Unfortunately I didn't take more photos of the plant as my mind wasn't on ID. But if you look at the flower at the top right you can clearly see the Daisy structure. I also did exhaustive comparative research between the web and the botanical garden's own plant database to confirm ID. There are some more photos 'n' info. at Dave's Garden, but this site blocks links to that site -- FYI.... It's a neat plant. Completely new to me, too! Wish I'd been thinking beyond the way the light was hitting the flowers to possible ID issues when I was on location, but alas I wasn't. I am confident in the final ID, though -- especially since the botanical garden lists this species in the exact location I photographed them in =) They may still be in bloom on my return visit & I'll make sure to get macro shots for yaz. Thanks again everyone!

Voles wouldn't do that. I too say it was human -- do you live in a suburban setting? Someone might have wanted some plants and been evil enough to go out "shopping" in other people's gardens. I once had to confront a lady who pulled her car to the side of the street and got out with shovel in hand to dig plants out of my large mixed bed alongside the road (but inside of my lot line past the public right of way). When she saw me, she quickly hollered out "oh, I was looking for wildflowers to dig" -- as if my bed of that included various cultivars of sunflowers,dahlias, buddleias, yuccas, lupines, allliums, etc. all in geometric patterns and surrounded by mown lawn on all sides was vacant land. It takes all kinds, and I wouldn't put it past some people.

Where are you located? I'm interested in the rudbeckia and asters. Maybe others but definately those. I hope to be going to BelAir(not Bowie) and Catonsville next weekend so it might not be too far off course. Thanks for posting the offer. Bethb

Thanks! I actually figured that out today based on our discussion that it was in the Aster family, and was coming here to post for whoever took the plants. I'm pretty sure it is Aster tataricus. Now that it has been identified, if anyone wants some, let me know! ~CA