My daughter returns from a hectic work week with a mason jar of flowers from a friend. Our cat immediately gnaws on a zinnia leaf, and so my daughter sets the jar of flowers on our table on the back porch.
A week later, the flowers are still vibrant — giant orange zinnias and sunflowers and maroon amaranth that drapes over the jar’s edge. This, despite the fluctuations of cold and heat for days.
The other name for amaranth is Love Lies Bleeding.
On this Saturday morning, my daughters already at work and soccer, I drink coffee and catch up with email. Next year, I imagine, maybe I’ll plant my entire garden in flowers, vegetables be damned. I won’t; I know that. But I sowed an enormous variety of Love Lies Bleeding in along my brassica this year. We’re devouring all of that.
Stony Soil Vermont 
My recent note to self was the opposite. I decided I planted way too many flowers this year. Searching the plots for something to harvest and came away a few peppers but lots of delightful but spindly zinnias.
So interesting how gardens work out differently each year!