In an English Garden - in August (I)

Two very "ordinary" plants, a shrubby Potentilla (left) and a phlox (right). The Potentillas come in many shades, the most common is a bright yellow, I chose something a bit more understated for the front border.

Left, a new plant introduction in the UK, Tradescantia "Sweet Kate". This has yellow leaves and purplish blue flowers over a long period. Not quite sure about it myself, I got this because my wife liked it. It looks fine in the garden centre display but a single plant looks a bit "gappy". Maybe it will bulk up next year? Right a white Hydrangea with a Red Admiral butterfly.

Above two "daisies" from the garden of the grand house. The one on the left is probably a Ligularia, the one on the right a variety of Aster x frikartii (so I'm told). Below left, Allium pulichellum album grown from seed, looking like a minature floral firework display. Right, the only Penstemon that seems to persist here, "Port Wine". It flowers from June onwards. Generally the broader leaved Penstemons are said to be less hardy, so it is odd that this one survives while all the rest die out over a couple of years.