I recently took two weeks driving across these United States. I expected to see many plants and trees that I would not be able to identify, and thought I would take many photos that would require later research and identification, if possible. Instead, I found myself marveling at many very familiar plants and the amazing ways they grow and thrive in completely different climate zones. Our route was neither the “typical” Northern, nor Southern route. Rather, we meandered across parts of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, (back through Tennessee), North Carolina and Virginia.

Our timing was perfect for seeing the aspens turning color in Northern Colorado, and for seeing the late summer annuals blooming everywhere else.  The wild sunflowers in Kansas were interesting because there were many flowers on each stem. What looked like our native California grape, Roger's Red, flourished along the Missouri River in Kansas City. “Jumping out of the ground” is the only way I can describe these plants. Impatiens, Vinca, Canna, Ipomoea everywhere! Between standard summer rainfall in the Midwest and South and plentiful water for irrigation, our California draught-tolerant plantings look a bit dull in comparison! This weekend's rainfall has given our garden a bit of welcome green and the photos from this cross-country trip will continue to inspire me as I try to keep my autumn garden colorful.