ANNUALS AND BULBS

An annual is a plant or flower which completes its life cycle in one season. For this reason, annuals are used in planting beds and should be replaced each season for optimum color. There are many varieties of annuals that grow in all types of conditions and light.

Bulbs are perennials which are used in both permanent and seasonal planting beds. Daylilies, for example, are used in permanent beds, while tulips are used in annual beds. Planted in fall and provided with a cold period, bulbs provide color in spring. Then they should be dug up for the next season.

Annual flowers that are easy to care for will reward you with seasonal accent color. Common, attractive, sun-loving varieties include red salvia, marigolds, begonias, petunias and ageratum. Plant for striking color combinations. Plant densely, fertilize and water throughout the season. Pick off dead blossoms and trim leggy plants.
Grow according to plant requirements.

Seasonal recommendations:

Spring Bulbs
Tulip bulbs, daffodils (shown above), hyacinth

Summer Annuals
Marigolds, red salvia, zinnias

For annuals and bulbs that will perform best in your landscape, spend some time at your local nursery when plants you like are blooming.