Aug
When added to the backyard landscape, flowers elevate any yard from boring to beautiful. Growing flowers can be intimidating and leave the gardener wondering where to begin. Check out these 10 foolproof flowers that will remove the intimidation from flower gardening and take your yard to a whole new level.
Begonias
Begonias can be found in a rainbow of colors and provide that pop so sought after in the garden. They grow best in filtered shade, so place them beneath trees or in containers on a patio and sit back and enjoy their blooms.
Cosmos
Cosmos are easily grown from transplant or seed and can tolerate drought conditions. They sport light, fern-like foliage that adds a beautiful texture and dimension to garden beds. They can get tall so they may require support as they reach heights over 18 inches and they like to be deadheaded to increase their blooms.
Daffodils
Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall and sit back and wait for the show in the spring. When they open, they will fill your garden with beautiful color and fragrance. These bulbs can be planted once and enjoyed year after year with no fuss. Plant bulbs in clusters for a dramatic grouping or in a line for a beautiful border.
Geraniums
Geraniums are versatile and can be planted in garden beds, containers or hanging pots for a dramatic display of foliage and flower. These prolific bloomers do well in full sun, but in hotter climates may require some afternoon shade.
Lobelia
Lobelia is easy to grow and a real stunner as a low-growing border flower. Its electric blue flowers are a beautiful addition to any border, container or window planter.
Petunias
Petunias are a no-fuss bedding plant that will bloom all season without having to deadhead to encourage blooms. Their many varieties make them a beautifully economical choice for gardens as they can be tucked in sporadically to add interest to your garden or added to containers or hanging baskets and look lovely as they spill over, creating that touch of drama that all gardens need.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are an esy-to-grow flower that will stand up all summer long. Provide them with adequate water and they will pay you back with generous blooms.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a wonder in the garden. With some varieties growing as much as 10 feet tall, they are a stunning backdrop flower. This cheerful flower is easy to grow and can tolerate periods of heat and drought. Sunflowers are a pollinator magnet, attracting bees, butterflies and birds. From sun-up to sun down, the flower will turn its large head to follow the direction of the sun.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a beautiful border flower with its dainty, lacey blooms. It creates a dense bush of flowers and is beautiful as a cascading element in hanging baskets, window boxes or flowing over a garden wall. It can stand up to light frost and its sweet honey scent attracts pollinators of all kinds.
Zinnias
Zinnias are a popular heat-loving flower, making it the perfect summer color for your gardens. Taller varieties can grow up to 4 feet tall, but dwarf varieties will stay within the 12 inch range, making it the perfect flower for a backdrop or foreground. Pollinators love zinnias and flock to this flower. They are fast growers and deer are not keen to go anywhere near them.
