What are these flowers?

Looks like Echium - they bloom in spring and are very drought resistant
and excellent plants to fight hill erosion.

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/7025/echium.html

Jane, thanks very much for the quick answer. They do indeed look like they came from the same family, don't they?

My wife and I went out for a short walk in our local park this evening and wondered what the heck they were.

Now I'll be able to sleep tonight! :wink:

From the leaf pattern, it might also be speedwell (veronica)

http://acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_SM2/0033-0405-2817-4223_SM2.jpg

Not echium fastuosum, but veronica, as J_B says; probably veronica longifolia...

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/844/index.html

Ah, well, is that the definitive answer? That looks like it as well, very close, indeed!

Thanks for your responses.

Those are puuuurty!

Looks like a short version of cattails with purple tips. Will have to check the links and see if they grow well in the southern part of US.