How Do I Design A Garden With A Mix Of Annuals And Perennials?

Let me tell you, folks, about some annuals that bloom ALL summer long! You know, sometimes it can be hard to keep that summer garden looking fresh, but with these bad boys, you won't have to worry about a thing. First up, we've got the trusty ol' zinnia. These babies come in tons of different colors and are super easy to grow. Plus, they're great for cutting and putting in a vase inside your home. Next, we've got the marigold. Not only are these guys beautiful, but they're also great for deterring pests. Yep, that's right – mosquitoes, aphids, and even rabbits will steer clear of your garden if you've got some marigolds planted. Let's talk about petunias for a minute. These guys are perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes – they spill over the edges and create a beautiful, colorful display. Plus, they come in so many different shades that you can truly customize your garden to your liking. If you're looking for something a little different, give celosia a try. These guys have an almost whimsical look to them, with their feathery plumes and bright colors. They're also known as "cockscomb" because of their unique shape. Moving on to verbena – these guys are a great choice if you're looking for something that will cascade over the sides of planters or borders. They come in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, and they're great for attracting butterflies and other beneficial insects to your garden. What about salvia? These guys have been a favorite of gardeners for ages. They come in shades of blue, purple, red, and white, and they're great for adding some height to a garden bed. They also attract pollinators, which is great for the environment. Now, let's chat about geraniums. These guys are classic and timeless – everyone's grandma had some in their garden, right? But don't let that fool you – geraniums are still just as great as they ever were. They come in a million different colors and varieties, and they're great for planting in containers and on patios. Moving on to impatiens – these guys are perfect for shady areas of the garden where other plants might not thrive. They come in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, and they add a pop of color to any space. If you love bright, bold colors, give gazania a try. These guys come in shades of orange, yellow, and pink, and they're great for sunny areas of the garden. Plus, they're drought-tolerant, which means you don't have to worry about watering them too much. Up next, we've got snapdragons. These guys are great for adding some vertical interest to a garden bed, and they come in colors like pink, purple, white, and yellow. Plus, they're great for cutting and putting in vases inside your home. Let's talk about portulaca for a minute. These guys are perfect for hot, dry areas of the garden where not much else will grow. They come in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow, and they have delicate, almost translucent petals. Moving on to ageratum – these guys are great for adding some contrast to a garden bed. They come in shades of blue, pink, and white, and they're great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. What about lobelia? These guys are great for planting in containers and hanging baskets, and they come in shades of blue, purple, and white. Plus, they're great for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Now, let's chat about cleome. These guys are also known as "spider flowers" because of their unique shape. They come in shades of pink, white, and purple, and they're great for adding some height to a garden bed. Last but not least, we've got the beloved daisy. These guys come in shades of white and yellow, and they're great for planting in a meadow or wildflower garden. Plus, they're great for cutting and putting in vases inside your home. And there you have it, folks – 16 annuals that will keep your garden looking fresh and beautiful all summer long. Happy planting! Oh, and before I forget – be sure to take a look at the image below for a visual of each of these plants. Pretty cool, huh? A Garden on the Move - FineGardening