Annuals

Annuals will give you color throughout the growing season. If you choose the right varieties, they will bloom prolifically well into late fall. They provide the flower power that makes your landscape plantings stand out. Their addition makes dull areas look exciting, uninteresting areas look interesting, and ugly areas look beautiful. Annuals have many uses in many situations, and serve many purposes. They come in all colors, textures, heights, and habits.

Annuals have as many uses as they have environments where they can be planted. They work well in window box plantings as part of stunning combinations. They are a key element in all tub planting, whether being used on the front entrance, the patio, or around the pool. Hanging baskets of annuals can be used in various locations, and can be set up with drip irrigation to reduce watering time. Gaps in perennial beds can be filled with constant color. A boring front yard planting can become exciting with a colorful display of annuals. A shady dull area of the garden can be brightened up with color. A fence can be beautified, a driveway can be integrated with the rest of the landscape, and upright poles holding mailboxes or lights can be covered with colorful vines. Wherever you look in your garden and see areas that are lacking something, you can improve them with the addition of annuals. Annuals will cover up many sins and will make your garden cheerful, colorful, and warm. Every home will benefit with the addition of their color.

Selection is important. You need to choose the right plant for the right location. Different varietals have differing types of flower power and blooming duration. You need to put some thought into making your selection, making sure to choose the right color combination, the right height and habit, and the right looks for the area you are planting. Curving lines will add to a natural look in the garden. Odd numbers are better than even numbers in a natural setting. Formal settings require greater balance. Wintertime is planning time in the garden. A little bit of planning will go a long way in making your yard more beautiful.

Soil preparation is important and the preparation of a planting bed needs to take place before planting. I use organic potting soil to fill containers and beds. It is important for us as a nation to go green if we want to save our earth. The end results are amazing. I advocate that you pursue an organic maintenance approach as well. Going green is important for the health of our plants, the environment, and for the health of our children, our pets, and ourselves.

Photo courtesy of Hagit