The first pic is bergamot, the second is sweet william.

Karen

I was thinking the 1st is Monarda... I agree the 2nd is sweet william. So, how do we tell if it's Monarda or Bergamot?

Your Sweet William is lovely!

Dee

Monarda is Bergamot.

Just to add to the confusion- Monarda and Bergamot are also known as Bee Balm! ;0)

As if those weren't enough, it's also known as Oswego tea.

Heartzlink, your pictures are beautiful. Wish my flowerbeds looked so inviting.

The Monarda may be Monarda didyma "Croftway Pink" or "Marshalls Delight"
Common names often used: Oswego Tea, Bee Balm, Beebalm, Bergamot, Firecracker Plant

I love growing the Dianthus barbatus "Sweet William" not only for their beauty but for that yummy fragrance. :-)

Rosie

Thanks to all of you.... I first thought bee balm, but my 'real' bee balm has a more fuchsia bloom and I had never seen any with the lavender blooms...... and yes, Sweet William, lol, I kept telling DH that I knew what they were but had no idea where I had filed the info in my brain, lol..... Thank you, thank you all.......

The first looks a lot like Monarda fistulosa, not the same species as Monarda didyma. It typically has the lavender flowers, better tolerates drier conditions.