Generally, I suggest most gardeners start with a heavy dose of perennials, shrubs and trees. For spring color nothing beats the Indiana dogwood or redbud, and they look great with tulips. But everyone loves annuals and with the Midwest’s hot, dry summers annuals can be a colorful and important addition to a well maintained garden.
Remember, annuals need more TLC than perennials; they need extra water to support their pretty blossoms and tender nature and they can easily become overgrown with weeds. So keep your annuals to a minimum if you don’t like weeding. Another suggestion would be keep them out of hanging baskets unless you can water at least daily, sometimes twice a day. Don’t forget annuals need food especially if they are in a basket. All the watering washes away their nutrients. For special tips on reducing watering give us a call at Lanthier Winery and they will connect you with one of the gardening staff or drop us an email at info@lanthierwinery.com.
Here’s a list of our favorite annuals:
Best annuals to plant from seed:
Cosmos, zinna and marigold
Best to stem cut:
coleus, impatience and begonias
Best to layer:
wave petunias, lantana
Best to over winter seed: old fashioned petunia, snap dragons, alyssum
"The best way to garden is to put on a wide-brimmed straw hat and some old clothes. And with a hoe in one hand and a cold drink in the other, tell somebody else where to dig."
- Texas Bix Bender, Don't Throw in the Towel
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