Annuals

Annuals are usually the final step in adding color and variety to any bed. There is a large supply of flowers that are good for sun or shade beds in tall to short sizes. Some are more drought tolerant than others and some bloom more than others.

They are great for filling in small bare spots and bordering large

Common Names

• Pansies
• Geraniums
• Petunias
• Marigolds
• Moss Rose
• Sylvia
• Snap Dragons
• Dianthus

There are several varieties of the above and many others.

These flowers typically have more shallow roots so they will require more water but they are also more showy than perennials. They bloom all season long and offer a huge selection of colors. On some varieties you can even save the seed for the next season.

I like to mix them into all my beds and plant containers which I place in my beds. First I decide where I need to fill a bare spot to determine what size I need. Then I look for the color I need within the bed I'm planting and how much sun the plant will require. I don't want the plant to become crowded out or burned out by to much sun. If your planting a purely annual bed then a nice affect might be to plant tall to short with the front being very short.

Some, like geraniums and marigolds, will bloom well into fall while others will wither the first time night falls below 40. They are very effective at adding interest to vegetable beds. Since vegetable beds tend to be very plain, a border of geraniums can really brighten the bed up.

Annuals will always be a popular addition for any yard for thier color, variety and stamina. Try waiting a little later in the spring and you can get some really good deals. And don't forget to save your seeds if possible and store them in a cool dry location. Below is a picture of annuals I mixed with strawberries and perennials.