Kat3, Looks like thyme, probably Thymus serpyllum - if you rub the leaves/flowers, there should be a quite distinctive fragrance, if it is. Yes, Lysimachia vulgaris - I like them, bright and sunny, if kind of invasive. The astilbes can be moved at any time - if you do a good transplant (cut the soil out a ways away from the plant so as to minimize root damage) and water well, they won't even know they've been moved. Individual clematis flowers often show a great deal of variation - for example, I can go out and look at a jackmannii right now and see from 4 to 8 petals on the flowers. With respect to color, well, you probably know how catalogues/pictures can sometimes be inaccurate! I don't get the 'Red Rocks' name either, except if perhaps it relates to the species, Penstemon mexicali, in some way...but nonetheless, it's a really fine, hardy penstemon. Yes, unfortunately, Digitalis purpurea (I assume you have a white form) is usually biennial, so you may wnat to save seeds, or allow it to self-seed...and if you want perennials, grow Digitalis grandiflora and D. lutea (both, soft yellow). The dragonhead (Dracocephalum sp.)is not one I'm familiar with (re. leaf shape) but there are both annuals and perennials in the family. Gee, you sound kind of down...don't be, it all looks great!

Flaurabunda, it's so funny you mentioned cameras. I was reloading some ancient photos into Facebook last night and it's quite startling to see how much my photo-taking has changed. Back in 2009 (the year of Gemini), I did not know how to handle my camera with the right sun exposures but even so Gemini was always beautiful; to this day save for Folklore and with Penny Lane (growing in sunlight) I've never seen a more perfectly formed rose. Kansas heat ruins rose shapes save for those 2 roses. Gemini always looked good no matter what the lighting; constantly spiraling, and your photo just reminded me so much of what she once was before she died. I loved that rose so much and she was a sport-fragranced one too. Double the Agony of losing her.... I'm afraid to get any other Gemini save from J&P because so few Gemini's have the deep coral, and I still hope to find one just like it.... I also check my local nursery but no dark coral Gemini yet...I bet you are probably being "too modest" or not breaking the hard truth for fear it'd make me "insane with grief" lol. Anyway, your photo of her was very "Haunting" and beautiful-- I felt like it was seeing her all over again.... I also forgot to say, I love your "Wall of Fire". Just brilliant! :D

So glad you had a great time! I forgot to mention the Blue Moon Cafe-primarily because they're not open for dinner. But yes, that is a personal fave. I'd not eaten at the Rodeo because my SIL is a vegetarian, so we usually go somewhere that will accomodate him, but I've heard good things about it. Glad you liked So Chic. I hear you on the purses-I always end up buying a couple every time I go there. Did you happen to go thru the 'tunnel' at Oceanside's beach? I love the little surprise of the rocky outcropping when you get to the other side. My SIL and I always take the dogs there when I come to visit, he skips rocks and I hunt for agates. You're more than welcome to come back to Oregon any time!

I pinch off any buds until after they are planted out.