Add Massive Color To Your Flower Garden

Annuals are beautiful flowers that last just one season, but they provide tons of color at affordable prices.Some advice for planting annuals:

Annuals should be planted in blocks for the most effective look. Always consider the height, with the tallest at the back, mediums in the middle and the shortest at the front. In a round garden plot, put the tallest plants in the middle, and work the shorter ones to the edge. If you must put a taller one in front, ensure that it is a transparent and lacy plant.

Look for strong contrasts in one area, or more subtle groupings in another.

Annuals require sunlight (though some do OK in shade) and rich moisture-retentive soil, with organic matter dug into it. They are half-hardy, and will need to be protected if there is a chance of frost. They can be covered with a fleece or individual plastic bottles.

Annuals need to be fed every two weeks, deadheaded regularly and watered frequently. They should last through the entire growing season, provided you continue to look after them.

Here are the annuals which are perfect to plant in pots, baskets or in garden beds:

Half-hardy summer annuals:
ageratum, impatiens (busy lizzie), cosmos, morning glory, lobelia, nicotiana.

Hardy annuals: marigolds, nasturtians, sweet peas, and sunflowers.

Annuals that thrive in the shade are impatiens, fuschia and lobelia.