Dianthus (Border Pink)

This Flower looks like a skirt doesn't it? Someone says that it looks like a butterfly? What about you? Can anyone help to identify this flower? Thanks!

Added 13 December 2005
Thanks to Dee for Identification

The Dianthus we grow are also known as Border Pinks. These comprise a group of Dianthus larger than the diminutive alpine species and smaller than carnations. Some of these are old historic varieties such as Inchmery which originated in the eighteenth century. While others are more recent selections such as Mountain Mist. Many gardeners grow Dianthus for their fragrance. The spicy scent varies with each variety. In the plant descriptions we try to indicate the range of fragrance. Some such as Rose du Mai are highly scented, while Allspice and Brympton Red are not so overpowering with their scent. A number of the Dianthus we grow are known as Laced Pinks. These are typically double or semidouble flowers having each petal edged in shades of pink to burgundy. Examples of these are London Delight or Gran's Favourite. Since the Border Pinks have a relatively short blooming season (3 - 4 weeks in early summer), it is often important to select plants which look attractive in the garden when not in flower. Charles Musgrave, though highly scented, has little to offer with its sprawling habit, whereas Essex Witch or Waithman's Beauty make tidy mats of low dense foliage which are attractive throughout the year. Regardless of whether it's an historic Dianthus or a recent introduction, or scented or not, all the Dianthus are cheery in the garden and make wonderful cut flowers.

Info quoted from http://www.canyoncreeknursery.com/dianthus.html

Pink Gerbera

Can anyone help to identify this flower? Thanks.

Zinnia (Pinwheel Series)

Can anyone help to identify this flower? Thanks to SusanC for I.D this flower!

Added 8 December 2005

DESCRIPTION: These pretty annuals are natives of Mexico. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Z. elegans, Youth-and-old-age, is the most commonly grown kind along with its many different varieties. There are both single and double flowered kinds. Zinnia form bushy, erect, self-branching plants, growing 1 to 4 feet in height. Z. angustifolia is bushy and trailing, 8 to 24 inches. The oval leaves are 2 to 3 inches long. The foliage of Z. angustifolia is narrow. The ray petals of the flowers may be quilled or flat and they come in every shade except blue. Picking off the dead flowers will increase the blooms.

POTTING: The soil should be well drained, rich and moist to on the dry side. They will flourish in full sun. Set them 8 to 12 inches apart.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be started early indoors at a 70- to 75-degree temperature, 6 to 8 weeks before it's safe to plant outside. Plant them in flats of sifted soil consisting of loam and leaf mold and humus or peat, with a bit of sand added. Seeds may also be sown directly outdoors where they are to grow when the soil is warm.

Info quoted from http://www.botany.com/zinnia.html

Wet Dandelion Seedhead

This pic was taken by my sisters when they travelled to Canada. I personally haven't seen this type of flower in Malaysia. I guess it only exist in colder areas. Appreciate any help in identifying it. Thanks!

Added 6th December 2005
Thanks to identification by SusanC.

Everybody knows this weed, and most have a love-hate relationship with it. We don't try too hard to keep it out of the lawn, but it's not welcome in our garden areas. The large fleshy taproot on established plants reaches quite deep, and must be completely removed to get rid of the plant. Several varieties grow in our gardens, some with plain leaves, others deeply cut.

Quoted from http://www.robsplants.com/plants/TaraxOffic.php