The unexpected joy of growing Cosmos

I planted Cosmos without expecting much and it's become one of the most satisfying things in my garden. self-seeding and naturalising without annual replanting is something I couldn't have predicted from looking at it in a nursery. You only understand it once the plant is established and performing.

I keep it in a naturalistic border at the edge of a garden which is perfect for it. allowing plants to set seed before cutting at the end of season was the thing I got lucky getting right early. peak flowering from early to midsummer stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it. annual weed competition overwhelming slow-establishing flowers is a real thing — just check regularly and deal with it quickly.