wendy's Wish Sage (Salvia 'Wendy's Wish' - hardy to zone 9)
brings up the rear with dramatic color.
A new variety, I read that part of its
proceeds go to the
Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The casual tangle of
pink Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
provides a nice contrast to the vibrant spikes. 

 

Deep Purple Sage
(middle left - Salvia splendens 'Vista Purple' - tender perennial zones 11a-12b) 
and Wax Begonias
weave waves of color into this
pink and blue tapestry.

The Hershey Chocolate Factory is visible to the right in the background. 
The historic property, where the chocolate company began, has recently been sold, its operations to be relocated to a modern plant. 
The iconic symbol in the heart of town will be missed. 

Black and Blue Salvia (Salvia gauranitica 'Black and Blue' - hardy to zone 8),
is another striking member of the family.
Its electric blue color is set off by black stems and calyces 

 

I was taken by the dramatic

Cock's Comb Flamingo (Celosia spicata),

a new annual to me. 

A bit gangly in form,it looks suited to the
rear of a bed with fronting plants providing a "skirt".

 

Mexican Bush Sage

(left foreground - Salvia leucantha 'Cislano' - hardy to zone 8),

is a luscious rich pink-purple color

with a kind of free wheeling habit.

It's easy to see why it's also called Velvet Sage.

I've always loved annual Salvia and am determined to

branch out and try some of these varieties.

Enjoy these glorious the days of early fall,

full of color and life.