WTF Wednesday, 1st Edition

I just moved to the Chicago region. My finace and I bought a dear little cottage that has been beautifully landscaped.

The only problem is that I have no clue what most things are, because I did my early gardening in a mid-Atlantic state.*

So I've decided to start a game - I'll call it 'WTF Wednesday.' Most weeks, I will try to post a photo of a plant that I do not know what it is, probably from my yard or garden plot, but I may take photos around Chicago if the mood so strikes me. Sorry to say, there are no prizes. You just get the personal satisfaction of having helped a fellow dirt grubber get to know who lives in her yard.

Let's get started.

This plant is ~3' tall and appears to grow alone or with one or two others. Here's its flower, which is in bloom now (mid-July):


Here's its leaf:


Thanks for playing.


* For example, it took a lot of Google-ing to figure out that this is Lady's (Ladies) Mantle (Mantel). Right?
Right??

...because, it - you know - happens

Yay! Look what came this morning! I ordered it from composters.com last week with some babysitting money.


And I got a little innoculant to start my whole compost pile going. Barley thinks it smells GOOD.


I decided on the Garden Gourmet because I've read good reviews, it's compact, and I can hide it behind the clematis quite well.

It only took about 30 minutes to set up, including dragging the heavy box 'round to the back. Check it, 'cos this is the only time you'll find it empty.


Just in case you forget what is compostable and what is not, there's a friendly pictorial guide on the lid.


Barley is helping prepare some of the bigger sticks in our yard for the composter.


Thanks, babe!