There doesn't appear to be snail trails around. Could it be ants.? It's just the petals not the greenery, and they have not touched the ones in my large wooden planter
It is possible! Without seeing signs, or catching the creature in the act, it can be very difficult to say what it was.
You can try a broad spectrum insecticide, which will usually take care of the problem.
Here is a collection of articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
A few years ago I took some seeds from some type of lovely daisy plant. They are tall, delicate looking and grow fairly easily. One advantage is they send up stalks and do not bloom until late summer (Aug-Sept). I've been asked for the name of it, but have no idea. Can you tell me the name of this plant?
I would suggest taking it in for DNA analysis. Most universities have PCR machines that they can use to do so. Otherwise, you will NOT be able to ID the cultivar.
It is a Rudbeckia, but there are many in the genus, and separating them is quite difficult.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/black-eyed-susan
My comment is that isn't the usual Black eyed Susan (Which I can't seem to get rid of). It is an annual, very tall and delicate, much later blooming. I hope someone might know which specific Rudbeckia it is in that case..
Hi my montauk daisies need to be divided, when and how is the best way to do that? also, what is the last date I should use for cutting them back to stop splaying when they bloom? I cut them back in early July last year, but the blooming period was too late in the late summer/early fall. To what height should I cut them back to? I live in southeastern Massachusetts
You can cut your plants back by half once in spring to promote business. Since they bloom in late summer and fall, spring would be the best time to dig and divide your clumps of daisies.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/montauk-daisy/growing-montauk-daisies.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/propgen/dividing-plants.htm
Where can I purchase real English Garden Daisy seeds in the USA? Thank you
We do not recommend places to purchase, unfortunately. I would recommend checking local nurseries, or online nurseries, though.
We do offer articles on the subject of growing them, though!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/english-daisies/caring-for-english-daisies.htm
do I cut off the blooms
If it is still blooming with the first frost, they should die back. If it's annual, it won't return unless it reseeds. If it's perennial, it should grow again next spring.
Usually you don't need to do anything for perennials except perhaps mulch around the base if you are on the edge of the hardiness zone. You can cut back the dead stems or leave them till spring. Then cut them to the ground before the new growth starts.
Would tall daisies & articles work in an area?
There are quite a few plants to choose from in your area. Here are some articles to get you started:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-year-round-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/invasive-plants-zone-7.htm
Flowers are fading and I want to clean up the garden
This can be done after blooms fade. Now is fine. Here is an article that will help with their care: