Fireworks in a Vase on Monday and notes to self

Two quick vases this week. I found this rose lying on the ground. No-one admits to anything so I suppose it was a victim of the weather. 

I don't know what this rose is but it's a gorgeous copper colour when new then fades to peach. Shown here, just as I found it, with raindrops enhancing it. Should roses ever be photographed without raindrops?

There is so much going on in the way of flowers at this time of year that  some little things can get lost amongst the crazy dahlias. I chose these Allium cernuum ( I think that's what they are, correct me if I'm wrong) so I could enjoy them inside though I do admire them every time I pass outside. Great shadows in the photo too. 

Each flower is like a little firework. I don't know how they will last in a vase but there is only one way to find out. (Yes, Noelle, I will have some bulbs for you at the end of the season. x)











For fancy and fun vases from around the world visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden - In a vase on Monday. 










Just a few notes now about my cutting beds. For a number of  years I've tried to grow flowers with the aim of having plenty to cut without stripping the borders. This year has been the best ever(2nd full summer here) but there is still room for improvement so hopefully I'll read this next year and take note. 

From the right front first bed - Sunflowers, Nicandra, Chrysanthemums 1 bud so far,  Migon Dahlia for Bee obs, Nicotiana, Birch trees waiting to be moved.

Good points - things have flowered brilliantly and I've had loads for myself and to give away. 
I gave them proper support - for the first time ever. It doesn't look particularly beautiful but I think the eye is drawn to the flowers rather than the ugly mesh. The mesh and post system has really worked. 
I've deadheaded reasonably often and not had too much trouble from pests. 
I have plenty of foliage to add but a few more background plants would be useful. 
The Atriplex looks great flowing over the sides of this slightly raised bed. 
It has rained very frequently since flowering began in earnest so I have not had to water. In a dry summer (!) much watering would be needed. 

From front - second bed - Asters, Dahlia Classic Rosamund, Honka pink and Rip City
Third bed - Newly planted wall flowers, Atriplex, Cosomos, Dahlias
Fourth bed - This was supposed to be squashes but they are completely swamped by Atriplex. There is one squash growing. 

Could to better - Even with the amount of space I have I plant things too close together. Several smaller more delicate dahlias are swamped by the bullies. 
I didn't take note of how tall the new ones would be so they are in the wrong place and struggling. 
There are probably too many cosmos all crammed in. They are still producing lots of leaves but plenty of flowers now too. 
I sowed Ammi in the autumn and it did very well but went over quickly. A few sown in autumn and a few in spring would be better use of space and last longer. 
I don't need 20 plant of the same thing. 
Some more subtle flowers would be good as a foil the brightest and biggest.
Sweet peas have been dismal. I should grow them round here next year. 
I've missed Rudbekia Rustic Dwarfs as they either didn't germinate or didn't survive. Buy new seed!

From  the other direction - Dahlia Labyrinth swamping Bishop of Oxford and Gallery Art Fair, Cosmos and one dill plant.

What has done well for you this year? Or what will you do better next year?
Thanks for visiting and bearing with me to the end. x