Annual Flowers

Annual flowers bring joy to gardeners all across this great country and throughout much of the world. I have planted them every year since 1963 and have discovered what varieties work best for my particular conditions here in the central states.

From experience I am aware that many gardeners are confused by the following terms: annuals, perennials and biennials.

So let’s clear up the confusion by stating that annuals are great for one growing season whereas biennials normally thrive for two years and perennials should provide three or more years of gardening pleasure.

Annual plants are not as expensive as perennials and tend to be easier to grow. The flowers usually are prolific bloomers throughout the summer.

They can be used in beds, containers, cutting gardens, around the base of trees, and in borders.

These types of flowering plants are easy to start from seed and are quick to develop into a mature plant.

They offer a large variety of flower forms and growth habits that can be used to fill an open space, or scattered within other plants for interest.

Another use is mixed borders with perennials, shrubs and trees.

What if you just moved into a new home that has little landscape features.

What about growing flowers so as to have an immediate positive impact for your garden areas. It will take the trees, shrubs, and perennials longer to establish.

With their one year life cycle, they are ideal for establishing in containers. Any container would work from a simple pot or even a hanging basket.

Be sure that you provide good drainage including holes in the bottom of the container.

If the plants are in a sunny area, be sure to water frequently especially during hot periods to prevent stress.

We will cover the following subjects and do our best to explain the types of annual flowers and what an annual flower garden is and should be.

Planting these flowers should be enjoyable and provides a wonderful source of exercise so let’s discuss some of the uses such as:

• Best varieties
• Summer flowers
• Shade plants
• Full sun
• Planting
• Germination of Seeds.

Sunflower plants are enjoying a well deserved increase in popularity which is due to the development of many new varieties that are performing very well for gardeners of all skill levels.

It is important that we do not fail to include old time favorites in our discussions such as:

• Cannas
• Dahlias
• Elephant Ears
• Gladiolus

One title is difficult to figure out where we are going with it until you click on it and I believe that you may be surprised with the information that you will find.

Please see bean plant growth which you will hopefully enjoy.